Cherry Kiss Cookies – A Simple, Sweet, and Beautiful Treat

Cherry Kiss Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’ve just walked into a cozy holiday movie scene—snow softly falling outside, warm cocoa steaming in your hands, and the scent of buttery cookies with sweet cherries filling the kitchen. These Cherry Kiss Cookies combine everything delightful about baking: easy prep, a gorgeous pink hue, and that iconic chocolate kiss nestled right on top.

Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a Tuesday that needs a little pick-me-up, these cookies bring instant cheer. The cherry-chocolate combo is heavenly, and their tender, shortbread-like texture makes it almost impossible to stop at just one. Plus, they’re cute enough to impress guests but simple enough for even a weeknight bake.

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What is Cherry Kiss Cookies?

Cherry Kiss Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies infused with maraschino cherries and almond extract, then topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. The dough, tinted with cherry juice (and maybe a touch of red food coloring), turns a soft, charming pink that feels perfect for festive occasions. The cherries add sweetness and moisture, while the almond extract gives that nostalgic, bakery-style flavor. Once baked, the warm cookies are crowned with a chocolate Kiss that slightly melts into place, creating that signature glossy finish. These cookies are as lovely as they are delicious—ideal for cookie swaps, baby showers, or simply satisfying a late-night sweet tooth. They’re also egg-free, making them a great option for families with allergies.

Reasons to Try Cherry Kiss Cookies

There’s something so satisfying about recipes that look fancy but are secretly super easy—and Cherry Kiss Cookies are just that. First, the cherry-chocolate flavor combo is timeless and works for just about any occasion. Second, they’re as pretty as they are delicious. With their rosy color and shiny chocolate centers, they look straight out of a bakery display case.

Third, the dough is foolproof—no chilling, no complicated steps, and you don’t even need a mixer if you’re feeling old-school. Finally, they store beautifully, so you can make them ahead for parties or gifts. If you love classic Hershey’s Kiss cookies (like peanut butter blossoms), this cherry twist will be your new favorite. Trust me—once you’ve tried them, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to bake them again.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup chopped maraschino cherries
• About 30 Hershey’s chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies (Step by Step)

Let’s walk through this step-by-step guide to making perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies—soft, buttery, and beautifully pink with a shiny chocolate center. Follow along carefully, and you’ll have bakery-worthy cookies cooling on your counter in no time.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by placing your softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on low speed until the ingredients are combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the texture looks creamy and light, almost like frosting. This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft shortbread texture. If you’re new to baking, check out our Creaming Butter 101 guide for detailed mixing tips that work for any cookie dough.

Step 2: Add Cherry Flavor and Color

Now it’s time to bring in that signature cherry magic. Add the maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and red food coloring (if you want that extra pink pop). Mix on low speed just until the liquids are fully absorbed. Then gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. The dough will start to blush a delicate pink and smell absolutely heavenly. For the best texture, make sure the cherries are finely chopped—large chunks can make the dough too wet. If you’re wondering about substitutions, visit our post on Ingredient Swaps That Actually Work for handy baking tips.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour into your cherry mixture on low speed. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. The dough should come together easily and feel soft but not sticky—similar to play dough in texture. If your dough seems too crumbly, add an extra teaspoon of cherry juice. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. This step-by-step adjustment ensures your cookie dough holds its shape while baking.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop or spoon (about 1½ tablespoons each) and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. The spacing helps them bake evenly without touching. A little tip: if the dough starts sticking to your hands, dust your palms lightly with powdered sugar. Want more shaping ideas for cookie dough? Check out our Easy Cookie Shaping Tricks for inspiration.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, bake your cookie trays for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn a light golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the tops look set but not browned. Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay soft and delicate. While they bake, your kitchen will smell like a cherry candy shop in heaven.

Step 6: Add the Hershey’s Kiss

As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a glossy, picture-perfect finish. The cookies will crack gently around the edges—that’s your sign of success! Let them rest on the pan for 2 minutes, then carefully move them to a cooling rack to finish setting. Don’t touch the Kisses until the cookies are completely cooled, or you’ll risk smudging their beautiful shape.

Step 7: Cool, Serve, and Enjoy

Once cooled, your Cherry Kiss Cookies are ready to enjoy. Serve them with a mug of cocoa, gift them in a festive box, or save a few for a late-night snack. For another step-by-step dessert that pairs perfectly with these cookies, try our Chocolate Raspberry Truffles—they’re rich, romantic, and just as easy to make.

By following this detailed step-by-step process, you’ll create Cherry Kiss Cookies that look straight from a bakery display but taste even better—fresh, sweet, and full of love.

What to Serve with Cherry Kiss Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks—think hot cocoa, peppermint lattes, or even a cold glass of milk for that classic cookie moment. They also make a stunning addition to any dessert platter, alongside treats like Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans for a cozy family dinner finish. For a fancier spread, serve them with chocolate-covered strawberries or a fruit platter for a mix of textures and flavors. During the holidays, they complement sugar cookies and fudge perfectly. And honestly? A few Cherry Kiss Cookies, a candle, and a Hallmark movie make for an unbeatable night in.

Key Tips for Making Cherry Kiss Cookies

A few secrets make these cookies turn out perfect every time. First, use room-temperature butter—too cold and the dough won’t come together smoothly. Second, finely chop the cherries to avoid overly wet spots in the dough. Third, resist the urge to move the Kisses until the cookies are completely cool; they’ll look shiny but soft for a bit, and touching them too soon can “smush” the chocolate. Also, don’t skip the almond extract—it gives these cookies that classic bakery scent and flavor. Finally, while food coloring is optional, a few drops of red make them irresistibly pink and festive.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cherry Kiss Cookies

Store Cherry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place a layer of wax or parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze them (without the Kisses) for up to 2 months, then add the Kisses after thawing. To refresh day-old cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness. If you’re planning a holiday bake-ahead marathon, these cookies freeze like a dream—make the dough balls, freeze, then bake straight from frozen with just an extra minute in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino? Not recommended—the moisture content is too high. Stick with jarred maraschino cherries.
Do I have to use food coloring? Nope! The cherry juice alone gives a soft blush color.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of Kisses? Sure, but the look and texture will be slightly different.
Do these cookies spread much? Hardly at all. They’ll keep their round shape and stay thick.
Can I make them gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Kiss Cookies bring that joyful balance of easy baking and irresistible flavor. They’re tender, buttery, and bursting with cherry-chocolate charm—perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking straight from the cooling rack. Whether it’s for a festive cookie swap or a little midweek self-care, these cookies will absolutely win hearts. So go ahead—preheat that oven, unwrap those Kisses, and treat yourself to something sweet and simple today.

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