Cherry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a burst of cherry flavor in every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a chocolate kiss for extra yum!
These cookies look as good as they taste! I love making them for gatherings. The best part? They always get a smile (and maybe a few happy dance moves) from friends and family! 🍪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: You’ll need softened unsalted butter for that creamy texture. If you’re out, feel free to use margarine, but I think butter gives the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect here! If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute designed for baking.
Egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a replacement.
Flour: All-purpose flour is key for structure, but you can try almond flour for a gluten-free version, keeping in mind to adjust the quantity since almond flour is denser.
Cherry Juice: Maraschino cherry juice adds flavor! If you don’t have it, try cherry extract or even a splash of cranberry juice for a different twist.
How Do I Make the Cookies Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft and chewy texture we all love, it’s important not to overmix the dough. Mix just until combined and remember to not bake them for too long.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and keep an eye on the baking time. Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden!
- Cool them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them remain soft.
- Make sure they’re completely cooled before adding the frosting. It keeps the frosting from melting!
Following these tips will give you perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies that everyone will adore!
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (or cherry syrup)
- 1-2 tablespoons softened butter (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Red food coloring (optional, for frosting)
- Cherry or kiss-shaped candy toppings (like molded white chocolate lips painted red or cherry-flavored kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking, with some additional time for cooling and frosting. Overall, you can expect about 1 hour to make these delightful Cherry Kiss Cookies, and they’re definitely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process adds air to the batter, making the cookies nice and soft.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This gives the cookies a delicious flavor that you’ll love!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder for even rising.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overdo it!
6. Scoop and Bake:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Stay close to avoid overbaking!
7. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Cherry Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cherry juice (or syrup), vanilla extract, and a few drops of red food coloring until you achieve a smooth and fluffy texture. Adjust the consistency with more cherry juice or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cherry frosting on top of each one. This is where the fun begins!
10. Add the Toppings:
Next, place a cherry kiss-shaped candy on each frosted cookie for a delightful touch. It’s not just pretty; it adds a sweet flavor too!
11. Optional Garnish:
If you want an extra festive look, sprinkle pink or red sprinkles around the cookies on your serving plate. They’ll look so cute!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, plate up those charming, sweet Cherry Kiss Cookies and share them with family and friends or keep them all for yourself. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These cookies have a soft texture, sweet cherry-flavored frosting, and fun cherry candies on top, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion celebrating love and sweetness! 🍒❤️
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. Just ensure it’s softened for easier mixing!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover Cherry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This acts as a great binder for your cookies!
What If I Don’t Have Maraschino Cherry Juice?
If you don’t have maraschino cherry juice, you can use cherry extract or any cherry-flavored syrup. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting based on your desired cherry flavor!
