Irresistible Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies: A Timeless Homemade Treat with Hershey’s Kisses

Few treats evoke the comfort and joy of homemade cookies quite like a classic blossom cookie. And when those blossoms are infused with the vibrant taste of cherry and crowned with a luscious Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Kiss, you’ve got a truly irresistible combination. For years, Hershey’s has delighted us with an array of filled Kisses – from mint and caramel to pumpkin spice and raspberry. These diverse flavors have opened up a world of creative baking possibilities, transforming simple cookies into something truly special.

My journey with these particular Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies began even before I discovered the existence of Hershey’s Cherry Kisses. The idea of a cherry-infused cookie topped with that iconic chocolate shape was simply too tempting to resist. Once the cherry-filled Kisses became available, it was a match made in baking heaven. This recipe has since become a cherished annual tradition in my kitchen, a testament to its enduring appeal. It’s funny how time flies when you’re enjoying something so delicious – I first posted this recipe way back in 2008! Given its longevity and popularity, it’s high time to re-share this delightful recipe with a fresh perspective, updated details, and improved visuals.

Update: This post was last updated on November 10, 2012, with enhanced photos, a refined name, and a slightly adjusted recipe to ensure the best possible results. This current article further expands on the original content, adding more details, tips, and insights for an even better baking experience.

The Evolution of a Beloved Recipe: A Sweet Tradition

These Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a part of my yearly baking ritual. While I must admit that the base cookie, on its own, might taste a little subtle, it’s the magical combination with the Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses that truly brings everything together. The Kisses introduce a creamy chocolate element with a burst of cherry cordial flavor that perfectly complements the soft, slightly chewy cookie. It’s crucial to ensure that each cookie ball is generously studded with chopped maraschino cherries. These little red gems provide a delightful textural contrast and amplify the overall cherry experience, ensuring every bite is a symphony of flavors.

The journey of this recipe, much like many homemade favorites, has seen its share of delicious transformations. Looking back at old photos is a fun way to see how both the cookies and the photography have evolved over time!

Photo from 2011

Photo from 2008

Photo from 2012

Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies

Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. While the recipe for these Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure truly delectable results every time.

• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookies.
• Don’t Be Alarmed by Curdling: When you first mix the wet ingredients (sugar, butter, juice, almond extract), the mixture might appear curdled. Don’t worry, this is normal! Keep mixing, and once you add the flour, it will come together beautifully.
• Generous Cherry Distribution: As mentioned, the chopped maraschino cherries are vital. When dividing the dough, try to ensure each ball gets a good share of cherry pieces. You can even gently press extra cherry bits onto the surface of the dough balls before baking if needed.
• The Timing of the Kiss: This is perhaps the most critical step for blossom cookies. The Kisses must be pressed onto the hot cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. The residual heat will soften the chocolate, allowing it to meld seamlessly into the cookie and create that signature flat-topped appearance. If you wait too long, the cookies will firm up, and the Kisses won’t adhere or flatten as well.
• Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly required by the original recipe, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Lining your cookie sheets is essential for easy removal and prevents sticking, especially with the soft texture of these cookies.
• Unwrap Kisses Before Baking: Save yourself a frantic scramble! Have all your Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses unwrapped and ready to go before your cookies finish baking. This ensures you can top them immediately.

Variations and Customizations: Explore New Flavors!

While the classic Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookie is a masterpiece in itself, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit different tastes or occasions.

• Other Hershey’s Kiss Flavors: The beauty of Hershey’s wide range of Kisses means endless possibilities. Try using Mint Kisses for a chocolate-mint twist, Caramel Kisses for a gooey center, or Raspberry Kisses for another fruity pairing.
• Add a Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, once the Kisses have set, melt a bit of dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cherry.
• Almond Extract Boost: If you’re a big fan of almond flavor, you can slightly increase the almond extract to 1/2 teaspoon, but be careful not to overpower the cherry.
• White Chocolate Base: For a completely different profile, you could adapt the base recipe to a white chocolate dough, allowing the cherry and the Kiss to truly shine.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies are versatile and perfect for many occasions. Their vibrant red hue and delightful flavor make them a natural fit for holiday cookie platters, especially during Christmas or Valentine’s Day. They also make wonderful homemade gifts for friends, family, or teachers. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. No matter the occasion, these delightful cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies

Yield:
1 dozen

Delicious Cherry Blossom Cookies with a delightful chocolate cherry center from Hershey’s Kisses. This easy-to-follow recipe creates a perfect balance of soft cookie and creamy chocolate for a truly special treat.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 12 Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). Line one cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract until well combined and creamy. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks a little curdled at first – just keep mixing! Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and table salt until a dough forms. Finally, gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently but firmly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Kiss into the center of each hot cookie, flattening the cookie slightly. This warmth will soften the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly. Remove the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.

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This delightful recipe, while enhanced and perfected over the years, draws its inspiration from a trusted source.
Source: Food.com (formerly RecipeZaar)

Embrace the Joy of Homemade Baking

There’s something uniquely satisfying about baking from scratch, and these Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies are a perfect example. They combine simple ingredients with a touch of nostalgia and a burst of delightful flavor, making them a truly rewarding treat to create. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to create something truly special for yourself and your loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, unwrap those tempting Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses, and get ready to fill your home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. We encourage you to try this recipe, share your creations, and perhaps even start a new baking tradition in your own home. Enjoy every delicious bite of these timeless Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies!