Cherry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a smile! These soft cookies are packed with cherry flavor and topped with a chocolate kiss for a delicious surprise.
Every bite is like a cherry explosion, and who doesn’t love a chocolate kiss on top? I can’t help but nibble on these while they cool—they’re just too yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Cherry-flavored hard candies or cherry chips: These are what give the cookies their delicious flavor. You can substitute with other fruity candies like raspberry or strawberry if you prefer a different taste.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work as alternatives, just keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture.
Cherry Kisses chocolates: These give the cookies their signature appearance. If you can’t find Cherry Kisses, any cherry-flavored chocolate or regular chocolate kisses would work too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The cookie texture is essential for making these treats soft and chewy. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Softened butter is crucial; it helps incorporate air for a lighter texture. Don’t melt the butter—just let it sit out until it’s soft.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. Gentle mixing keeps the cookies tender.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them set properly and retain moisture.
- Pay attention while baking. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes—remove them when the edges are just beginning to golden.
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely crushed cherry-flavored hard candies or cherry chips
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 20 Cherry Kisses chocolates or similar cherry-flavored chocolate candies (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 12 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling. In total, you’ll need about 30-40 minutes to make these delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed cherry candies or cherry chips. Mix these dry ingredients well and set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a larger mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and the vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be a bit lumpy and have small bits of cherry candy in it.
6. Form the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them a little with your fingers.
7. Bake Them:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake!
8. Add the Cherry Kisses:
When you take the cookies out of the oven, immediately press a Cherry Kiss chocolate into the center of each cookie. Don’t worry if the cookie cracks a little—that’s perfectly normal!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them soft.
10. Enjoy:
Once cooled, your Cherry Kiss Cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy the delightful combination of cherry-flavored cookie dough and rich chocolate kisses. Perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself!
These cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a festive addition to any gathering. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Hard Candies?
Absolutely! While cherry-flavored hard candies create the signature taste of these cookies, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon for a fun twist.
How Can I Make These Cookies Softer?
For softer cookies, ensure not to overbake them—take them out of the oven when the edges just start to turn golden. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the softness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results!
