Cherry Kiss Cookies

Baking Bliss: Crafting Cherry Kiss Cookies with a Sweet Surprise

Embark on a baking adventure that promises not just cookies but moments of sheer delight—Cherry Kiss Cookies. These little treasures, adorned with a Hershey’s Kiss and bursting with cherry goodness, elevate the cookie experience to new heights. Join me in the heart of the kitchen as we uncover the magic behind crafting these delectable delights, where every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes—a celebration of the sweet union between cherries and chocolate, and an invitation to create your own moments of baking bliss.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Eggs and Extracts:

  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Fold in Cherries and Nuts:

  • Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and nuts (if using) into the cookie dough.

5. Shape and Chill:

  • Shape the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

6. Preheat and Bake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Press Hershey’s Kisses:

  • Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Notes:

  • Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.
  • Experiment with different nut options to add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
  • Adjust baking time to achieve your desired cookie texture, whether soft and chewy or slightly crisp.

Variations:

White Chocolate Wonder:

  • Swap out the Hershey’s Kisses for white chocolate kisses for a delightful flavor twist.
  • Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Almond Joyful:

  • Mix in shredded coconut along with the cherries for a cookie reminiscent of the classic Almond Joy candy.
  • Top each cookie with a whole almond before baking.

Double Chocolate Decadence:

  • Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate base.
  • Use chocolate-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.

Keto Version:

For those committed to a keto lifestyle, Cherry Kiss Cookies can be adapted to align with your dietary choices.

  • Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour blend.
  • Use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
  • Opt for sugar-free chocolate or make your own keto-friendly chocolate kisses.

Low-Carb Version:

If you’re watching your carb intake, here’s how to modify Cherry Kiss Cookies without sacrificing their delightful appeal.

  • Choose a low-carb flour alternative like almond flour or coconut flour.
  • Sweeten the cookies with a low-carb sweetener.
  • Select sugar-free Hershey’s Kisses or use a homemade low-carb chocolate.

Create Sweet Memories:

In concluding our exploration of Cherry Kiss Cookies, relish in the delicate balance of buttery cookie, sweet cherries, and the surprise of a chocolate kiss—a cookie that is more than a treat; it’s a journey into the world of baking, a celebration of flavors harmonizing in perfect unity, and an invitation to create sweet memories with each batch.

Whether shared at holiday gatherings, gifted to loved ones, or enjoyed as a comforting solo indulgence, Cherry Kiss Cookies beckon you to embrace the joy of baking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your kitchen—a recipe destined to become a cherished tradition in your repertoire of sweet delights.