Cherry Kiss Cookies: 5 Sweet Reasons to Bake Them Today

These adorable, bite-sized treats check all the right boxes: cherry flavor that pops, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a festive pink hue that turns heads at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to shake things up on a weekday afternoon, Cherry Kiss Cookies are the sweet escape you’ve been searching for.

And the best part? They’re beginner-friendly, kid-approved, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Why These Cherry Kiss Cookies Just Work

These cookies aren’t just pretty to look at—they deliver on flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

• No-fuss ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store.
• Big cherry flavor, minimal effort: Thanks to maraschino cherries and cherry extract, you get maximum flavor without needing fresh, seasonal fruit.
• Soft and chewy texture: The cookie base is rich and tender, while the Hershey’s Kiss in the center adds that chocolatey surprise.
• Perfect for all occasions: These make charming treats for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, birthday parties, or just weekday indulgence.
• Prep in advance: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it—talk about baking on your schedule.

Cherry Kiss Cookies are also a great addition to cookie boxes or holiday spreads. If you’ve already fallen in love with recipes like Strawberry Brownies, you’ll find these just as irresistible but with their own playful twist.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the ingredients and prep, it’s important to set yourself up for success. Let’s cover some cookie essentials that will make or break this recipe.

The Best Base for Cherry Kiss Cookies

The dough starts as a simple butter cookie base, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. It’s all about balance: the right amount of softness, the right touch of cherry flavor, and a texture that doesn’t crumble when baked. A combination of unsalted butter and powdered sugar gives these cookies an almost shortbread-like finish—tender, but not fluffy or cake-like.

The maraschino cherries not only add bursts of flavor, but their syrup is a game-changer. It infuses the dough with vibrant cherry flavor while also adding a soft pink hue naturally. Cherry extract is optional but recommended if you want to elevate the flavor even more.

Smart Shopping Tips

When buying jarred maraschino cherries, look for labels that say “with stems removed” to save yourself some prep time. Also, choose a trusted brand of Hershey’s Kisses—classic milk chocolate works best here, although dark chocolate versions can also be used if you’re looking to reduce the sweetness slightly.

Need this recipe to be dairy-free? Swap the butter for a plant-based stick that behaves like regular butter in baking. Just don’t skimp on quality here; the flavor of the butter base really shines through.

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Notes

Looking to modify Cherry Kiss Cookies for dietary reasons? Here are a few substitutions that work well:

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many readers have had success with this without sacrificing texture.
• No chocolate? If you have a chocolate allergy or just prefer no chocolate, sub the Kisses with drops of cherry jam or a white chocolate alternative.
• Low sugar: You can reduce the sugar a bit if needed, but avoid cutting too much or you’ll lose the cookie’s soft texture.

Be sure to avoid any ingredients that include pork-derived gelatin or alcohol, especially in maraschino cherries or artificial flavorings. Always read the labels to ensure the product aligns with your dietary guidelines.

Ingredients and Preparation Essentials

Now that you’re all set, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of assembling these Cherry Kiss Cookies. You’ll want to prep your ingredients before baking to make the process seamless and stress-free.

Cookie Dough Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need for about 24 cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons cherry extract (or almond extract as an alternative)
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• 24 classic Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

How to Prep for Maximum Flavor

Make sure your butter is fully softened before creaming, which ensures your dough will be smooth and evenly blended. Finely chop the cherries to distribute their sweetness through every bite of the cookie. You can also pat them gently dry before chopping if your dough is looking too wet.

Once your dough is formed, refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Cherry Kiss Cookies are a sweet, simple way to bring extra joy to your baking rituals without the hassle. And if fruity desserts are your thing, don’t miss these Strawberry Brownies—you’ll thank yourself later.

How to Make Perfect Cherry Kiss Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Pre-Baking Preparation

Before you turn on the oven, a few small steps will help everything go smoothly:

• 🍒 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 🍒 Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• 🍒 Remove Hershey’s Kisses from their wrappers and set them aside—you’ll need them ready the moment the cookies come out of the oven.
• 🍒 If your dough has been chilling in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping and rolling easier.

Once your workstation is clean and ingredients are laid out, you’re ready to shape your Cherry Kiss Cookies.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough.
• Roll each scoop into a smooth ball using your palms.
• Place them on the baking sheet about 1½ inches apart. They won’t spread much but need a little space to puff up.
• If desired, gently press your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon into the center to create a slight indent (not a full thumbprint, just a small divot to help hold the Kiss after baking).

This shape helps cradle the chocolate center and gives you that signature Cherry Kiss Cookies look.

Step 3: Bake

• Place the tray in the center of the preheated oven.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are just turning slightly golden on the edges. You don’t want them to brown too much—it could dry them out.
• The tops may still look a little soft, and that’s a good sign. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

Pro tip: If your kitchen runs cold and your tray feels cold to the touch, let the cookies sit on the counter for a couple of minutes before putting them in the oven. This helps them bake evenly.

Step 4: Add the Kisses

• As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press one Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie while it’s still warm.
• Avoid pushing too hard—you want the chocolate to stick, not sink!
• Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 to 7 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This short waiting period helps them set without falling apart.

And there you have it—fresh, fragrant, and gorgeously pink Cherry Kiss Cookies waiting to be devoured!

Baking Tips for Cookie Perfection

Want to elevate your Cherry Kiss Cookies from great to unforgettable? Use these practical pro tips.

Avoid Overbaking

• These Cherry Kiss Cookies go from perfect to dry in less than a minute. Pull them out when the edges are just barely golden and the tops still look soft.
• Bake one test cookie if you’re unsure—adjust time based on your oven’s hot spots or behavior.

Kitchen Tools That Help

Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially for beginner bakers. We recommend:

• Cookie scoop for uniform sizes
• Silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning
• Cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms
• Sharp knife for chopping cherries into tiny, even bits

These tools help maintain the classic texture and even bake that Cherry Kiss Cookies are known for.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh the flavor and texture.

Tip: Do not refrigerate the cookies as it dries them out faster.

Cherry Kiss Cookies: Flavor Variations to Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few exciting ways to personalize your Cherry Kiss Cookies without losing what makes them special.

Chocolate-Cherry Swirl

• Add 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for a richer, slightly less sweet contrast.

Dairy-Free Version

• Use dairy-free, plant-based butter sticks (make sure it’s the baking-approved kind).
• Swap standard Kisses with vegan chocolate pieces placed post-bake.

This keeps your Cherry Kiss Cookies plant-based without losing texture or taste.

Global-Inspired Flavors

Think beyond the traditional and infuse some international flair:

• Add ¼ tsp cardamom for a warm, aromatic profile—Middle Eastern inspired!
• Try a pinch of grated orange zest for a Mediterranean citrus twist.
• Substitute almond extract in place of cherry extract for a more European cookie profile.

Creative Ways to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies

Want to make your Cherry Kiss Cookies the centerpiece of dessert hour? Here are fail-proof serving ideas:

• 🍨 Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a simple sundae.
• ☕ Serve warm with a dairy-free hot cocoa or herbal tea.
• 🍓 Add to a mixed dessert board with brownies, fruit, and marshmallows.
• 🎁 Package them in decorative boxes for a birthday gift or party favor.

These small cookies pack a flavorful punch, so a little goes a long way—perfect for holiday platters, cookie exchanges, or teatime treats.

FAQs

You asked, we answered. Here’s everything you need to know before and after baking your Cherry Kiss Cookies.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino?
A: Frozen cherries tend to release too much moisture. Stick to maraschino cherries for the best texture and color.

Q: My dough is crumbly—what went wrong?
A: Double-check your butter was soft before mixing. If needed, add a teaspoon more cherry juice and knead gently until it holds together.

Q: Are these safe for pregnant women?
A: Yes, Cherry Kiss Cookies are safe for pregnant women as long as all ingredients are pasteurized and free of alcohol or unapproved additives. Always verify labels, especially for extracts and maraschino cherries.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Avoid almond flour or oat flour alone, as it changes cookie structure.

Q: Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
A: Yes, freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Why Cherry Kiss Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

So there you have it—the ultimate guide to baking, customizing, and enjoying Cherry Kiss Cookies. These charming little treats are everything you want in a homemade cookie: flavorful, eye-catching, and surprisingly simple to make.

Ready to try them in your own kitchen? Get the full, original recipe for Cherry Kiss Cookies here.

Cherry Kiss Cookies might just become your new go-to, not just for the holidays, but all year round. Happy baking!