Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a treat that combines the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate with the bright, juicy burst of cherries, this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are a brilliant balance of soft cocoa-flavored dough studded with melt-in-your-mouth semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with a maraschino cherry that adds a delightful pop of color and flavor. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with your afternoon tea, this recipe brings a touch of joy and elegance to classic cookies in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of texture, deep chocolate flavor, and the bright highlight of cherry sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft and tender cookie texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings a rich chocolate backbone without extra sweetness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts and deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Milk: Keeps the dough moist and helps with the perfect consistency.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into soft pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Maraschino cherries: The star embellishment that brings juicy sweetness and festive color.
- White chocolate chips (optional): Perfect for drizzling, adding a touch of creamy sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make sure your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly. This simple prep step is key to hassle-free baking and beautiful cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Combining these first ensures your cookies get an even rise and a well-balanced chocolate taste without any clumps of cocoa powder or salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes with an electric mixer and is the secret to creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This step adds moisture and a lovely vanilla warmth to complement the chocolate notes perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping those cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. They will create little pockets of gooey chocolate that make every bite extra decadent — an absolute highlight of this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Shape and Add Cherries
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll each portion into balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared tray. Press one maraschino cherry gently into the center of each cookie dough ball, creating that classic cherry blossom appearance.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should have set edges while the centers remain a little soft – they will firm up as they cool. This perfect bake time locks in a soft center with just the right bite.
Step 9: Cool and Optional Drizzle
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you want to add a luxurious finishing touch, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled cookies. It’s a lovely way to brighten the presentation and add another layer of flavor.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra maraschino cherry halves alongside the cookies work wonders to elevate their visual appeal. The contrast of white powdered sugar shows off the rich chocolate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies pair delightfully with classic accompaniments like a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. The drink’s warmth and creaminess amplify the cherry and chocolate notes in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange these cookies in pretty tins or wrap them in parchment tied with a cherry-red ribbon. You can also create a cookie platter with assorted seasonal fruits and nuts for a more festive display that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps preserve their soft texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen, they stay fresh for up to 3 months — perfect for whipping out when guests arrive unexpectedly.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries are delicious but much juicier and won’t hold up as well during baking. Maraschino cherries are ideal because they maintain their shape and add sweetness without making the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by substituting butter with plant-based margarine, using a flax egg in place of the egg, and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free, you can make this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the soft, chocolatey dough and cherry centers beautifully.
What is the best way to melt white chocolate for drizzling?
Melt white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently, or use a double boiler to avoid burning. It should be smooth and fluid enough to drizzle easily but not too hot to lose texture.
How long do I need to beat the butter and sugar?
Beat them together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is essential for a light texture in your cookies.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves to experience the delightful combination found in this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. It’s a sweet treat with heartwarming charm and stunning visuals that’ll make any occasion feel special. So gather your ingredients and dive into baking these irresistible cookies you’ll want to share – or keep all to yourself!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies combine rich cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a burst of cherry flavor from maraschino cherries. Soft and slightly chewy with a hint of vanilla, these treats are perfect for any occasion and can be dressed up with a drizzle of white chocolate.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Cherries: Gently press one maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball, embedding it slightly without squashing.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers remain soft, which will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
- Optional Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness and decoration, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve: Enjoy these chocolate and cherry-filled cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage for the perfect treat.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have soft centers for the best texture.
- The white chocolate drizzle is optional but recommended for an elegant presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
