Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe Pink Shortbread Treats

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Ease of preparation: These cherry blossom cookies are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results with this straightforward recipe. The dough comes together quickly in one bowl, and there’s no need for chilling or complex techniques, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Learn more about simple baking techniques that work for any cookie recipe.
• Health benefits: While these pink shortbread cookies are certainly a treat, they contain thoughtful ingredients that offer some nutritional advantages. By using high-quality butter and natural cherry flavoring, you’re avoiding artificial preservatives and excessive processed sugars often found in store-bought varieties. The smaller portion size of these flower cookies also allows for mindful indulgence without overwhelming your daily calorie intake.
• Versatility: One of the best things about cherry blossom cookies is their adaptability to different dietary needs and occasions. These kiss cookies can be easily modified for vegan or gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’re equally perfect for elegant spring tea parties, children’s birthday celebrations, or simply as a colorful addition to your everyday baking repertoire.
• Distinctive flavor: What truly sets these cherry cookies apart is their unique flavor profile that combines buttery shortbread with subtle cherry notes and rich chocolate. The delicate pink hue makes them visually stunning, while the contrast between the crisp cookie and the soft chocolate kiss creates an irresistible textural experience. These flower cookies offer a sophisticated yet approachable taste that appeals to both children and adults alike.

Essential Ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates the rich, buttery texture that makes shortbread so irresistible
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Provides sweetness while maintaining the delicate, crumbly texture of these pink cookies
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Complements the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cherry cookies, providing structure
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry flavoring – Gives these cherry blossom cookies their signature taste and aroma
• Pink food coloring (as needed) – Creates the beautiful blossom color that makes these shortbread cookies special
• 24-30 chocolate kisses – Adds the finishing touch and creates the classic kiss cookie appearance

Special Dietary Options

Vegan

• 1 cup vegan butter sticks – Ensures dairy-free version maintains proper consistency
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Confirm your brand is vegan (some powdered sugars contain bone char)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Most pure vanilla extracts are naturally vegan
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Most almond extracts are naturally vegan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Regular flour is plant-based and vegan
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – All salt is naturally vegan
• 1/2 teaspoon natural cherry flavoring – Verify the brand is vegan-friendly
• Natural pink food coloring – Use beet juice or plant-based food coloring
• Vegan chocolate kisses – Look for dark chocolate or specifically labeled vegan chocolate

Gluten-free

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter is naturally gluten-free
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Most powdered sugars are gluten-free
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is gluten-free
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Pure almond extract is gluten-free
• 2 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend – Provides structure without gluten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Salt is naturally gluten-free
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry flavoring – Most flavorings are gluten-free
• Pink food coloring (as needed) – Food coloring is typically gluten-free
• Gluten-free chocolate kisses – Check labels to ensure certification

Low-calorie

• 1 cup reduced-fat butter or butter substitute – Decreases calorie content
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar – Reducing sugar lowers calories
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor enhancer without adding calories
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Provides flavor with minimal calories
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Use white wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour for fiber
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Essential for flavor balance
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry flavoring – Provides concentrated flavor
• Pink food coloring (as needed) – Minimal impact on calories
• Mini chocolate kisses or dark chocolate chips – Smaller portions or dark chocolate have fewer calories

How to Prepare the Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation Before You Begin

Before starting your cherry blossom cookies, gather all ingredients and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience. You’ll need a mixing bowl, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and a wire cooling rack. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your workspace by clearing counter space for rolling and shaping the dough. This preparation step saves time and prevents scrambling for items mid-recipe.

Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create better texture in these pink shortbread cookies. Take your butter out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting to ensure perfect consistency.

Creating the Dough

First Step: Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This aeration process is crucial for achieving the delicate texture that makes shortbread so special. The mixture should appear pale in color and have a creamy consistency that holds soft peaks.

Second Step: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cherry flavoring to the butter mixture. Beat for another 30 seconds until well incorporated. Then, add pink food coloring drop by drop until you achieve your desired shade of blossom pink. Remember that the cookies will bake slightly lighter than the raw dough, so aim for a slightly deeper color than your target shade. This is what gives these pink cookies their signature appearance.

Third Step: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining with the butter mixture. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make your shortbread cookies tough rather than tender. The dough should come together in a soft ball but still feel slightly delicate.

Shaping and Baking

Fourth Step: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. This creates the perfect nest for the chocolate kiss that will transform these simple cherry cookies into festive kiss cookies.

Fifth Step: Bake the cherry blossom cookies in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be just barely beginning to turn golden, while the centers remain slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center indentation of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the bottom of the kiss, helping it adhere securely to the shortbread base. This timing is crucial for easy cherry blossom cookies that hold their shape while remaining tender.

Quick reference: For creative variations on cherry blossom cookies, consider experimenting with different flavor combinations and presentations while keeping the basic technique the same.

Cooling and Finishing

Final Step: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The kisses will need time to firm up again after being pressed into the warm cookies. Once completely cool, store these cherry blossom shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For a festive touch, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar or edible glitter to resemble the delicate petals of cherry blossoms.

For dietary adaptations, note that the baking time may vary slightly when using alternative flours or butter substitutes. Gluten-free versions often require a minute or two longer in the oven, while vegan versions might need slightly different chilling times to hold their shape. Always check for visual cues rather than relying solely on timers for best results.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cherry Blossom Cookies

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

The traditional butter base of these cherry blossom cookies can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences and health goals. For those following a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, coconut oil or vegan butter sticks work beautifully as substitutes. Coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the cherry notes, while vegan butter provides a more neutral taste profile similar to traditional butter. When using coconut oil, you may need to chill the dough briefly before shaping, as it can be softer than butter at room temperature.

For a higher-protein variation, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. This adds approximately 2 grams of protein per cookie while creating a slightly nuttier flavor that complements the almond extract already in the recipe. Chickpea flour can also work in smaller quantities (up to 25% of the total flour), though it may alter the color slightly and add earthy notes. Experiment with ratios to find your perfect balance between texture, nutrition, and taste in these pink cookies.

Those with nut allergies can safely make these flower cookies using seed butter as a substitute. Sunflower seed butter creates a similar creamy texture to almond butter without the nut proteins. When using seed butters, consider adding a tiny pinch of extra vanilla extract to balance any potential bitter notes. For low-fat options, Greek yogurt or applesauce can replace up to half of the butter, though this will change the texture to be more cake-like than traditional shortbread.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

The flavor profile of cherry blossom cookies can be adapted through creative seasoning and extract combinations. While cherry flavoring creates the classic taste, you can achieve natural pink color and subtle fruit notes using fruit powders or purees. Freeze-dried strawberry or raspberry powder adds both color and natural sweetness without additional liquid. Simply replace 1-2 tablespoons of flour with the fruit powder for naturally flavored and colored cherry cookies.

For seasonal variations, consider swapping the cherry flavoring for other blossom-inspired flavors. In spring, lavender extract creates an elegant floral version that pairs beautifully with the pink coloration. Fall variations might incorporate maple extract or pumpkin spice, though these will alter the color profile. Winter holiday versions can use peppermint extract with white chocolate kisses for a festive twist on the classic flower cookies recipe.

The chocolate kisses can also be customized based on preference or availability. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or even candy-coated chocolate pieces work well as alternatives. For a sophisticated touch, try flavored chocolate kisses such as mint or caramel. Those avoiding chocolate altogether can press a dried cherry, almond, or even a small edible flower into the center instead. These modifications allow you to create a customized version of these shortbread cookies that reflects your personal taste while maintaining the delightful texture and appearance of the original cherry blossom cookies recipe.

Mastering Cherry Blossom Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Cooking Techniques

For consistently perfect cherry blossom cookies, pay close attention to your butter’s temperature. It should be cool enough to hold its shape when pressed but soft enough to easily blend with sugar. If your butter is too cold, the dough may become crumbly; too warm, and the cookies will spread excessively during baking. Professional bakers often weigh their ingredients rather than using volume measurements for precision. This is especially important for flour, which can vary significantly in weight depending on how it’s measured.

The method of mixing also affects the final texture. Creaming butter and sugar for the full recommended time incorporates air pockets that create lighter cookies. However, some shortbread traditionalists prefer a denser texture and cream for less time. For truly exceptional pink cookies, try both methods to determine your preference. When pressing the chocolate kisses into the warm cookies, work quickly but gently to avoid cracking the delicate shortbread base.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cherry blossom cookies feature cherry and almond flavors, numerous delicious variations exist. The table below highlights some popular flavor combinations and their effects on the final cookie:

For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a tablespoon of citrus zest such as lemon or orange to the dough. The bright acidity balances the buttery richness beautifully. Liqueur-based variations are also elegant substitute 1-2 teaspoons of the cherry flavoring with cherry brandy, amaretto, or orange liqueur for an adult-friendly twist on these kiss cookies.

For chocolate lovers, incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the flour mixture to create chocolate cherry blossom cookies. This variation pairs particularly well with dark chocolate kisses. Another sophisticated option is to add finely chopped freeze-dried cherries to the dough, creating pockets of intense cherry flavor and interesting texture. These flower cookies can also be transformed by swapping the cherry flavoring for other fruit extracts like raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry while maintaining the signature pink coloration.

Presentation Tips

The visual appeal of cherry blossom cookies can be significantly enhanced with thoughtful presentation. After cooling, lightly dust the cookies with a mixture of powdered sugar and edible pearl dust for a shimmering effect that mimics morning dew on flower petals. Arrange them on a serving platter lined with doilies or fresh cherry blossoms (if available) for an elegant spring presentation.

For gift-giving, package these pink cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pink satin ribbon. Place a single cherry blossom cookie in a small box as a wedding or shower favor. Professional food photographers recommend placing the cookies on a white marble or light wood surface with natural lighting to capture their delicate beauty. A light dusting of edible glitter just before serving adds a magical touch that makes these shortbread cookies truly special for celebrations.

Make-ahead Options

Cherry blossom cookies offer excellent make-ahead potential for busy schedules. The dough can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to three months. If freezing dough, shape it into a log wrapped in plastic wrap for easy slicing and baking later. This allows you to have fresh cherry cookies ready in minutes whenever the craving strikes.

The fully baked flower cookies can be made up to one week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in layers separated by parchment paper for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature. The chocolate kisses may lose some of their shine after freezing, but a quick 30-second visit to a warm oven (not hot) can restore their appearance without melting the cookie base. These make-ahead options make cherry blossom cookies perfect for holiday baking or preparing for special events in advance.

How to Store Cherry Blossom Cookies: Best Practices

Proper storage of your cherry blossom cookies ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor for as long as possible. These delicate pink cookies require specific handling to preserve their quality, especially considering the chocolate kiss topping that can be sensitive to temperature changes.

Refrigeration

For short-term storage, keep your cherry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature rather than refrigerating them. Cold temperatures can cause the shortbread to become hard and the chocolate kisses to develop sugar bloom a white, powdery appearance that affects both look and texture. Room temperature storage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight keeps these kiss cookies fresh for 5-7 days. If you must refrigerate due to warm weather or other circumstances, allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving to restore their optimal texture.

Freezing

Freezing offers the best long-term storage option for cherry blossom cookies. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, flash-freeze the cookies on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. Properly stored, these flower cookies maintain quality for up to three months in the freezer. For best results, thaw frozen cookies overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently warm cherry blossom cookies for a special treat. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for just 3-5 minutes. This slight warming refreshes the buttery shortbread without melting the chocolate kisses. Avoid using a microwave, as it creates uneven heating and can cause the chocolate to seize or the cookie to become tough. Warming is especially recommended for cookies that have been stored for several days or were previously frozen.

Meal Prep Considerations

For efficient batch cooking of cherry blossom cookies, consider making a double or triple batch of dough. Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. This allows you to bake fresh pink cookies in small quantities as needed without the full preparation process each time. Simply add 1-2 minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen. For holiday gifting or large events, baked cookies can be prepared weeks in advance and frozen, then thawed and packaged just before distribution. This approach maximizes efficiency while ensuring your cherry blossom cookies taste freshly made. Discover more make-ahead dessert ideas that simplify your entertaining.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies

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🌸🍒 Delicate pink cherry blossom shortbread cookies bursting with maraschino cherry flavor – buttery, festive perfection!
🎀 Melt-in-mouth texture, stunning swirled color; ideal for holidays, tea parties, or gifting homemade elegance.

• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates the rich, buttery texture that makes shortbread so irresistible

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Provides sweetness while maintaining the delicate, crumbly texture of these pink cookies

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile

– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Complements the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note

– 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cherry cookies, providing structure

– 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor

– 1/2 teaspoon cherry flavoring – Gives these cherry blossom cookies their signature taste and aroma

– Pink food coloring (as needed) – Creates the beautiful blossom color that makes these shortbread cookies special

– 24-30 chocolate kisses – Adds the finishing touch and creates the classic kiss cookie appearance

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Instructions

1-First Step: Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This aeration process is crucial for achieving the delicate texture that makes shortbread so special. The mixture should appear pale in color and have a creamy consistency that holds soft peaks.

2-Second Step: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cherry flavoring to the butter mixture. Beat for another 30 seconds until well incorporated. Then, add pink food coloring drop by drop until you achieve your desired shade of blossom pink. Remember that the cookies will bake slightly lighter than the raw dough, so aim for a slightly deeper color than your target shade. This is what gives these pink cookies their signature appearance.

3-Third Step: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining with the butter mixture. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make your shortbread cookies tough rather than tender. The dough should come together in a soft ball but still feel slightly delicate.

4-Fourth Step: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. This creates the perfect nest for the chocolate kiss that will transform these simple cherry cookies into festive kiss cookies.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the cherry blossom cookies in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be just barely beginning to turn golden, while the centers remain slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center indentation of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the bottom of the kiss, helping it adhere securely to the shortbread base. This timing is crucial for easy cherry blossom cookies that hold their shape while remaining tender.

6-Final Step: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The kisses will need time to firm up again after being pressed into the warm cookies. Once completely cool, store these cherry blossom shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For a festive touch, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar or edible glitter to resemble the delicate petals of cherry blossoms.

Last Step:

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Notes

❄️ Chill dough 30 minutes if too soft for perfect balls.
🍒 Pat cherries super dry before chopping to avoid soggy dough.
💋 Unwrap kisses before baking; press gently while cookies warm.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 110 calories
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg