Cherry Blossom Cookies

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Cherry Blossom Cookies
Delicate, buttery, and kissed with the essence of cherry and almond, these cookies are a poetic bite of spring any time of year.

🌸 Introduction

Cherry Blossom Cookies are as delightful in appearance as they are in taste. With their pale pink hue and maraschino cherry flair, they echo the romantic bloom of sakura in the spring. This recipe brings together rich, buttery shortbread, the fragrant essence of almond or cherry extract, and a touch of floral sweetness from maraschino cherry juice.

Originally inspired by both Japanese sakura treats and American vintage cookie traditions, Cherry Blossom Cookies blend East and West in one harmonious bite. They are ideal for bridal showers, tea parties, Valentine’s Day, or a cozy afternoon with someone you love.

🍒 Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract, as desired)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)

Optional for Garnish:

  • 20–25 whole maraschino cherries (for pressing into the center of each cookie)
  • White chocolate drizzle or glaze (melted white chocolate or a powdered sugar glaze)

🧁 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer).
  2. Mix in the cherry juice and your choice of extract (almond is most popular).
  3. Add the salt and gradually beat in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
  4. Fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries by hand using a spatula. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill for 30–60 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough (about a tablespoon each) and gently roll them in your hands.
  3. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  4. Optional: Gently press a whole maraschino cherry in the center of each dough ball for a blossom effect.
  5. Slightly flatten each cookie with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
  2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Optional: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or glaze.

🥣 Methods

  • Mixing Technique: Creaming butter and sugar traps air, giving the cookies a soft, tender texture.
  • Chilling Dough: Prevents spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
  • Cherry Handling: Pat cherries dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that can ruin dough texture.

🧾 History & Formation

While not a traditional Japanese cookie, these cherry-kissed shortbreads are named for the iconic sakura (cherry blossom), Japan’s national flower and a symbol of renewal and love. The Western interpretation borrows the visual and flavor cues—blush tones, gentle sweetness, and delicate presentation.

In mid-century America, maraschino cherries were a baking staple, appearing in everything from cookies to cakes. This recipe merges the nostalgic American love for candied cherries with the poetic beauty of Japanese spring.

💕 Lovers of Cherry Blossom Cookies

These cookies are made for:

  • The romantic baker, dreaming of spring no matter the season.
  • The party host, looking for elegant treats that impress with ease.
  • The nostalgic heart, who remembers maraschino cherry-topped desserts from childhood.
  • The sweetheart, baking a tray for someone they love.

They pair beautifully with rose tea, almond milk lattes, or a glass of sparkling rosĂŠ.

🌸 Conclusion

Cherry Blossom Cookies are not just another sweet treat—they’re a love letter to spring, to softness, and to sweet memories. With their pretty pink color, gentle almond scent, and buttery crumb, they melt on the tongue and bloom in the heart.

Make a batch, share them with someone special—or keep them all to yourself. Either way, every bite is a blossom.

Would you like a version dipped in white chocolate or filled with cherry jam next? 💌

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