As I sifted through vibrant reds and soft pinks in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but marvel at how a simple ingredient, maraschino cherries, can create magic in the form of cookies. These Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies with Chocolate Kisses are nothing short of a sweet celebration for your loved ones, combining a tender cookie base with a tangy cherry surprise and a delightful touch of chocolate. Best of all, they come together in under an hour—perfect for those bustling days when you’re short on time but still craving something festive. The joy of baking these cookies is matched only by the smiles they bring when shared. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a love-filled haven this Valentine’s Day?
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Sweetness and Joy: These Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies deliver a delightful combination of buttery sweetness and tart cherry flavor that is simply irresistible.
Time-Saving: Whipping them up takes less than an hour, so you can enjoy them even on a busy day!
Versatile: Want to mix things up? You can easily swap the cherries or use different types of chocolate kisses for a unique treat every time!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.
Simple Steps: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can nail this recipe. Add a little love, and they’ll be a hit!
Don’t miss out on pairing these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or maybe check out our Chocolate Oat Cookies for more delicious dessert options.
Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Butter – Adds richness and tenderness; use Kerrygold unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture essential for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Flour – Gives structure and stability; opt for King Arthur all-purpose flour for reliable results.
• Maraschino Cherries – Adds fruity flavor and vibrant color; ensure they’re finely chopped and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice – Enhances the cherry flavor in the dough for an extra fruity punch.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies rise perfectly.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Provides depth and warmth, enriching the cookie dough.
• Red Food Coloring – Gives your cookies that classic Valentine’s color, making them visually appealing.
• Almond Extract – Adds a subtle almond flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
For the Topping
• Chocolate Kisses – A sweet, melty topping that elevates the cookie; ensure they are chilled before use to maintain form.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Prep Oven & Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients to streamline the process and make baking a breeze.
Step 2: Chop Cherries
Finely chop the maraschino cherries into ¼-inch pieces and set them aside. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can affect the dough. These cherry pieces will provide that delightful fruity burst in your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies.
Step 3: Chill Chocolate
Unwrap the chocolate kisses and place them in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough. Chilling the chocolate helps it maintain its shape when pressed into the warm cookies later, ensuring a beautiful presentation for your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar together using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. The texture should be airy and pale, creating a rich base for your cookies to build on.
Step 5: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Stir in the reserved cherry juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and a few drops of red food coloring to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth, creating a beautiful cherry-flavored dough for your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, along with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt, to the wet mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this will ensure your cookies remain tender and chewy when they’re baked.
Step 7: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped, dried cherries into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Try not to overmix; you want to keep that fluffy texture in your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies while infusing them with delightful cherry goodness.
Step 8: Chill Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This step allows the fats to solidify, making it easier to handle the dough when forming the cookie balls, resulting in better shape retention during baking.
Step 9: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft, creating that perfect chewy texture.
Step 10: Add Chocolate Kisses
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a chilled chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the Valentine’s Day cherry cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly for a delightful finish.
Expert Tips for Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies
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Cherries Matter: Ensure your maraschino cherries are finely chopped and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make your dough too sticky.
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Chill for Shape: Chilling the dough for about 10 minutes allows for easier handling, helping your Valentine’s Day cherry cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Chill Chocolate Kisses: Always chill your chocolate kisses before using them. Press them into the cookies right after baking to achieve the perfect melt without them cracking the cookie.
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Room Temperature Butter: Be sure to use room temperature butter when creaming with sugar; it helps achieve that light and fluffy texture essential for a tender cookie.
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Mix with Care: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle for a soft, chewy bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just follow the recipe until the end of Step 8: Chill Dough, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply shape the chilled dough into balls, bake for 10-12 minutes, and finish by pressing the chilled chocolate kisses into each cookie. This approach helps maintain the cookies’ soft and chewy texture, ensuring that they are just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for enjoying any time.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to seal them tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze these Valentine’s Day cherry cookies for up to 3 months. Consider freezing them without the chocolate kisses to maintain their appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that delightful soft texture.
Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookie Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies, transforming them into something uniquely yours!
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Fresh Cherries: Swap maraschino cherries for diced fresh cherries for a burst of bright flavor. They will impart a delightful, juicy aspect to your cookies.
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Citrus Twist: Replace almond extract with orange extract to add a zesty aroma that complements the cherry perfectly. It brightens the flavor profile, making it a refreshing treat.
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Chocolate Variety: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate for a decadent touch. Each variety brings its own unique flavor, elevating the cookies in your treats collection.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast. Not only do they add flavor, but they also bring a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg for an egg-free version that everyone can enjoy. These modifications create a plant-based delight that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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Fun Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the cookie dough before baking for an extra cheerful touch. They make your cookies visually appealing, perfect for sharing at parties or with family.
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Cherry-Lime Fusion: Incorporate a touch of lime zest into the dough to give a tropical flair. The citrus will balance the sweetness of the cookies alongside the cherry flavor.
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for more delightful cookie ideas, check out our delicious Chocolate Oat Cookies or try adding some fun to your baking with our whimsical Spiral Cookies Whimsical. Enjoy customizing your Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies!
What to Serve with Easy Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies
These festive treats are a delightful way to create a heartwarming meal or snack, bringing smiles and sweet moments to any occasion.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: A cozy mug of rich hot cocoa pairs perfectly, enhancing the chocolatey flavor while offering a comforting warmth on chilly days.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast; the cold creaminess complements the sweet cherries beautifully.
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Sweet Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad made with berries and citrus adds a bright, zesty note that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade: Refreshing and bubbly, this drink brings a festive touch, making your cookies feel even more special during celebrations.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For a romantic touch, pair these cookies with chocolate-dipped strawberries, creating a beautiful, love-themed dessert platter.
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Decadent Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent experience that turns dessert into a fun, shareable treat.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of robust coffee nicely contrasts the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites add a creamy richness that balances the fruitiness of the cherry cookies, creating a delightful treat duo.
These pairings will help craft a memorable spread that celebrates love and sweetness on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for ones that are vibrant in color and free from dark spots. Ensure they are in a good-quality syrup for the best flavor. I often prefer cherries that are packed in water instead of those in heavy syrup, as they tend to have a fresher taste.
How should I store my Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies to keep them fresh?
Very! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out; a layer of plastic wrap works wonders.
Can I freeze these cookies, and what’s the best way to do it?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delicious Valentine’s Day cherry cookies for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them without the chocolate kisses to help maintain their lovely appearance. First, let the cookies cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 1 hour. Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough too sticky, don’t worry! This can often happen if the cherries are not patted dry adequately. I suggest chilling the dough for an additional 15-20 minutes, as this will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Always remember to add flour gradually and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! While these Valentine’s Day cherry cookies are delicious, they contain common allergens like gluten (from flour), dairy (from butter), and nuts (if almond extract is used). If you’re making these for someone with allergies, consider swapping the almond extract with vanilla or orange extract, and using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check your ingredients if you have any specific dietary needs in mind!
Sweet Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies with Chocolate Kisses
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Finely chop the maraschino cherries into ¼-inch pieces and pat them dry.
- Unwrap the chocolate kisses and chill them in the refrigerator.
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cherry juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped cherries gently.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set and centers are soft.
- Press a chilled chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after baking.