Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of love and sweetness perfectly, you have to try this Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the rich, smooth taste of dark chocolate kisses with bursts of juicy maraschino cherries all nestled inside a soft, buttery cookie. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you with the perfect balance between fruity tartness and chocolatey indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special Valentine’s Day celebration or simply craving a charmingly festive dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to spread smiles and warmth with every cookie shared.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies so irresistible is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building the cookie’s perfect flavor, texture, and vibrant color, so let’s walk through what you’ll need before you start mixing and baking.

• 6 ounce Jar Maraschino Cherries (18-20 cherries – approx. 1/4 cup finely diced): These add a sweet, fruity pop that complements the chocolate wonderfully.
• 24 Dark Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or Dove Chocolate Heart Shaped Candy: The star of the show that sits perfectly atop each cookie, providing that melty chocolate hug.
• 1 Cup Butter (softened): This gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough with a melt-in-your-mouth smoothness.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise to the perfect soft texture.
• 4 Teaspoons Maraschino Cherry Juice (from jar): Adds extra cherry flavor and a little moisture to keep the dough just right.
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla: A subtle warmth that rounds out the cookie’s flavor.
• 8 Drops of Red Food Coloring: For that beautiful Valentine’s Day red hue that makes these cookies so festive.
• 2 1/2 Cups Flour (divided): The structure that holds these cookies together while keeping them tender.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cherries

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper, so your cookies bake evenly and clean-up is a breeze. While the oven warms, finely dice your maraschino cherries, setting aside both the little cherry pieces and the juice—they’ll both be put to delicious use shortly.

Step 2: Chill Your Chocolates

Unwrap the chocolate kisses or heart-shaped candies and pop them into the refrigerator. Chilling them before placing atop the cookies helps the chocolates hold their shape and melt beautifully during the resting phase after baking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a medium mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together. Add the salt and baking powder, then continue mixing with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want in your cookies.

Step 4: Flavor and Color Your Dough

Next, stir in the cherry juice, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. These additions give the dough its lovely festive color and infuse it with the unmistakable cherry flavor that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Cherries

Incorporate 2 cups of flour into the creamed mixture and mix until a dough starts to form. Then fold in the diced cherries, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Use your hands to gently blend the flour into the dough, ensuring the cherries are evenly distributed without mashing them.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

For best results, chill your dough in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Roll the chilled dough into one-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Do not flatten the dough balls; they’ll spread just enough as they bake. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 8: Add the Chocolate Kisses

The moment the cookies come out of the oven, press a chilled chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie gently. Let the cookies rest on the pan for two minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. This will allow the chocolates to soften and nestle perfectly into each cookie.

Step 9: Set the Chocolate

Pop the cookies into the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help the chocolate set firmly. This step also adds a refreshing touch to your Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe and stops the chocolate from melting onto everything.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For that extra love-filled presentation, sprinkle a few finely chopped maraschino cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. These subtle garnishes elevate both the look and the flavor profile, enhancing the overall romantic feel of the cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich hot chocolate, or even a fragrant cherry-infused tea. If you want to create a lovely Valentine’s dessert spread, consider serving them alongside fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Arrange the cookies on a heart-shaped platter or place them in a decorative tin lined with tissue paper that matches the holiday vibe. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane bags tied with red satin ribbon makes a charming gift for friends and loved ones too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. Simply tuck them away for up to 3 days, making sure the container is sealed tightly to retain freshness and prevent the chocolate from softening too much.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, freeze the baked cookies without the chocolate kisses for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw completely, then press chilled chocolate kisses on top and refrigerate until set.

Reheating

Warm your Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want them soft and melty. Just be careful not to overheat, as the cherries and chocolate can get a bit messy if too warm.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any chocolate kisses or heart-shaped candies you prefer. Milk chocolate will give the cookies a sweeter, creamier flavor, which many people love.

How important is the red food coloring in the recipe?

The red food coloring is mainly for festive color and does not affect the taste. If you prefer, you can omit it or use natural coloring alternatives for a more subtle look.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies together.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the cherries from sinking during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld better.

Can I make these cookies without maraschino cherries?

You can try using dried cherries or cherry preserves, but the flavor and texture profile will change. Maraschino cherries provide that juicy burst and beautiful color that’s key to this Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Kiss Valentine Cookies Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves the magic of Valentine’s Day in cookie form. The way the cherry flavor pairs with melting chocolate and buttery dough is nothing short of magical. I can’t wait for you to make these and share them with your favorite people — they’ll become a new holiday tradition before you know it!

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