When it comes to Christmas baking, presentation matters just as much as flavor. Cherry Blossoms Cookies are a timeless holiday classic that combines soft, buttery sugar cookies with the bright pop of a maraschino cherry. The result is a cookie that looks festive, tastes nostalgic, and feels elegant enough for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and gift boxes.

These cookies have been a staple on Christmas dessert tables for generations. Their appeal lies in their simplicity: a tender sugar cookie base, lightly sweet and vanilla-forward, crowned with a jewel-like cherry that adds both color and flavor. Unlike heavily spiced or overly rich cookies, Cherry Blossoms Cookies offer balance and visual charm, making them ideal for pairing with other holiday treats.

From an SEO perspective, Christmas sugar cookies and holiday cookie recipes see consistent seasonal traffic every year. Cherry-topped cookies stand out visually on Pinterest and perform especially well due to their vibrant color contrast and minimal styling needs.

What makes this recipe special is its texture. The cookies are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, thanks to the creaming method and careful baking time. A small amount of pink food coloring enhances the festive look without overwhelming the natural cookie color. The maraschino cherry provides a subtle almond-like sweetness that complements the buttery dough beautifully.

These cookies are also highly adaptable. You can adjust the color, swap the cherry type, or even add a drizzle of white chocolate for a modern twist. Despite their elegant appearance, they are easy to make and suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you are baking for Christmas Eve, preparing a cookie platter, or looking for an eye-catching recipe to feature on your food blog, Cherry Blossoms Cookies deliver consistent results and timeless appeal.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)
24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Add a drop or two of pink food coloring if using and mix gently.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Gently press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Blossoms Cookies

Dry the cherries well: Excess moisture can cause cookies to spread.
Do not overbake: These cookies should remain pale and soft.
Use room-temperature butter: This ensures proper creaming and texture.
Uniform size matters: Even dough balls bake more consistently.

Variations and Creative Twists

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
Almond Version: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
Holiday Colors: Swap pink coloring for red or leave cookies natural.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Blossoms Cookies pair beautifully with:

Hot cocoa or mulled cider
Christmas cookie platters
Afternoon tea during the holidays
Decorative holiday gift tins

They also photograph exceptionally well, making them ideal for Pinterest and seasonal blog content.