Chocolate Cherry Kiss Cookies

These easy chocolate cherry kiss cookies combine maraschino cherries and cherry flavorings for a sublime blend of sweetness and charm in every bite.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 100 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 drops red food coloring
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup shortening (such as Crisco®)
• 4 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2.3333332538605 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 teaspoon almond extract
• 0.125 teaspoon cherry flavoring (such as Wilton®)
• 0.75 cup drained, chopped maraschino cherries
• 48 milk chocolate kisses (such as HERSHEY'S), or more as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Whisk flour and salt together in a small bowl.

Step 3

Combine shortening, confectioners' sugar, cherry juice, red food coloring, almond extract, and cherry flavoring in a large bowl. Add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in maraschino cherries.

Step 4

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are light golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the top of each cookie. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.