There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when Valentine’s Day approaches, especially as I prepare to create my favorite treat: Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies. The blend of rich buttery goodness and sweet, tangy maraschino cherries instantly brings a festive spirit that whispers love in every bite. One glance at these delightful pink-hued cookies adorned with chocolate kisses, and you can’t help but feel the warmth of the season.

What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—under an hour of your time and a handful of ingredients will yield a batch that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging by yourself, these cookies offer a beautiful twist on classic flavors and are an easy way to express affection. Plus, they’re sure to make any gathering feel extra special! So, let’s dive into the joy of baking these sweet treasures together.

Why are Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies special?

Effortless to whip up, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Irresistible sweetness shines through with every bite, thanks to the tangy maraschino cherries and creamy chocolate kisses. Festively pink in color, these cookies add a romantic touch to any celebration. Perfect for sharing, they make a delightful treat for loved ones or a sweet indulgence for yourself. Looking for more homemade goodness? Don’t miss out on these Salads Moms Homemade for a full holiday spread!

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Ingredients

Create the perfect sweet treat for your loved ones!

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – 1 1/4 cups; ensures richness and structure, use unsalted for the best flavor.
Powdered Sugar – 1 cup; adds sweetness while providing a tender texture due to its fine granules.
Flour – 2.5 cups; serves as the base structure ingredient; King Arthur all-purpose flour is recommended for consistent results.
Maraschino Cherries – 6 oz; finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces) for a sweet and tangy flavor in every bite—make sure they’re drained and dried to prevent a wet dough.
Maraschino Cherry Juice – 5 tsp; enhances flavor and adds moisture to the dough.
Baking Powder – 1 tsp; helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
Salt – 1/2 tsp; balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Vanilla Extract – 1 1/2 tsp; adds depth of flavor, making each bite more delightful.
Red Food Coloring – 8 drops; helps achieve the festive pink color for your cookies.
Almond Extract – 1/4 tsp; offers a subtle nutty flavor that beautifully complements the cherries.

For the Topping

Chocolate Kisses – 24 pieces; used to top the cookies, providing a rich chocolate contrast to the sweet cherry cookies.

Enjoy the process of baking these homemade Valentine’s Day cherry cookies, and let the love spread with each delicious bite!

How to Make Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your cookies later.
Chop the maraschino cherries finely and reserve the juice in a small bowl. Keep the chocolate kisses in the refrigerator so they stay firm while you prepare the cookie dough.
Cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will create a beautiful base for your cookies.
Mix in the reserved cherry juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and food coloring until everything is combined and the dough has an even pink hue.
Add 2 cups of flour gradually, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Then, gently fold in the chopped cherries with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to fully incorporate them into the dough.
Chill the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes to help maintain the cookie shape during baking. Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Immediately after taking them out of the oven, press a cold chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie—the heat from the cookie will gently melt the bottom of the kiss.
Rest the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set properly.

Optional: Drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies?

Pairing these delightful cookies with complementary treats will elevate your Valentine’s Day experience and make your dessert table truly unforgettable.

Cold Glass of Milk:
The classic pairing brings out the rich, buttery flavor of the cookies while balancing the sweetness with creamy goodness.
Hot Cocoa:
A cozy cup of hot cocoa enhances the warm, festive vibes; its chocolaty richness beautifully contrasts the sweet cherry flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:
These iconic couples offer a burst of freshness that complements the cookies’ sweet and tangy notes. Plus, their vibrant red color adds to the celebration!
Vanilla Ice Cream:
Creamy and smooth, vanilla ice cream serves as the perfect indulgence to go alongside your cherry cookies. The combination of warm cookie with cold ice cream is pure bliss!
Coffee:
A hot cup of coffee, whether light or dark roast, acts as a sophisticated pairing that elevates the overall experience, enhancing the flavors with its boldness.
Sparkling Water with Citrus:
A refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites, sparkling water infused with lemon or lime provides a burst of brightness to the dessert.

Prepare an inviting spread, and each cookie will be a little moment of joy for you and your loved ones!

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to personalize these cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences; your creativity in the kitchen will make them even more special!

Dried Fruit: Substitute maraschino cherries with chopped dried cherries or cranberries for an earthy, chewy twist. The chewy texture adds depth to every bite and brings different seasonal flavors to the forefront.
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of chocolate kisses for a sweeter alternative. The creamy, smooth sweetness from white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.
Nutty Flair: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch and a delightful nutty flavor. Nuts bring a rustic touch to your cookies, enhancing both texture and taste.
Coconut Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. The naturally sweet and chewy coconut works harmoniously with both the cherries and chocolate.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique flavor punch. The warmth from the spice creates a surprising yet delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version. Just check the blend’s recommended measurement, as gluten-free flours often behave differently.
Berry Bliss: Use fresh blueberries or raspberries instead of cherries for a fruity explosion. Their tartness will give the cookies a refreshing kick that’s perfect for berry lovers!
Vegan Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based adaptation. These changes retain that delightful cookie texture while catering to dietary preferences!

Storage Tips for Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent the chocolate kisses from sticking together.
Fridge: If you prefer softer cookies, refrigerate them in an airtight container; they will stay fresh for up to 7 days but may lose some of their chewiness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake them from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh homemade Valentine’s Day cherry cookies.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture—just enough to enjoy them like fresh out of the oven!

Expert Tips for Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chill the cookie dough for at least 10 minutes before baking to maintain their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
Dry Cherries Well: Always ensure that your maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and dried; excess moisture can lead to a sticky dough that’s hard to handle.
Room Temperature Butter: Use room temperature butter for optimal dough consistency; cold butter can result in dense cookies rather than the soft, chewy texture you want.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake; pulling them when they’re soft in the center creates that delightful chewy texture.
Press Gently: When placing the chocolate kisses on warm cookies, do so gently; pressing too hard can cause them to melt completely and lose their shape.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or add-in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist on these homemade Valentine’s Day cherry cookies.

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right maraschino cherries?
Choosing maraschino cherries can greatly influence the taste of your cookies. Look for bright red cherries that are free from dark spots or imperfections; this indicates freshness. Ensure they’re in a sealed jar with no signs of leaks, and opt for those labeled as “natural” if possible. Also, remember to drain and dry them well before adding them to your cookie dough to prevent excess moisture.

What’s the best way to store leftover cherry cookies?
To keep your leftover homemade Valentine’s Day cherry cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to avoid the chocolate kisses sticking together, I recommend layering parchment paper between each layer of cookies. For slightly longer freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand. Simply roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the cookie dough balls to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time!

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky, it may mean that too much cherry juice or moisture was added, or that the dough hasn’t been chilled long enough. To salvage it, gently incorporate an extra 1/4 cup of flour until the dough reaches a workable consistency. Chilling the dough for at least 10 minutes will also help firm it up for easier handling.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
While this recipe uses almond extract for flavor, it can be substituted with more vanilla extract if there are nut allergies in your household. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the taste, but your cookies will still be delicious! Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are nut-free if that’s a concern.

How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?
The key to perfect cherry cookies is to look for a light golden edge and a soft center. They should be set around the edges but soft in the middle. When you press lightly on them after baking, they should slightly spring back. Remember, they will continue to bake on the sheet after you take them out of the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of under baking!