Name: Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses; 1 cup dried tart cherries; 26-28 chocolate kisses; 3 ounces vanilla almond bark, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening

There’s just something magical about the blend of cozy spices, chewy oats, and bursts of tart cherries in this one. The Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is one of those recipes that reminds me of peaceful spring afternoons and warm kitchen vibes. Let me walk you through why I think these cookies deserve a spot in your baking rotation.

The image shows several round oatmeal cookies with a rough, bumpy texture, light brown in color, each topped with a single large cone-shaped dark chocolate piece in the center. White icing is drizzled over the top of each cookie in thin, wavy lines creating a contrast against the brown cookie and chocolate. The cookies rest spaced out on a metal cooling rack, and the background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies! From the perfectly chewy texture to the way the chocolate kisses melt into the warm centers, this recipe truly feels like a little hug in cookie form. I love sharing them with friends and see their eyes light up – it’s one of those comforting treats that feels both fancy and homey.

Unique Flavor Twist: The combination of molasses, cinnamon, and warming spices takes oatmeal cookies to a whole new delicious level.
Perfect Chewy Texture: The old-fashioned rolled oats give these cookies just the right hearty chew without being too dense.
Cherry and Chocolate Magic: Those tart dried cherries paired with melty chocolate kisses make every bite exciting and balanced.
Simple Yet Impressive: Despite looking bakery-worthy, you don’t need any fancy skills to nail these – just a little patience.

The image shows 16 round oatmeal cookies arranged in four rows on a silver wire cooling rack, placed over a white marbled surface. Each cookie is golden brown with a rough, bumpy texture from oats and raisins, and has a single large chocolate drop pressed in the center. Thin white icing strands are drizzled in a zigzag pattern over the top of each cookie, adding contrast to the warm tones. In the top left corner, there is a small white bowl filled with dark dried fruits, partially visible. A beige and white striped cloth is folded beside the rack on the bottom right corner. The scene looks bright and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the cookies’ details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is chosen carefully to create great texture and deep flavor. The oats add chew, the blend of spices brings warmth, and the molasses adds a rich depth that’s just fantastic.

Flat lay of a small mound of old-fashioned whole rolled oats, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a square of unsalted butter softened to room temperature, a small white bowl filled with packed light brown sugar, another small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing dark red dried tart cherries, a cluster of glossy chocolate kisses arranged symmetrically, a small white bowl holding smooth molasses syrup, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground cloves, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with ground ginger, a small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl with salt, and a small white bowl with vanilla extract, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Old-fashioned whole rolled oats: These provide the ideal chewy texture and help the cookies hold their shape without becoming cakey.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookie; make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measurement.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger: This warm spice blend is the heart of the cookie’s cozy flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened properly for creamy creaming with sugars – it’s key for tender, flavorful cookies.
Light or dark brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar keeps them moist; granulated sugar balances sweetness and crisp edges.
Large eggs: Bring moisture and help bind the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall aroma and flavor complexity.
Unsulphured molasses: Adds rich depth and that classic old-fashioned cookie taste.
Dried tart cherries: Tartness cuts through sweetness and adds bursts of fruitiness.
Chocolate kisses: The crowning touch – melty centers that make these cookies irresistible.
Vanilla almond bark (optional): For a pretty vanilla drizzle that adds sweetness and eye appeal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can tailor it with add-ins or swap things depending on what you have at home or your dietary preferences.

Nut Variation: I once added chopped toasted pecans in place of cherries for a nutty twist, and it was fantastic. You can easily substitute your favorite nuts or even mix in some coconut flakes.
Gluten-Free Option: Try swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend and check that your oats are certified gluten-free – you’ll get the same wonderful texture.
Vegan Take: Using vegan butter and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) works well. The molasses keeps the flavor rich, and the cookies stay deliciously chewy.
Fruit and Chocolate Swaps: Dried cranberries or raisins can replace cherries, and feel free to experiment with mini chocolate chips if you don’t have chocolate kisses on hand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together your dry ingredients

I start by combining the oats, flour, baking soda, and all those lovely spices in a big bowl. Whisking them together ensures the spices are evenly spread—trust me, it makes a difference in every bite! Once this is done, I set the bowl aside and begin with the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy

Using my stand mixer with the paddle attachment, I cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step traps air in the dough, which helps the cookies rise and gives a tender crumb. Don’t rush it—this makes a big texture difference!

Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla, and molasses

Next, I add the eggs one at a time, whipping on high just until combined. Then in goes the vanilla extract and molasses. The molasses adds that subtle deep flavor that makes these cookies stand out. Remember to scrape down the bowl sides and bottom with a spatula to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in cherries

Switch mixer to low and gradually add the oat and flour mixture. Once combined, I beat in the dried cherries gently so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up. The dough will be sticky—that's completely normal.

Step 5: Chill dough for best texture

Pop your dough in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. A little patience here helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Just don’t chill too long because the oats soak up moisture and could dry out your dough.

Step 6: Scoop and bake

I like using a two-tablespoon scoop for uniform cookies. Since the dough is sticky, spraying your hands with cooking spray and a little flour really helps when rolling balls. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, then bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges while the centers remain soft—that’s the perfect time to pull them out.

Step 7: Add chocolate kisses and optional drizzle

Once cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 8 minutes. Then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie—the warmth melts the chocolate slightly for a gooey finish. If you want to get fancy, melt vanilla almond bark with a touch of coconut oil and drizzle it over for that bakery-style look and extra sweetness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve refined this Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe and found a few tricks that make your baking life easier and the results even better.

Chilling Time: Don’t skip or rush the chilling step—it keeps the dough firm for neater cookies and lets flavors meld.
Sticky Dough Hack: Hands sprayed with cooking spray and lightly dusted with flour help manage the sticky dough effortlessly.
Watch the Baking Time: Cookies look underbaked when you take them out, but they’ll firm up on the cooling sheet, so resist baking longer.
Chocolate Kisses Timing: Add them right after baking while cookies are still warm for perfectly melted centers.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

cherry blossom oatmeal cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For everyday treats, I keep it simple and just enjoy the cookies as is—they’re beautiful and flavorful enough on their own. When I want to dress them up for guests, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla almond bark adds a lovely finishing touch that impresses without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk—trust me, the combination is a nostalgic comfort. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside fresh fruit parfaits or as part of a brunch spread because they bring a subtle sweetness without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cookies on pretty platters with edible flowers or fresh cherry blossoms when in season. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying with twine also makes for a charming homemade gift. Layering them in a jar with ribbons gives a rustic but elegant vibe that guests really appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days, with the centers still soft and chocolate melty. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate them to prevent melting—but bring to room temperature for best texture before serving.

Freezing

I usually freeze the dough balls before baking, which saves so much time when the cookie craving strikes. Just scoop, chill briefly, then freeze on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen—add a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to two months.

Reheating

Leftover cookies come back to life beautifully when warmed in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or popped in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This melts the chocolate kiss again and revives that just-baked softness which I love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats absorb moisture differently and tend to produce a softer, more cake-like cookie texture. For the best chewy texture in this Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking helps the fats solidify, which prevents excessive spreading. Also, accurately measuring your flour and not over-creaming the butter and sugars will keep the cookies nicely shaped.

Can I substitute other dried fruits for the tart cherries?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots work great as substitutes and offer different flavor profiles while maintaining texture and moisture balance in the cookies.

Why do my chocolate kisses sometimes sink during baking?

In this recipe, the chocolate kisses are added after baking when the cookies are warm. Adding them before baking can cause them to melt and sink in the oven. Pressing them in after baking lets the warmth gently soften the chocolate without losing shape.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Blossom Oatmeal Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it merges nostalgia with a little creative flair. Baking them always feels like a celebration of home and simple pleasures, and sharing these with friends turns ordinary moments into something memorable. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s one cookie that truly delivers on charm and flavor every time.