Blossom Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a joyful baking project that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and delivers a festive treat, these Blossom Cookies are absolutely perfect. With their tender, buttery base and the iconic Hershey’s kiss pressed right in the center, each bite brings a nostalgic burst of flavor. What makes these cookies extra special is how they come in a variety of flavors and coatings—from the cozy warmth of gingerbread to the rich comfort of chocolate and the creamy goodness of peanut butter. Whether you are baking for the holidays, a party, or simply to brighten your day, this recipe for Blossom Cookies is guaranteed to spread smiles far and wide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand, yet each plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color for your Blossom Cookies. From the sturdy flour base to the sugars that bring sweetness and crunch, every component matters.

• 3 cups (396g) all purpose flour: Provides the structure and perfect chewy texture in the cookies.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Adds lightness and helps with the rise during baking.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 3/4 cup (185g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Key to richness and tender crumb.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates caramelization on the edges.
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to softness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Delivers warm, inviting flavor depth.
• Chocolate Hershey’s kisses: The iconic blossom centerpiece—melts perfectly in the warm cookie.
• 1/4 cup (60g) creamy peanut butter: Creates a luscious peanut butter dough variation.
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour (for peanut butter dough): Adds sturdiness to the peanut butter dough.
• 2 1/2 tbsp Dutch process cocoa powder: For the rich chocolate dough variant.
• 1 tbsp milk (for chocolate dough): Moistens and softens the chocolate dough perfectly.
• Sprinkles and sugars for rolling: Offer delightful textures and festive colors for each dough version.
• Molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon: Essential spices and syrup for the cozy gingerbread dough variety.

How to Make Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Base Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix creates the perfect foundation for your cookie dough. Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that tender and delicate texture everyone loves in Blossom Cookies.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until completely smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients in two batches, mixing after each addition. The dough will look crumbly at first, but keep mixing—it will come together into a thick, workable dough. This gradual incorporation helps avoid overworking the dough, keeping your cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Divide and Customize Your Dough

Divide the base dough evenly into four separate bowls—each will become a tasty variation of Blossom Cookies. Mix creamy peanut butter and extra flour into the first bowl for a classic peanut butter version. Stir Dutch cocoa powder and milk into the second for a rich chocolate dough. Keep the third bowl as the original sugar dough with extra flour added for stability. Finally, add molasses, spices, and additional flour to the fourth for blissful gingerbread flavors. Each dough requires a bit more elbow grease to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Roll and Coat the Cookies

For the most Instagram-worthy Blossom Cookies, scoop uniform dough balls—about one tablespoon each for most, a heaping tablespoon for peanut butter—and roll them gently between your hands until smooth. Roll each ball in its corresponding coating: granulated sugar for peanut butter, chocolate sprinkles for chocolate dough, colorful sprinkles for sugar dough, and raw or Demerara sugar for gingerbread. If your sprinkles don’t stick well, dampen your hands slightly before rolling. This adds a fun texture and makes each cookie visually festive.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Hershey’s Kisses

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2.5 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. When you pull the cookies out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies, especially peanut butter ones, might crackle slightly—this is the sign of success! Allow them to cool on a rack so the kisses can harden just right.

How to Serve Blossom Cookies

Garnishes

Blossom Cookies shine on their own, but feel free to sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy touch or drizzle with melted white chocolate to add a festive flair. For the sugar dough variety, adding crushed candy cane bits or extra colorful sprinkles on top elevates their holiday cheer perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks—think rich hot cocoa with marshmallows, a cup of spiced chai tea, or a frothy latte. For a fun dessert platter, include an assortment of fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices, which balance the richness and add brightness alongside these sweet treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Blossom Cookies in little clusters on festive plates or tiered trays, mixing all four flavors for a delightful variety. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons makes a charming homemade gift that any friend or family member would cherish. For parties, create cookie “bouquets” by skewering them on sticks and placing them in a decorative vase—they’re almost too pretty to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Blossom Cookies cool completely and the chocolate kisses firm up before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their freshness, texture, and flavor for up to 5 days—enough time to savor or share all the deliciousness.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply scoop and roll the dough balls as usual, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked Blossom Cookies anytime.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, gently heat Blossom Cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the chocolate kiss slightly, making them feel freshly baked and irresistibly gooey.

FAQs

What makes Blossom Cookies different from regular cookies?

Blossom Cookies are distinguished by their signature Hershey’s kiss pressed into the center after baking, creating a beautiful “blossom” effect. Plus, this recipe’s multiple dough variations and coatings add exciting flavors and textures beyond a classic cookie.

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s kisses are traditional, you can get creative with other chocolates like mini peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates, or even white chocolate pieces to customize the flavor and look of your Blossom Cookies.

Are Blossom Cookies gluten-free or adaptable to special diets?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one, though texture may vary slightly. For dairy-free options, swap butter with vegan margarine and use dairy-free chocolate kisses.

Why do my cookies crackle when pressed with the kiss?

The slight crackling happens because the cookies continue to bake slightly after you insert the chocolate, and the dough’s dry edges create those charming cracks. It’s a sign your cookies are perfectly baked and tender inside.

Can I make just one dough flavor at a time?

Definitely! The recipe can be easily scaled to make a single dough flavor. This is great if you want to focus on a specific taste or have limited ingredients. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and enjoy your focused Blossom Cookie batch.

Final Thoughts

Baking Blossom Cookies is more than just making cookies—it’s creating warm moments, memories, and smiles around your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe because it truly brings something special to every bite, every holiday table, and every cozy afternoon. Once you fall in love with these delightful Blossom Cookies, I’m sure they’ll become one of your cherished favorites too.

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