Blossom Cookies Recipe

I absolutely adore making and sharing this Blossom Cookies Recipe because it strikes such a perfect balance between simplicity and eye-catching charm. These cookies come out tender and sweet with a delightful pop of color thanks to the brightly colored sanding sugar, and the little Hershey's Kiss in the center just seals the deal for me every single time. Whether I’m baking for a holiday gathering or just to brighten up an ordinary day, these cookies never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and I think you’ll love them just as much as I do.

Why You'll Love This Blossom Cookies Recipe

What really makes this Blossom Cookies Recipe stand out for me is the texture and flavor combo. The cookies are soft and buttery with just the right hint of vanilla, while the sanding sugar gives them a fun, sparkling crunch that instantly lifts the mood. And of course, that warm Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the middle? Pure magic! It melts slightly against the cookie’s softness, creating a little surprise of chocolatey goodness with every bite.

I also appreciate how quick and easy these cookies are to throw together. I can usually have the dough ready, baked, and cooling in under 30 minutes, which makes them a go-to when I want something festive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, with common ingredients I always have on hand, so I rarely need a special trip to the store.

Finally, these cookies are perfect for just about any occasion. I’ve made them for holiday cookie swaps, birthday parties, even casual afternoon tea with friends. Their cheerful look and classic taste always make them an instant hit, and I love pulling them out when I want to add a little joy to the table. Trust me, once you try this Blossom Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation too.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients in this Blossom Cookies Recipe are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to getting the perfect taste and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy butter that creates tenderness to the bright sanding sugar that gives these cookies their signature sparkle.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape but stay tender.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to get that soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies brown lightly.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough together and adds a bit of softness.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
• Milk: Softens the dough just enough for easy rolling without losing form.
• Brightly colored sanding sugar: Adds a festive sparkle and fun texture on the outside of the cookies.
• Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The iconic chocolate center that makes these cookies instantly recognizable and delicious.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is what will give your cookies structure and balance.

Step 3: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until they become light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 4: With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat until just incorporated so you don’t overwork the dough and end up with tough cookies.

Step 5: Continue mixing on low and gradually add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk—just enough to soften the dough so it’s easy to roll but holds its shape.

Step 6: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough, then roll each scoop into a ball. Roll the balls in your colorful sanding sugar, coating them completely. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are puffed up and the edges are set but still pale—watch carefully so they don’t brown.

Step 8: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. While still warm, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will soften the chocolate slightly so it melts in nicely without losing its shape.

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for another 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly for serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 32 delightful cookies, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or a crowd. The prep time is quick—around 10 minutes to mix everything together and get your dough ready. Baking takes just 8 to 10 minutes, plus about 7 extra minutes for resting and cooling on the trays. Altogether, you’re looking at just under 25 minutes from start to finish, making these Blossom Cookies ideal for when you want something sweet and festive without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Blossom Cookies Recipe

I love serving these Blossom Cookies at room temperature because it allows the flavors to really shine and the chocolate center to have that perfect soft-but-not-melted texture. These cookies pair beautifully with a simple cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk—both of which balance out the buttery sweetness perfectly. For festive occasions, I like to arrange them on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh berries or other holiday confections for a charming presentation.

If you’re hosting a party or a cookie swap, these Blossom Cookies are absolute showstoppers. You can garnish the platter with a few extra sprinkles or edible glitter so they look extra special. I also think they make a lovely addition to holiday dessert trays or birthday celebrations, because their bright colors add an instant pop of cheer wherever they go.

For beverage pairings beyond tea and milk, I’ve found a lightly sweet dessert wine or a creamy hot chocolate complements the cookies beautifully without overpowering them. Honestly, anytime I bring these to a gathering, they disappear quickly, so I recommend portioning them in small groups of two or three per plate, depending on your guests’ sweet tooths.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Blossom Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. For a vegan version, try using a plant-based butter alternative and a flax egg instead of a chicken egg; you won’t lose much of the flavor or tenderness.

If you want to play with flavors, I sometimes add a hint of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle twist. You could also roll the dough in cinnamon sugar instead of colored sanding sugar for a warm, cozy vibe. For a different chocolate experience, substitute the Hershey’s Kiss for mini peanut butter cups or caramels—just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape in the cookie.

While I always bake these cookies traditionally, you can experiment with baking them a minute or two shorter if you prefer a chewier center. Alternatively, chilling the dough beforehand gives the cookies a denser texture and curbs spreading, which can be helpful if you want a more uniform shape.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens in my house!), store the Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep the chocolate kisses looking perfect.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Properly wrapped, they keep well up to 3 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls raw—just roll them in sanding sugar, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the preheated oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen Blossom Cookies, I recommend letting them thaw at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you like them warm, gently heat in a 300° F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating for too long or at too high a temperature, or the cookies can dry out and the chocolate can melt too much. The goal is to revive the soft texture and slightly melty chocolate without altering their delicate balance.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate or white chocolate kisses instead of the traditional milk chocolate?

Absolutely! I’ve swapped in both dark and white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, and each offers a deliciously different flavor profile. Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly bitter contrast, while white chocolate brings a sweeter, creamier note. Just make sure the chocolates are unwrapped before pressing them into the warm cookies.

What if I don’t have colored sanding sugar on hand? Can I use regular sugar?

Yes, you can definitely use regular granulated sugar if you don’t have colored sanding sugar—your cookies will still taste wonderful. The colored sugar mainly adds a festive look and a bit of texture, but it’s not essential to the overall flavor or cookie success.

Is it important to use room temperature butter and egg?

For the best texture and ease of mixing, I strongly recommend using room temperature butter and egg. This allows the butter and sugar to cream together properly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough. If your ingredients are too cold, the dough can be dense and harder to blend evenly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps develop flavor and can improve the texture. Just bring the dough back to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking. You can also bake and cool the cookies ahead of time; just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until your event.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

If you want to keep the cookies from spreading too much, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking can help. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted, as warm butter can cause more spreading. Finally, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart allows them to expand without merging together.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Blossom Cookies Recipe soon because it truly has a special place in my heart and kitchen. With its simple ingredients, quick prep, and that delightful combo of sparkling sugar and melty chocolate, it’s one of my favorite treats to bake again and again. Whip up a batch, share them with your loved ones, and let the cheerful smiles they bring remind you why baking is such a joy.

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