Easter is a time of renewal, joy, and celebration, and what better way to embrace the season than with a batch of beautifully decorated Easter Blossom Cookies? These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookies but with a light and buttery sugar cookie base. Rolled in pastel-colored sanding sugar and topped with a smooth, creamy Hershey’s Kiss, they are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, looking for a fun baking activity with kids, or simply craving a festive treat, these cookies will bring smiles all around. They offer the perfect combination of crisp edges, a soft and chewy center, and a rich chocolate finish. The pastel-colored sugar coating adds a vibrant touch, making them an ideal addition to your holiday dessert table.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just basic pantry staples, a little bit of time, and the willingness to get creative. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find these cookies easy to make, and the results will look like they came straight from a professional bakery.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. While they are designed for Easter, you can customize them for any occasion by changing the colors of the sugar or using different flavored chocolate kisses. From baby showers to birthday parties, these blossoms are always a hit.
So, if you’re ready to fill your home with the sweet scent of vanilla and butter, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s start baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easter Blossom Cookies are a must-try for several reasons, and once you taste them, they’ll likely become a seasonal favorite in your household.
First, they are incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet. The dough comes together in minutes, and the rolling and baking process is simple enough for kids to help with, making it a wonderful family activity.
Another reason to love these cookies is their texture. The sugar cookie base is soft and tender, with a slight crispiness around the edges that perfectly complements the velvety Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Rolling the dough in sanding sugar not only gives them a festive, colorful appearance but also adds a slight crunch that enhances the overall bite.
These cookies are also completely customizable. If you prefer different colors, you can switch up the sanding sugar shades to match any holiday or celebration. You can also experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as white chocolate, caramel-filled, or even dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Lastly, they store well, making them perfect for gifting. You can package them in a decorative tin or clear bag tied with a ribbon, creating a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are a sweet indulgence, they do have some redeeming qualities when made with the right ingredients. Understanding how certain elements contribute to overall well-being can help you enjoy them in moderation.
Butter, one of the primary ingredients, contains healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and D, which are beneficial for skin health and immunity. Using real butter instead of margarine also ensures that you avoid unnecessary trans fats.
Eggs provide protein and essential nutrients such as choline, which is important for brain development and function. They also help bind the dough together, creating the perfect chewy texture.
Dark chocolate, if used instead of milk chocolate, offers antioxidants known as flavonoids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. Even classic Hershey’s Kisses contain some cocoa solids, which can have mood-boosting benefits.
If you want to make these cookies a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour for added fiber or reducing the sugar slightly without compromising the taste. Another option is swapping out traditional sanding sugar for coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.
While these cookies should be enjoyed as a treat rather than a health food, knowing that they contain some beneficial ingredients makes them all the more enjoyable.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time (optional): 20 minutes
- Baking time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 30-45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 32 cookies, depending on the size of each dough ball.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1.5g
Ingredients List
To make these delightful Easter Blossom Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Helps with slight leavening
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy texture
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and flavor
- 1 large egg (room temperature) – Binds the ingredients together
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Gives the cookies a warm, aromatic flavor
- 1–2 tablespoons milk – Softens the dough, making it easier to work with
- Colored sanding sugar (pastel colors) – Creates a festive, decorative touch
- 32 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) – The signature chocolate topping
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed.
- Slowly add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, just enough to make the dough soft and pliable.
- Roll and Coat the Cookies
- Use a small cookie scoop to measure out 1-inch dough balls.
- Roll each dough ball in colored sanding sugar until evenly coated.
- Bake the Cookies
- Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up but are not browned.
- Add the Hershey’s Kiss
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes.
- Gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool for 5 more minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
These Easter Blossom Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk. They make a fantastic addition to an Easter dessert platter and pair well with other holiday treats like carrot cake or lemon bars. Arrange them on a festive plate and garnish with edible flowers or chocolate eggs for an extra touch of springtime charm.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete Easter dessert spread, serve these cookies alongside:
- Lemon curd tartlets for a tangy contrast
- Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a classic Easter treat
- Hot cross buns for a traditional holiday pairing
For beverages, try:
- Homemade strawberry lemonade for a refreshing balance
- Vanilla chai tea for a cozy, spiced flavor
- Iced coffee or cold brew for a bold contrast to the sweetness
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
Proper storage ensures that your Easter Blossom Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you plan to enjoy them over several days or prepare them in advance for an event, here’s how to keep them in the best condition.
Short-Term Storage (Countertop or Refrigerator):
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture. They will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour to prevent sticking.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and store them for up to 6 months.
- Note: The chocolate kiss may develop a slight white “bloom” due to temperature changes, but this is purely cosmetic and does not affect the taste.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- To freeze unbaked dough, roll it into balls, coat them in sanding sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions:
- If you want to enjoy warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds.
- To refresh the texture of stored cookies, place them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore slight crispiness around the edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common baking mistakes:
1. Overbaking the Cookies
Many people wait for cookies to turn golden brown before taking them out of the oven. However, these cookies should remain pale and puffy when removed. Overbaking results in dry, crumbly cookies rather than the intended soft and chewy texture.
2. Using Cold Butter
Butter that’s too cold won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use room-temperature butter for the best consistency. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it slightly.
3. Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss Too Early
Adding the Hershey’s Kiss while the cookies are too hot will cause it to melt. Allow the cookies to rest for 2 minutes before pressing in the chocolate to prevent unwanted spreading.
4. Using Too Much Flour
Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour, making the cookies too dry. For accurate measuring, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of packing it in.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Blossom Cookies
1. Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses in Advance
To make assembly quick and efficient, unwrap all of your Hershey’s Kisses before you start baking. This ensures that you can press them into the cookies at the perfect moment without scrambling to unwrap them while they’re cooling.
2. Chill the Dough for a Better Shape
If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes before rolling and baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
3. Experiment with Flavored Kisses
For a unique twist, try using different varieties of Hershey’s Kisses, such as:
- White chocolate hugs for a creamy flavor
- Dark chocolate for a richer taste
- Caramel-filled kisses for a gooey center
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies flattened too much, it could be due to:
- Butter that was too warm when mixing the dough. Try chilling the dough before baking.
- Not enough flour. Be sure to measure correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
3. Can I use different cookie dough flavors?
Absolutely! You can make variations of this recipe by using chocolate, almond, or lemon-flavored dough instead of the classic sugar cookie base.
4. How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use a dairy-free chocolate kiss alternative. Also, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Easter Blossom Cookies are the perfect way to add color, sweetness, and festive charm to your holiday celebrations. With their soft sugar cookie base, crunchy sugar coating, and rich chocolate center, they offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, an Easter egg hunt, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring joy to any occasion.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can swap out the sanding sugar colors for different seasons, use various flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, or even try a chocolate cookie base for an extra indulgent twist. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that anyone—whether a beginner or experienced baker—can create beautiful, delicious cookies with ease.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect Easter Blossom Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. We’d love to see how your cookies turn out! If you try this recipe, be sure to share your photos and tag us on social media. Let us know in the comments how you liked them and if you made any fun variations. Happy baking, and have a wonderful Easter!
PrintEaster Blossom Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Blossom Cookies are a fun and festive treat with a soft sugar cookie base, rolled in colorful sanding sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. Perfect for Easter celebrations, spring parties, and homemade gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Colored sanding sugar (pastel colors)
- 32 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, then add milk to soften the dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in colored sanding sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until cookies are set but not browned.
- Let cookies cool for 2 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use different Hershey’s Kiss flavors for variety.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American