Easter is such a beautiful time of year, filled with bright colors, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats. And when it comes to sweet treats that bring a smile to everyone’s face, Easter Blossom Cookies are a top contender. They’re a playful, festive twist on the classic blossom cookies you know and love. These cookies have a soft and chewy sugar cookie base that’s rolled in pastel-colored sugar and topped with a delightful Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. The result? A colorful, sweet, and utterly irresistible cookie that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday.
What’s great about these cookies is how simple and fun they are to make. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for an Easter egg hunt, a festive brunch, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they always hit the spot. The dough comes together easily, the pastel-colored sugar coating adds a whimsical touch, and that chocolatey kiss on top seals the deal. Plus, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can spend more time enjoying them and less time baking.
I remember the first time I made these cookies; it was a last-minute decision to add something special to our Easter dessert table. They quickly became the star of the show, with everyone reaching for seconds. Kids love them because of their colorful look and chocolatey surprise, while adults appreciate the perfect balance of soft cookie and creamy chocolate. From that day on, they became an Easter tradition in my house. And trust me, once you try them, they might just become a tradition in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Blossom Cookies Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these adorable Easter Blossom Cookies, but let’s break down the most compelling ones:
They’re Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull these off. The dough is straightforward, and rolling the cookies in colored sugar is not only easy but also really fun.
Visually Stunning: The pastel-colored sugar gives these cookies a beautiful, festive look that’s perfect for Easter or even springtime gatherings. They’re like little edible decorations that brighten up any dessert table.
Perfectly Chewy Texture: The cookies have that soft and chewy texture everyone loves, thanks to the creamy butter and just the right amount of baking time.
Chocolatey Surprise: Each cookie is crowned with a Hershey’s Kiss, which adds a smooth, rich contrast to the sweet, buttery cookie base.
Great for Kids: This recipe is perfect for involving little helpers. They’ll love rolling the dough in colored sugar and pressing the Kisses into the warm cookies.
Health Benefits
While Easter Blossom Cookies are undeniably a treat, there are a few benefits worth mentioning if you’re looking for reasons to justify indulging:
Mood Boosting: Baking itself can be a relaxing and satisfying activity. The process of mixing, rolling, and decorating the cookies can be a fun, creative outlet that boosts your mood.
Mindful Enjoyment: Enjoying a sweet treat like these cookies in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle. Savoring a cookie with a cup of tea or coffee can provide a delightful moment of relaxation.
Customization Options: For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, these cookies can be made gluten-free by using a suitable flour blend. You can also substitute healthier fats like coconut oil if desired.
Portion Control: Since these cookies are individually portioned, it’s easy to keep track of how much you’re enjoying.
Using Dark Chocolate: If you opt for dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of the traditional milk chocolate, you’ll benefit from the antioxidants and lower sugar content.
A Source of Energy: Like most baked goods, these cookies provide a quick source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 32 cookies
- Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
- Sodium: 33mg
- Calcium: 13mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends if preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (if using salted butter, reduce the added salt to a pinch)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (feel free to substitute with almond extract for a different flavor)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (just enough to soften the dough, adjust as needed)
- Brightly colored sanding sugar (pastel shades are ideal for Easter, but feel free to get creative)
- 32 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (milk chocolate is traditional, but you can also try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored varieties)
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s walk through how to create these adorable Easter Blossom Cookies from start to finish. It’s simple, straightforward, and so much fun!
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. This ensures the baking soda and salt are distributed throughout the flour, giving your cookies an even texture and rise.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes.
- Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial because it adds air to the dough, creating that soft and chewy texture we love.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add 1 large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
- Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps of butter or sugar.
- If you prefer a slightly different flavor, you can swap the vanilla extract with almond or even lemon extract.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about 1/3 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Continue mixing until the dough comes together and there are no dry spots. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Add Milk to Soften the Dough
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a soft, workable consistency.
- The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, but not overly wet. The milk helps to soften the dough, making it easier to roll into balls.
Prepare Sanding Sugar
- Pour colored sanding sugar into shallow bowls or plates.
- You can use a single pastel color or divide the dough to roll in various shades for a fun, colorful assortment.
Form Cookie Dough Balls
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch balls of dough.
- Roll each dough ball between your hands to form a smooth sphere.
- Roll the dough balls generously in the sanding sugar, ensuring they are fully coated for that beautiful, sparkling finish.
Arrange and Bake
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the edges are just set.
- They should look slightly underbaked in the center; this is what helps them stay soft and chewy.
Add the Hershey’s Kisses
- As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere nicely.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Let Cookies Set
- The chocolate may look soft and melty at first, but it will firm up as the cookies cool.
- If you prefer a crunchier chocolate texture, you can pop the cookies into the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help the chocolate set quickly.
How to Serve
These colorful, chocolate-topped cookies are a joy to serve. Here are some fun ways to present them:
- Arrange them on a bright, festive platter for your Easter dessert table.
- Package them in clear treat bags tied with pastel ribbons for delightful party favors or gifts.
- Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a cozy, comforting treat.
- Add them to an assortment of Easter desserts like carrot cake, mini cheesecakes, or fruit tarts.
- Stack them up and place them in an Easter basket for a sweet, edible surprise.
Pairing Suggestions
While these cookies are a delight on their own, you can make them even more special by pairing them with the right treats and drinks:
- Beverages: Serve them with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy experience. If it’s a warm day, a glass of iced coffee or lemonade pairs beautifully too.
- Dessert Platters: Combine them with other Easter-themed treats like bunny-shaped sugar cookies, lemon bars, or colorful macarons.
- Fruit Pairings: A fresh fruit salad or fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple provides a refreshing balance to the rich, sweet cookies.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
One of the best things about Easter Blossom Cookies is how well they store and freeze.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks if you prefer a firmer texture.
Freezing
- Place the baked, cooled cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Note: The Hershey’s Kisses may develop a white “bloom,” but they remain safe to eat.
Reheating
- Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer them warm, heat them briefly in a microwave for 5–10 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Blossom Cookies, avoid these common mistakes to ensure perfect results every time:
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much will make the cookies dense and tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Using Cold Butter: Always use butter at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- Overbaking: Take cookies out of the oven when they are just set. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet.
Pro Tips
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Unwrap Kisses Ahead of Time: Have them ready before the cookies come out of the oven to prevent cooling delays.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Use Quality Vanilla Extract: It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different Hershey’s Kisses varieties or add almond extract for a unique taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
What if my dough is too dry?
Add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough is workable.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter gives the best results.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies a day or two before and store them in an airtight container.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Your butter might have been too soft or the dough was overmixed. Chill the dough before baking if necessary.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Easter Blossom Cookies are the perfect addition to your festive holiday celebrations. Their colorful appearance, rich buttery flavor, and sweet chocolatey center make them irresistible to kids and adults alike. They’re also incredibly easy to make, which makes them a fantastic option for last-minute desserts or a fun baking project with the family.
Whether you’re making them for an Easter party, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten everyone’s day. And the best part? They’re so versatile. You can switch up the colors, flavors, and even the toppings to suit your taste.
Now it’s your turn! Give these Easter Blossom Cookies a try and let me know how they turned out. Feel free to leave a comment, share your experience, or even tag me on social media if you post your beautiful creations. I can’t wait to see your colorful, delicious cookies!
PrintEaster Blossom Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Easter Blossom Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies rolled in colorful sanding sugar and topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a fun treat to bake with kids.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Colored sanding sugar (pastel colors preferred)
- 32 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Add milk as needed to soften the dough.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sanding sugar, and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until puffed and edges are set.
- Press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use different colored sugars for a more festive look.
- To prevent dough from sticking, chill it for 20 minutes before rolling.
- For a twist, try using flavored Hershey’s Kisses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American