Spring is a season of renewal, bright colors, and joyful celebrations, and nothing captures that spirit better than a batch of Spring Blossom Cookies. These delightful little treats are a cheerful twist on the classic blossom cookies, featuring soft, buttery sugar cookie dough rolled in pastel sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a crunchy sugar coating and a burst of chocolate in every bite.
These cookies are perfect for Easter gatherings, baby showers, garden parties, or simply brightening up your kitchen with a touch of spring. Unlike traditional peanut butter blossoms, this version uses a simple sugar cookie base, allowing the sweet vanilla flavor to shine while complementing the chocolate topping beautifully. Plus, they are super easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time.
One of the best parts about making Spring Blossom Cookies is the endless color combinations you can create. Pastel pink, yellow, blue, and green sanding sugars give these cookies their signature springtime look, but you can easily adapt them for other seasons or holidays. Swap the pastels for red and green during Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween, or even school colors for graduation parties.
Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting them to friends, or setting up a dessert table for a party, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They have a soft and chewy texture, just the right amount of crunch from the sugar coating, and that irresistible chocolate kiss on top that makes them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why these Spring Blossom Cookies will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
- Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together effortlessly.
- Beautiful and Festive – The pastel-colored sanding sugar adds a bright, cheerful touch, making these cookies visually stunning for spring and Easter.
- Soft and Chewy with a Hint of Crunch – The sugar coating gives the cookies a delicate crunch, while the inside stays perfectly soft and buttery.
- Perfect for Any Celebration – Whether it’s a birthday party, an Easter gathering, or a simple weekend treat, these cookies are always a hit.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun – Rolling the dough in colored sugar is a great activity for kids, making baking these cookies a fun family tradition.
- Customizable for Any Occasion – You can easily switch up the sugar colors and chocolate topping to match different themes and holidays.
If you love simple, no-fuss baking with impressive results, these cookies will become one of your go-to recipes. They look fancy enough for special occasions but are easy enough to whip up whenever you need a sweet treat.
Health Benefits of Spring Blossom Cookies
While cookies are primarily a treat, it’s always interesting to look at the ingredients and their benefits. Here’s how some of the components in these cookies contribute to your diet:
- Butter – Provides essential fats that help with vitamin absorption and add richness to baked goods.
- Eggs – A great source of protein and healthy fats, eggs help bind the dough and give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Contains antioxidants and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Flour – Provides carbohydrates for energy, making these cookies a satisfying treat.
- Chocolate Kisses – Dark or milk chocolate contains flavonoids, which can have antioxidant benefits when consumed in moderation.
Of course, like all desserts, these cookies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They’re a wonderful treat to share with loved ones and a fun way to celebrate the joys of baking.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sugar: 10g
These cookies are a perfect little indulgence, offering just the right amount of sweetness in each bite.
Ingredients List
To make these Spring Blossom Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup colored sanding sugar (pastel colors like pink, yellow, blue, or green)
- 24 chocolate kisses (milk chocolate, white chocolate, or your choice)
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Shape and Coat the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1-inch balls) and roll them between your hands until smooth.
- Pour the colored sanding sugars into separate small bowls. Roll each dough ball in your desired color of sanding sugar, coating evenly.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake and Add the Chocolate Kiss
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it stick.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
These cookies are best served fresh, but they also store well for later enjoyment. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Arrange them on a pretty dessert platter with other spring-themed treats.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.
- Pack them in a gift box for a homemade present.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies go well with:
- Warm drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Light fruit salads to balance the sweetness.
- Lemonade or flavored sparkling water for a refreshing pairing.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Roll them in sugar before baking.
- Reheating: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Spring Blossom Cookies are simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect their texture, appearance, or overall flavor. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure soft, chewy cookies with a beautiful sugar coating and perfectly set chocolate kisses.
One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking the cookies. These cookies should come out of the oven slightly underbaked in the center because they continue to firm up as they cool. If they look fully set when you take them out, they are likely overbaked and will be too dry. Aim for edges that are just set and centers that still look soft.
Another mistake is not creaming the butter and sugar properly. This step is crucial for creating the right texture. Be sure to mix until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. If you rush this step, the cookies may turn out dense instead of light and chewy.
Skipping the sanding sugar coating is another common mistake. The sugar coating not only adds a beautiful color but also provides a slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture. If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, but the effect won’t be as vibrant.
Some people press the chocolate kiss into the cookies too late. The best time to do this is immediately after removing the cookies from the oven while they are still warm. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly and adhere to the cookie, preventing it from falling off later.
Using cold butter instead of softened butter can also cause issues. Cold butter won’t mix well with the sugar, leading to uneven dough and possibly flat cookies. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted before you begin mixing.
Lastly, not spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet can lead to them spreading into each other. Leave at least 2 inches between each dough ball so they have room to expand while baking.
Pro Tips
To ensure your Spring Blossom Cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these expert baking tips.
For the best texture, use room-temperature ingredients. This includes butter, eggs, and even the chocolate kisses. Room-temperature ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and ensuring even baking. If you forget to take your butter out ahead of time, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften.
If you want extra soft and chewy cookies, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients. Cornstarch helps create a lighter, softer texture while preventing the cookies from becoming too crispy.
When rolling the dough in sanding sugar, press lightly to ensure full coverage. This helps the sugar stick better and creates an even color on the cookies. If you find that the sugar isn’t sticking well, try chilling the dough balls for 10 minutes before rolling them. The slight firmness will help the sugar adhere without making the dough too sticky.
To keep the chocolate kisses from melting too much, freeze them for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the cookies. This prevents them from becoming overly soft when pressed into the warm cookies, helping them hold their shape better.
For even baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. Ovens can have hot spots, and rotating the sheet ensures each cookie bakes evenly, preventing some from browning too quickly while others stay undercooked.
If you want to get creative, try mixing in different flavored extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate kisses, such as white chocolate, caramel-filled, or dark chocolate, to switch up the flavor.
For a festive holiday look, use different colored sanding sugars. Red and green for Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day are all great ways to customize these cookies for any celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then roll and coat in sanding sugar before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll them in sanding sugar and bake as usual, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What can I use instead of sanding sugar?
If you don’t have sanding sugar, regular granulated sugar works fine, but it won’t give the same vibrant color. You can also try sprinkles for a fun variation.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Spring Blossom Cookies are a fun, colorful, and delicious way to celebrate spring. With their soft sugar cookie base, crunchy sanding sugar coating, and sweet chocolate kiss on top, they’re sure to be a hit at Easter gatherings, baby showers, or just a casual weekend treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
What makes these cookies extra special is how customizable they are. You can change up the sanding sugar colors for different holidays, use various chocolate flavors, or even add flavored extracts to create your own unique version. They’re also a fantastic baking activity for kids, who will love rolling the dough in colorful sugar and pressing in the chocolate kisses.
Now it’s your turn to try these Spring Blossom Cookies! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the joy of baking. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, share your experience, or tag me on social media with a picture of your cookies.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later, share it with friends, and check out my other spring dessert recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy these delightful cookies with your loved ones!
PrintSpring Blossom Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Spring Blossom Cookies are soft and chewy sugar cookies rolled in colorful sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss. Perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, and baby showers, these vibrant cookies are easy to make and bring a festive touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup colored sanding sugar (pastel colors like pink, yellow, blue, or green)
- 24 chocolate kisses (milk chocolate, white chocolate, or your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat them in colored sanding sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use different sanding sugar colors for different occasions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months and bake when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American