Easter Blossom Cookies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for celebrating the spring season. These soft and chewy sugar cookies are rolled in vibrant colored sugar and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, making them both visually appealing and delicious. Their pastel hues and sweet flavors embody the essence of Easter, making them a favorite for holiday gatherings and dessert tables.

Full Recipe:

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 to 2 tablespoons milk
Various colors of sanding sugar
32 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add milk as needed to achieve a soft dough consistency.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in colored sanding sugar to coat.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the edges are just set but not browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Then, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Facts (per cookie)

Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g

Why Choose Easter Blossom Cookies for Your Celebration?

Easter Blossom Cookies offer a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. These cookies are easy to make and require just a few key ingredients, yet they come together to create a festive and delightful treat. The sugar cookies themselves are soft, chewy, and buttery, while the Hershey’s Kiss adds a touch of chocolatey decadence to the top. The colorful sanding sugar coating also adds an extra layer of visual appeal, making these cookies perfect for events like Easter brunches, holiday parties, or spring picnics.

One of the best parts of these cookies is how versatile they are. While they are associated with Easter, you can adjust the colors of the sanding sugar to match any holiday or special occasion. Imagine making red and green versions for Christmas or blue and pink for a baby shower or gender reveal party. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these cookies for various celebrations, making them an excellent go-to treat for any event.

Another reason to love Easter Blossom Cookies is their simple yet beautiful presentation. When they come out of the oven, the cookies are perfectly puffed with a beautiful, glossy sugar coating. As soon as you press the Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, it creates a distinctive, eye-catching blossom effect. This simple yet striking appearance makes them the perfect centerpiece for a cookie platter or dessert table, and they are sure to impress your guests with both their flavor and presentation.

The Origins of Blossom Cookies

The tradition of decorating cookies with Hershey’s Kisses dates back to the early 20th century. Hershey’s Kisses, which were first introduced in 1907, quickly became a staple ingredient in American kitchens. Over time, bakers and home cooks began using these little chocolate drops to add sweetness and decoration to a wide range of baked goods. It wasn’t long before people started adding the iconic Hershey’s Kiss to sugar cookies, and thus, the Easter Blossom Cookie was born.

While these cookies have become a classic in their own right, they continue to evolve with new variations and creative twists. Some bakers might experiment with different types of chocolate in place of the traditional Hershey’s Kiss, while others may add fun flavors to the dough itself, such as lemon, almond, or coconut. However, the heart of the recipe remains the same—a soft, buttery sugar cookie with a chocolate kiss pressed into the center. The result is a sweet, visually appealing treat that’s perfect for any holiday.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations

While Easter Blossom Cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to note that they are still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, there are a few ways in which these cookies can be made slightly healthier without compromising on flavor.

Reduced Sugar Options
One way to make these cookies a bit healthier is by reducing the sugar content. While sugar is a key ingredient in traditional sugar cookies, you can experiment with using less sugar or swapping some of the sugar for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture of the cookies slightly, but it can still yield a delicious result.
Use of Whole Grain Flour
Another way to make these cookies a bit more nutritious is by swapping out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour retains more of the nutrients and fiber found in the wheat, making the cookies slightly more filling and nutritionally dense. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give the cookies a denser texture, but it’s a good option for those looking to increase their fiber intake.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Options
For those with dietary restrictions, Easter Blossom Cookies can be made dairy-free or vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil and using dairy-free chocolate kisses. This allows more people to enjoy these cookies while adhering to their dietary preferences.
Moderation is Key
While it’s always nice to add healthier swaps to a recipe, Easter Blossom Cookies are best enjoyed in moderation. The sugar and chocolate combination, while indulgent, provides a delicious treat that is best enjoyed on occasion. Baking these cookies as a special treat for holidays and gatherings ensures that they remain something to look forward to and savor without overindulging.

Customization Ideas for Easter Blossom Cookies

One of the best things about Easter Blossom Cookies is how easily they can be customized to suit different preferences, occasions, and flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas for making these cookies your own:

Flavor Variations
The base cookie dough for Easter Blossom Cookies is simple, but you can easily add new flavors to give them a unique twist. Try incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor or almond extract for a nutty aroma. You could also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Chocolate Variations
While Hershey’s Kisses are the classic topping for these cookies, there are many other chocolate options that can be used to add variety. Consider using dark chocolate kisses for a slightly more sophisticated taste or try using milk chocolate, peanut butter, or caramel-filled kisses for a fun twist. You could also opt for a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the cookies after baking for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Decorative Touches
Easter Blossom Cookies are already visually stunning with their colorful sanding sugar, but you can enhance their look with additional decorations. For example, add some sprinkles to the cookies before baking for an extra burst of color or top each cookie with a small Easter-themed decoration like a candy egg or edible flower. These small touches can take your cookies to the next level and make them perfect for themed parties or events.
Gluten-Free Option
For those with gluten sensitivities, Easter Blossom Cookies can be easily adapted to be gluten-free. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use gluten-free Hershey’s Kisses or another chocolate alternative. The result will be a soft, chewy cookie that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Easter Blossom Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they are a celebration of the season, the joy of baking, and the beauty of sharing delicious food with loved ones. With their colorful appearance, soft texture, and delightful combination of flavors, these cookies are the perfect way to brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re baking for Easter or any other special event, these cookies are sure to impress both in taste and presentation.

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