The Soft & Chewy Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies are a timeless cookie tray favorite. These treats combine a buttery sugar cookie base with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center that makes every bite a nostalgic delight. Rolled in sugar for a touch of sparkle and crunch, they bake up perfectly round and golden, ready to charm cookie lovers of all ages. Ideal for the holidays, gifting, or a midweek baking fix, this recipe is simple yet magical. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange or just want something cozy and sweet, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and zero fuss. Classic, festive, and irresistibly good!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon milk
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¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
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24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
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Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls.
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Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and place on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
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Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
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Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Irresistible Charm of Soft & Chewy Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies
When it comes to cookies that capture hearts at first bite, few rival the enduring appeal of Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies. Soft, chewy, and crowned with a glossy chocolate kiss, these cookies have become a beloved staple during the holidays and beyond. Whether served at festive gatherings, shared in cookie exchanges, or baked as a weekend treat, these cookies embody comfort and tradition.
In this article, we’ll dive into the origin of blossom cookies, explore what makes them so crave-worthy, share tips to perfect them every time, and suggest creative variations and ways to enjoy them. So, if you’re looking to elevate your cookie game, read on.
A Brief History of Blossom Cookies
The Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookie, also known as the Peanut Butter Blossom, was first introduced to the public in 1957 by Freda F. Smith of Gibsonburg, Ohio. She entered her peanut butter version of the cookie into the Pillsbury Bake-Off, and although it didn’t win the grand prize, it captured the attention of home bakers across America. Originally made with a peanut butter base, this now-classic cookie featured a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center right after baking an innovation that became iconic.
Since then, variations have abounded. The peanut butter base was just the beginning; bakers began swapping in sugar cookie dough, chocolate, gingerbread, and even molasses to create seasonal twists. Today, the soft sugar cookie blossom has become one of the most popular versions especially for those who prefer a nut-free alternative.
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of a tender, buttery cookie and a silky chocolate center. The contrast in texture slightly crisp edges, chewy interior, and a rich chocolate kiss offers a complete sensory experience. They’re also:
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Visually charming: That perfectly centered chocolate kiss adds instant visual appeal.
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Quick to make: With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a bake time under 10, you can have fresh cookies on the table in under half an hour.
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Kid-friendly: From helping roll the dough in sugar to unwrapping chocolate kisses, this is a great baking project for families.
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Perfectly portioned: Each cookie is just the right size to enjoy without guilt though it’s hard to stop at one.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Blossom Cookie
Even a simple cookie can benefit from a few pro baking tricks. Here’s how to ensure your blossom cookies come out soft, chewy, and delicious every time.
1. Use Room Temperature Butter
Creaming butter with sugar is the base of this recipe, so it’s essential your butter is soft but not melted. Room temperature butter will create the fluffy texture needed to give the cookies lift.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
After adding the flour mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing develops too much gluten and results in a tough, dry cookie.
3. Roll in Sugar for Texture
Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking gives them a sparkly, slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
4. Press in the Kiss Immediately
Once the cookies come out of the oven, gently press the chocolate kiss into the center. This helps it slightly melt into the cookie while holding its shape.
5. Let Them Set
Give your cookies time to cool completely before storing or stacking. The chocolate kiss takes time to firm up again and may be soft when warm.
Flavor Profile: What Makes These Cookies Special
While deceptively simple in appearance, each bite of a Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookie delivers an elegant blend of flavors and textures:
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Vanilla sugar cookie base: Soft, buttery, and sweet without being overly rich.
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Crisp sugar coating: Adds a delicate crunch and subtle sparkle.
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Milk chocolate kiss: Melts slightly into the warm cookie center, offering a decadent contrast to the chewy base.
This balance of sweetness and texture is what keeps people coming back for more. And while the milk chocolate kiss is the traditional topping, you can easily switch it out for dark chocolate or other flavors to suit your taste.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about blossom cookies is how adaptable they are. Here are some crowd-pleasing variations you can try:
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Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Use white chocolate peppermint kisses for a festive holiday twist.
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Dark Chocolate Blossom Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough and top with dark chocolate kisses.
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Gingerbread Blossoms: Incorporate molasses and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger into the base for a winter-themed treat.
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Red Velvet Blossoms: Add a touch of cocoa and red food coloring for a colorful Valentine’s Day variation.
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Sprinkle Roll: Instead of sugar, roll the cookie dough in colored sprinkles for a vibrant presentation.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Blossom cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
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Holiday Cookie Trays: Their perfect size and festive look make them ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s, and Easter trays.
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Gift Giving: Stack them in decorative jars or tins lined with parchment for a thoughtful homemade gift.
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After-School Snack: Serve with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
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Party Favors: Wrap in cellophane bags for party giveaways or bake sales.
To store them, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing to prevent condensation.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Every Home Baker’s Collection
It’s easy to get swept away by elaborate desserts, but sometimes, the most memorable treats are the simplest. These Soft & Chewy Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies remind us why classics never go out of style. They deliver flavor, texture, and nostalgia in one tidy, delightful package.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe uses pantry staples and requires no special equipment. It’s also easy to double or triple for parties, cookie swaps, or weekend family bakes.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a birthday, or a casual Sunday afternoon, Chocolate Kiss Blossom Cookies never fail to delight. Their crowd-pleasing charm lies in their balance of simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and fun presentation.
With just the right amount of sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center, these cookies bridge generations and bring smiles to every face. So go ahead roll up your sleeves, unwrap a few chocolate kisses, and experience the joy of baking this timeless cookie.