Chocolate Blossom Cookies are a fun and tasty treat that combine soft chocolate cookie dough with a classic red candy in the center. These cookies are known for their signature shiny red “blossom”—often a Hershey’s Kiss—that adds a little surprise and a burst of chocolatey goodness right in the middle.
I love making these cookies because they’re super simple but always impress everyone who tries them. The mix of rich chocolate dough and the smooth candy in the center makes each bite a perfect balance of chewy and indulgent. Plus, they look so cute with that shiny red candy popping right on top!
These cookies are perfect for sharing during holidays or any time you want to brighten someone’s day. I especially enjoy packing them up as little gifts or bringing them to gatherings because they always disappear fast. One tip I have is to press the candy into the cookie right after baking so it melts slightly and sticks perfectly without cracking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but the texture may be slightly different.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar gives a bit of chewiness. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for rich chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, milder taste.
Chocolate Kisses: Classic Hershey’s Kisses give the signature look and melt perfectly. If unavailable, small chocolate candies or drops work well.
Powdered sugar & drizzle: These add sweetness and a nice finish. Melted chocolate for drizzle can be dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
How Do I Keep the Cookies Soft and Get the Perfect Kiss Placement?
Soft cookies are all about timing and handling:
- Don’t overbake: Bake until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft — about 8-10 minutes.
- Press kisses in hot: Take cookies out right away and gently press a chocolate kiss into the center. The warmth softens the candy slightly so it sticks without cracking.
- Let cool on tray: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving. This helps the cookie set around the chocolate and prevents breaking.
- Drizzle carefully: Use a small piping bag or spoon for the chocolate drizzle. Thin lines make the blossom effect look neat and pretty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl for creaming the butter and sugars; it’s easy to mix everything without spills.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes creaming and mixing the dough quick and smooth.
- Baking sheets – a sturdy, flat surface to bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly and keeps them crisp on the outside.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps form uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
- Melting bowl or microwave-safe dish – for melting chocolate neatly.
- Piping bag or spoon – for drizzling melted chocolate in a pretty blossom pattern.
- Wax paper or silicone mat – optional, for setting the drizzle if needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Instead of chocolate kisses, try peanut butter cups or caramel candies for a fun twist with extra flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for crunch and texture.
- Mix in a handful of mini marshmallows or dried fruit for a sweeter, fruity variation.
- Use white or milk chocolate chips instead of melted chocolate for the drizzle, or skip the drizzle for a simpler look.
Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 36 chocolate kisses (such as Hershey’s Kisses)
- Melted chocolate or chocolate chips, for drizzling
- Small red candied pieces or sprinkles, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling and decorating, so plan for around 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and keeps cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined.
3. Shape and Bake:
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
4. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
Remove the baking sheets from the oven, and while the cookies are still hot, gently press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. This lets the chocolate soften slightly and stick to the cookie.
5. Cool and Decorate:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar.
Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookie in petal-like lines radiating from the kiss to create a beautiful blossom effect. For a pop of color, add small red candied pieces or sprinkles on top of the kiss if desired.
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set before serving.
Store your Chocolate Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy sharing these sweet, chocolaty blossoms with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming to achieve the right texture in the dough. If using frozen butter, thaw it fully at room temperature and make sure it’s soft but not melted before starting.
Can I Substitute Chocolate Kisses with Another Candy?
Absolutely! You can use peanut butter cups, caramel candies, or mini chocolate bars. Just press them into the cookies while they’re hot for the best melt and hold.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before rolling and baking for even cooking.