Easter Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that brings both color and flavor to your spring celebrations. These soft sugar cookies, rolled in vibrant sanding sugars, offer a slight crunch on the outside while remaining tender inside. Topped with a smooth chocolate candy, they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Not only are these cookies visually appealing with their pastel hues, but they also capture the essence of Easter festivities. Easy to prepare and fun to decorate, they make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or as a homemade gift to share with loved ones.
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
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Assorted colored sanding sugars
- 32 chocolate candies (e.g., Hershey’s Kisses), unwrapped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- If the dough is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in colored sanding sugar to coat.
- Place coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Press a chocolate candy into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 32 cookies
Easter Blossom Cookies: A Colorful & Delicious Springtime Treat
Easter is a time of joy, renewal, and celebration, and what better way to embrace the season than with a batch of Easter Blossom Cookies? These delightful treats combine soft and tender sugar cookies with a slight crunch from vibrant sanding sugars, all topped with a smooth chocolate candy that melts in your mouth. Their pastel colors make them a picture-perfect addition to Easter baskets, dessert tables, and holiday gifts.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, benefits, variations, and expert tips that make Easter Blossom Cookies a must-have treat for your springtime celebrations.
The History of Blossom Cookies
Blossom cookies have a longstanding tradition in American baking, originating from the classic peanut butter blossoms, which first appeared in the late 1950s. These cookies were created as an entry for the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest and quickly became a staple during the holidays. The concept of pressing a chocolate candy into a warm cookie inspired countless variations, including the Easter-themed version we know and love today.
Unlike the original peanut butter blossoms, Easter Blossom Cookies use a soft sugar cookie base instead of peanut butter, making them a nut-free option that everyone can enjoy. The use of pastel-colored sanding sugar adds a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for spring celebrations, baby showers, and Easter brunches.
Why Easter Blossom Cookies Are the Best
There are countless cookie recipes out there, but Easter Blossom Cookies stand out for several reasons:
- Visually Stunning: The bright pastel sanding sugars make these cookies eye-catching and festive.
- Perfect Balance of Textures: A slight crunch on the outside and a soft, chewy interior make for a satisfying bite.
- Chocolate Perfection: The chocolate candy on top melts slightly, creating a smooth and creamy contrast to the cookie.
- Customizable & Fun to Make: You can switch up the colors, flavors, and even the type of chocolate used.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are great for baking with kids, as they’ll love rolling the dough in sanding sugar and pressing in the chocolates.
- Ideal for Gifting: Packaged in a decorative box or bag, these cookies make beautiful homemade Easter gifts for friends and family.
Flavor Variations & Customization Ideas
While the classic vanilla sugar cookie base is always a hit, here are some ways you can customize your Easter Blossom Cookies to suit different tastes:
1. Flavor Twists:
- Lemon Blossom Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness.
- Almond Blossom Cookies: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give the cookies a subtly nutty, fragrant taste.
- Coconut Blossom Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with shredded coconut and roll the dough in toasted coconut flakes instead of sanding sugar.
- Strawberry or Raspberry Blossom Cookies: Add freeze-dried berry powder for a fruity twist and a pink hue.
2. Chocolate Variations:
- Classic Hershey’s Kisses (milk or dark chocolate) are traditional, but you can experiment with:
- White chocolate Kisses for a softer, creamier flavor.
- Caramel-filled chocolates for a gooey surprise inside.
- Mini peanut butter cups for a Reese’s-inspired version.
- Chocolate eggs to fully embrace the Easter theme.
3. Colorful & Festive Twists:
- Use a mix of pastel sanding sugars (pink, yellow, blue, green) for a rainbow effect.
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant touch.
- Sprinkle with edible glitter for an extra festive look.
Baking Tips for Perfect Blossom Cookies
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
To achieve the perfect soft and fluffy texture, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This ensures proper creaming and helps the dough mix evenly.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
3. Chill the Dough If Needed
If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
4. Roll Evenly for Uniform Baking
Using a cookie scoop ensures all cookies are the same size, leading to even baking and a consistent texture.
5. Press the Chocolate at the Right Time
Place the chocolate candy immediately after baking, while the cookies are still warm. This helps the chocolate stick while keeping its shape.
6. Let the Cookies Set Properly
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them, as this helps the chocolate set and prevents smudging.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
1. Storing at Room Temperature:
Easter Blossom Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. Freezing the Dough:
- Shape the dough into balls (before rolling in sugar) and freeze on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling in sugar and baking.
3. Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Freeze fully baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers.
- They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Easter Blossom Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:
- Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Add them to an Easter dessert platter alongside sugar cookies, chocolate eggs, and pastel-colored candies.
- Use them as edible place cards by placing them in small favor bags with name tags.
Conclusion
Easter Blossom Cookies are more than just a pretty treat—they bring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and holiday cheer. Their vibrant colors, soft centers, and rich chocolate topping make them an irresistible addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you’re baking these for a family gathering, a festive party, or as a gift, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, with endless variations, you can make them year after year and never get tired of them!