Amid the joyful chaos of Easter egg hunts and family gatherings, a batch of colorful Easter Blossom Cookies emerges as the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This whimsical treat, built on a soft and chewy sugar cookie base and topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss, captures the essence of springtime celebrations. One of the best perks? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them not just delicious but also a quick baking solution for those warming afternoons. The vibrant hues and playful presentation will surely enchant both kids and adults, turning any dessert table into a festive masterpiece. Want to impress your loved ones this holiday season? Let’s dive into creating these delightful cookies together!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?
Quick to make: You can whip up these Easter Blossom Cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for those spontaneous celebrations!
Colorful & fun: The vibrant sanding sugar adds a festive touch, delighting guests of all ages.
Versatile decoration: Top with different candies or customize colors to match different holidays!
Soft & Chewy texture: Each cookie boasts a delightful contrast with the melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: These cookies are sure to be a hit at family gatherings—just like my Apple Snickerdoodles Cozy!
Embrace the joy of baking this Easter with these delightful, easy-to-make treats!
Easter Blossom Cookie Ingredients
• Bring flavor and color to your baking with these key ingredients!
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free 1:1 flour for a gluten-free option.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise; essential for that fluffy texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; feel free to use kosher or table salt interchangeably.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and texture; can be substituted with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness; can replace with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free treat.
- Large egg – Binds ingredients; swap with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; no substitutes for a similar impact.
- Milk – Softens dough; use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
For the Decoration
- Colored sanding sugar – Creates a festive look; use sprinkles or make your own by colorizing granulated sugar.
- Hershey’s Kisses – The centerpiece candy for cookies; swap with chocolate chips or mini chocolate bars as a fun twist.
These Easter Blossom Cookies are not only delightful to bake but also a treat sure to brighten up your holiday celebrations!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easter Blossom Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Setting up your space will make the baking process smoother, ensuring everything is within reach for your colorful Easter Blossom Cookies.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully and maintain flavor. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The color should lighten significantly, indicating that air has been incorporated. Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. This prevents the flour from puffing up into the air. Once incorporated, you’ll start to see a dough forming, but don’t overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine as long as it’s combined.
Step 5: Add Milk to Soften Dough
Now, gently stream in 2-4 tablespoons of milk as you mix the dough on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. This step is key to achieving the chewy texture of your Easter Blossom Cookies, so adjust the milk as needed until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 6: Shape and Coat with Sugar
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball, about an inch in diameter. Roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar until fully coated, adding that festive flair. This not only adds sweetness but also a beautiful crunch and visual appeal.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial as the cookies will spread slightly during baking. Make sure they’re not too close together to prevent them from merging into one another.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed, and the edges are just set but not browned. Keep an eye on them; they should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to cook slightly when removed from the oven.
Step 9: Press in Hershey’s Kisses
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool for about 2 minutes on the baking sheet. While they’re still warm and soft, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This creates a beautiful focal point and adds an irresistible melty chocolate touch.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This will ensure the cookies set properly and the chocolate kisses remain perfectly gooey. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as your wonderful Easter Blossom Cookies come to life!
What to Serve with Colorful Easter Blossom Cookies?
Looking to elevate your dessert table this Easter? These delightful cookies can be paired with various treats that complement their sweet and vibrant nature.
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Fluffy Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture balances the chewy cookies and offers a delightful contrast in temperature. Scoop it generously for a heavenly experience!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melons, and citrus brings a refreshing zest to the table, perfectly cutting through the sweetness of the cookies. The bright colors also mirror your festive treats!
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Whipped Cream Topping: A light and airy addition that enhances the cookies’ flavor without overpowering them. A dollop on top creates an inviting presentation.
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Chocolate Milk: Complement the Hershey’s Kiss with a classic pairing of chocolate milk for a nostalgic twist. This creamy drink is sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
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Lemonade Stand: A pitcher of fresh lemonade adds a zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness, creating a refreshing sip for your guests.
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Easter-themed Cupcakes: Serve these colorful cookies alongside whimsical cupcakes adorned with spring decorations to create a cohesive, festive dessert spread that appeals to all ages.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm mug of coffee or herbal tea serves as the perfect counterbalance, enhancing the cookie experience while offering an adult twist to the treats.
Add these delightful accompaniments to your gathering, and watch the joy grow around your beautifully set dessert table!
How to Store and Freeze Easter Blossom Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until just warm. This will help restore their delicious texture!
Easter Blossom Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Easter Blossom Cookies with these fun and flavorful tweaks to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and use coconut oil in place of butter.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the milk for almond or oat milk and use margarine for a creamy, dairy-free cookie experience.
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Colorful Themes: Change up the sanding sugar colors to match different holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pink and white for Valentine’s Day.
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Chocolate Twist: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, top your cookies with Reese’s Pieces or M&Ms for a fun, colorful variation that kids will love.
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Nutty Texture: Stir in some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips directly into the cookie dough for added flavor and crunch.
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Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the batter, bringing unique notes to your cookies.
These variations not only keep baking exciting but also help you cater to different dietary preferences! If you’re looking for more colorful treats, consider trying out my cheerful Apple Snickerdoodles Cozy for delightful flavor and fun!
Make Ahead Options
These Easter Blossom Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix and shape the dough balls, roll them in colored sanding sugar, and then refrigerate them until ready to bake. To maintain their delightful texture, tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake as directed, adding the Hershey’s Kisses right after removing them from the oven. This way, you’ll have fresh, soft cookies in no time, making your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Expert Tips for Easter Blossom Cookies
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Perfect Baking Time: Bake only until edges are set—dough should look slightly underbaked to maintain softness. Overbaking leads to dry cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft and sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes. This helps shape perfect balls and prevents spreading during baking.
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Sanding Sugar Substitutes: If you can’t find colored sanding sugar, use regular granulated sugar mixed with food coloring. It works just as well!
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Hershey’s Kiss Technique: Unwrap all Hershey’s Kisses before baking to streamline the process, ensuring you can immediately press them into the warm cookies.
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Storage Matters: Store Easter Blossom Cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them to preserve freshness and flavor.
Easter Blossom Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the best results?
For the soft and chewy texture of Easter Blossom Cookies, all-purpose flour is recommended. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, I suggest substituting with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, which works wonderfully without compromising the taste.
How long can I store these cookies, and how should I keep them?
You can store your Easter Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their freshness, place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, just ensuring to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Easter Blossom Cookies for later?
Absolutely! For freezing, first arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice your cookies spreading excessively, it’s often due to the dough being too warm or not tightly formed. Ensure that you roll the dough balls tightly and don’t flatten them before baking. Furthermore, chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes can help them hold shape better while they bake.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
While Easter Blossom Cookies are delightful, they do contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you need a vegan option, simply use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and substitute coconut oil for butter. Always check the packaging of your ingredients to ensure they’re safe for any specific allergies.
What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses for the topping?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use different types of chocolate candies like Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or even chocolate chips on top of your Easter Blossom Cookies. This not only adds variety but also offers a fun twist to the classic recipe!
Delicious Easter Blossom Cookies That Brighten Your Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Add milk while mixing until dough is soft but not sticky.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in colored sanding sugar.
- Place sugar-coated balls on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until puffed; allow to cool for 2 minutes.
- Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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