Easter Blossom Cookies: The Ultimate Spring Treat
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both festive and easy to make, Easter Blossom Cookies are the perfect choice. These delightful cookies are soft, buttery, and rolled in pastel-colored sanding sugar, making them a visual and flavorful representation of spring. Topped with a creamy Hershey’s Kiss, they’re sure to be the star of your Easter dessert table. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Easter Blossom Cookies, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for storing and serving. Let’s dive in!
Why Easter Blossom Cookies Are a Must-Try
Easter Blossom Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season. Here’s why they’re a must-have for your Easter festivities:
- Festive and Fun: The pastel sanding sugar gives these cookies a cheerful, spring-like appearance that’s perfect for Easter.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
- Versatile: You can customize the colors of the sanding sugar or experiment with different types of chocolate kisses to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery sugar cookies and creamy chocolate is a hit with both kids and adults.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, Easter Blossom Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season.
Ingredients for Easter Blossom Cookies
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Most of these items are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!
- ½ cup butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- 2 cups flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly.
- ½ tsp salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 TBSP milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough, making it easier to work with.
- Pastel sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green, blue): Sanding sugar gives the cookies their festive, colorful appearance.
- 24 Hershey Hugs Kisses: The chocolate kisses are the star of the show, adding a creamy, melty center to each cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easter Blossom Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these delightful cookies. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies tender and soft.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat the mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can make the cookies dense.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and milk to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash more milk.
Step 5: Form the Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each ball between your palms to make them smooth and round.
Step 6: Roll in Sanding Sugar
Pour the pastel sanding sugars into small bowls. Roll each dough ball in the sanding sugar until it’s fully coated. You can use one color for all the cookies or mix and match for a vibrant assortment.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Kisses
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey Hugs Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookies will soften the chocolate slightly, making it easy to press in. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The History and Significance of Easter Blossom Cookies
Easter Blossom Cookies are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a symbol of spring and renewal. These cookies, with their pastel-colored sanding sugar and chocolate kiss centers, are a modern twist on traditional blossom cookies, which have been a beloved dessert for decades. The original blossom cookie, often referred to as a “peanut butter blossom,” gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a staple in many households during the holiday season. The Easter version, however, takes this classic recipe and infuses it with the vibrant colors and flavors of spring.
The pastel colors of the sanding sugar used in Easter Blossom Cookies are reminiscent of Easter eggs, which have long been a symbol of new life and rebirth. In many cultures, eggs are dyed and decorated during Easter to represent the arrival of spring and the resurrection of Christ. Similarly, the chocolate kiss at the center of each cookie can be seen as a sweet surprise, much like the joy and excitement that comes with the Easter season. By combining these elements, Easter Blossom Cookies capture the essence of the holiday in a single bite.
Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and traditions. For example, some bakers might choose to use white chocolate kisses or even caramel-filled chocolates for a unique twist. Others might experiment with different colors of sanding sugar to match their Easter décor or theme. This adaptability is part of what makes Easter Blossom Cookies so special—they can be personalized to reflect the individuality of the baker and their family.
In addition to their symbolic significance, Easter Blossom Cookies are also a fun and easy way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. From rolling the dough balls in colorful sugar to pressing the chocolate kisses into the warm cookies, there’s a task for everyone, no matter their age or skill level. This makes them a perfect activity for Easter gatherings, where the joy of baking can be shared and enjoyed by all.
Tips for Perfect Easter Blossom Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to underbake them slightly than to overbake.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to use any pastel colors you like for the sanding sugar. You can even mix colors for a marbled effect.
- Try Different Chocolates: While Hershey Hugs Kisses are traditional, you can also use other types of chocolate kisses or even mini peanut butter cups for a fun twist.
Storing and Serving Easter Blossom Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here are some tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These cookies are perfect for Easter brunch, dessert tables, or even as edible gifts. Package them in a cute box or tin, and they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Nutritional Information
For those who are curious about the nutritional content of these cookies, here’s a breakdown per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 130kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 109mg
- Sugar: 11g
While these cookies are a treat, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Easter Blossom Cookies: The Ultimate Spring Treat
Easter Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the joy of spring and Easter celebrations. These soft, buttery sugar cookies are rolled in pastel-colored sanding sugar, baked to perfection, and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a sweet, chocolatey finish. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and sure to be a hit with family and friends!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 TBSP milk
- Pastel sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green, blue)
- 24 Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Pour the pastel sanding sugars into small bowls and set aside.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until just combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, salt, and milk until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Roll each ball in the pastel sanding sugar until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. (Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.)
- If needed, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
5. Add the Chocolate Kiss:
- Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
6. Serve & Store:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use a variety of pastel sanding sugar colors to make the cookies visually appealing.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be just set to keep them soft and chewy.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
Nutrition
- Calories: 130kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 109mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Final Thoughts
Easter Blossom Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of spring, family, and tradition. With their buttery texture, pastel colors, and creamy chocolate center, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, they’re a delightful way to welcome the season.