Introduction

Chocolate Blossoms are soft, chocolatey cookies topped with melty caramel centers, creating a perfect balance of rich and sweet flavors. These delightful treats are easy to make and sure to impress friends and family.

The image shows a close-up of a single chocolate cookie with a rough, cracked dark brown base. In the center of the cookie is a smooth, shiny light brown dollop of chocolate with a pointed top, resembling a chocolate kiss. Scattered flakes of white sea salt sit on the cookie’s surface, adding texture contrast, and the cookie sits on a white marbled textured background. The focus is sharp on the cookie in the foreground, with other cookies blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Dutch Process Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (plus additional for coating of cookies)
1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
1 Large Egg
2 tbsp Milk (1%, 2%, or Fat-free)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
10 oz bag of Hershey Caramel Kisses
Sea Salt Flakes (optional)
Salted Caramel Sugar (optional)
Dark Cocoa Sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and Dutch process baking cocoa. Set aside.
Step 2: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed and mix until combined.
Step 4: Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add the dry ingredients until the dough is fully blended. The dough will be thick.
Step 5: Tightly cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 6: When ready, preheat your oven to 375ºF and position the oven rack on the second level from the bottom. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 7: Scoop out small portions of dough and shape each into 1-inch balls.
Step 8: Roll each ball in granulated sugar or your choice of flavored sugars. Place them on the cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.
Step 9: Bake for 6-8 minutes at 375ºF. Meanwhile, unwrap the Hershey Caramel Kisses you’ll need.
Step 10: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a caramel kiss on top of each cookie, gently pressing down to spread the cookie slightly. The surface should crack, which is normal. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 12: Store the cookies in an airtight container or cookie jar with a slice of bread to maintain softness for up to a week.

Tips & Variations

Substitute flavored sugars like salted caramel or dark cocoa sugar for rolling to add an extra twist to your cookies.
Chilling the dough overnight deepens the flavors and helps the cookies keep their shape.
If you prefer, you can swap Hershey Caramel Kisses with other flavored chocolate kisses for variety.
For softer cookies, avoid baking longer than recommended; the caramel will continue melting on warm cookies.

Storage

Store chocolate blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread helps keep the cookies moist. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you want the caramel soft and melty again.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark brown chocolate cookie with a cracked and rough texture, topped in the center with a single shiny, smooth, light brown chocolate kiss-shaped piece. The cookie has small white flakes sprinkled on it, likely sea salt, adding a contrast in color. The cookie sits on a baking mat with a tan grid pattern, with a blurred second cookie visible in the background. The lighting highlights the shine on the chocolate kiss and the texture of the cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the dough overnight not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors.

What if I don’t have Hershey Caramel Kisses?

You can use any individually wrapped caramel chocolates or skip the caramel center altogether and sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking.