Oh my goodness, can you feel that spring spirit in the air? The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and Easter is just around the corner! That’s right, it’s time to bring out the pastel colors and celebrate with some delicious treats. One of my absolute favorites has to be these dazzling Easter Blossom Cookies! They’re like little bites of joy and have become a tradition in my home every year. Nothing says “springtime” quite like cookies adorned with a chocolatey kiss and a pop of vibrant color!
Every time I bake these cookies, I am transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom and I would whip up big batches to share with family and friends. The smell of sweet, buttery cookies wafting through the house is enough to make anyone giddy with anticipation. Plus, the best part is that they’re not just a treat for the tummy, but a feast for the eyes too! These cookies are perfect for Easter gatherings, spring parties, or just a fun baking day with the kids.
What’s in Easter Blossom Cookies?
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so special!
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Softened butter gives the cookies that rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I swear by using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: We’re using this sugar for both the cookie dough and rolling, creating that delightful sweetness and a little crunch on the outside.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of this aromatic goodness takes the flavor up a notch. Always reach for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best results.
Large Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the cookies their structure.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie recipe! It gives the cookies that satisfying chewy texture.
Baking Soda: A key leavening agent that helps our cookies rise and spread just right.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the lovely flavors.
Food Coloring: This is where the fun begins! We’re going with pink, blue, yellow, and green to create a colorful cookie collection that screams Easter!
Hershey’s Kisses: The pièce de résistance! These chocolate treats go right in the center for that melty goodness that oozes happiness. I always use Milk Chocolate Kisses, but feel free to use whatever variety you love!
Optional Colored Sprinkles: Because no cookie is complete without a little sparkle! These are great for an extra fun touch.
Is Easter Blossom Cookies Good for You?
Now, while we all know that cookies are not exactly a health food, let’s talk about the upside of indulging in these Easter Blossom Cookies.
Comfort Food: Sharing cookies often comes with warm memories, laughter, and joy. They’re perfect for creating special moments with loved ones during the holiday season.
Moderation is Key: While these cookies contain sugar and butter, enjoying them in moderation can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. Pairing them with a healthy dish during a festive meal can help satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.
Personal Touch: Baking these cookies allows you to control the ingredients, substituting with less sugar or different types of chocolate or even gluten-free flour if you wish! You can make them cater to your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– Food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green)
– 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
– Optional: colored sprinkles for decoration
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Easter Blossom Cookies?
Now, let’s get down to business and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
1. Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
3. Mix in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, adding one at a time and blending until everything’s fully embraced.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your buttery goodness, mixing until just combined.
5. Now for the fun part! Divide the dough into four equal portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Knead until the colors are uniform and bright.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and then roll each ball in the granulated sugar, coating them generously.
7. Place these sweet balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space because they love to spread out!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and calling your name.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Don’t forget to pop them back into the oven for another 2 minutes!
10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you are feeling extra festive, sprinkle with colored sprinkles while they’re still warm!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Cookies
Let’s make these cookies even more special with some tweaks! You can swap out the Hershey’s Kisses for any chocolate candy you love, or why not throw in some mini chocolate chips into the dough? For a fun twist, add a hint of almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
As for presentation, a lovely display in a bright pastel-colored basket would make them ideal gifts for family and friends this Easter.
I can’t wait for you to try out these Easter Blossom Cookies! They are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and fill your home with love and laughter. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and maybe even snap a picture of your awesome batch. Happy baking!
