Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

If you’re looking for a cookie that will steal the show this holiday season, let me introduce you to Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! These delightful treats are soft, chocolatey, and topped with a sweet Hershey Caramel Kiss. They bring joy to any gathering or busy weeknight dessert. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to make everyone smile (and maybe even ask for seconds!).

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You can chill the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready. Plus, they fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that will have everyone wandering in to see what’s baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate and caramel! These cookies are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight for quick baking on busy days or festive occasions.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa and sweet caramel creates a flavor experience you won’t forget.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and bring them to your next gathering; they’ll be the highlight of the dessert table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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)
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk (1%, 2%, or Fat-free)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For Topping

• 10 oz bag of Hershey Caramel Kisses
• Sea Salt Flakes (optional)
• Salted Caramel Sugar (optional)
• Dark Cocoa Sugar (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Switch Up the Topping: Try using chocolate chips instead of Hershey Kisses for a different twist.
• Experiment with Flavors: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Them Chewy: Add an extra egg yolk for chewier cookies that are still soft in the middle.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and Dutch process baking cocoa. This step is important as it ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining them with the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures they blend smoothly into your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in the whisked dry mixture until it’s completely blended. The dough will be thick at this point—don’t worry; that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Tightly wrap the top of your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling helps develop flavor and makes it easier to handle when shaping.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

After chilling your dough, adjust your oven rack to just above center position and preheat your oven to 375ºF. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so your cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of cookie dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. This size is perfect for making bite-sized treats that everyone will love!

Step 8: Roll in Sugar

Roll each ball in granulated sugar (or flavored sugar if you’re feeling adventurous) before placing them on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top—this adds an exciting contrast between sweet and salty.

Step 9: Bake!

Bake for 6-8 minutes at 375ºF. While they bake, unwrap enough Hershey Caramel Kisses so they’re ready when your cookies come out.

Step 10: Top with Kisses

Once baked, remove them from the oven. As you place a Hershey Caramel Kiss on top of each cookie, press down gently—it helps spread out those delicious cracks we want! Then return them to bake for another 2 minutes.

Step 11: Cool Down

Allow your cookies to cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This helps maintain their structure while cooling completely.

Step 12: Storage

Keep these delightful cookies stored in an airtight container or cookie jar with a slice of bread for up to a week—if they last that long!

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delicious Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Baking these delicious cookies is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can make them even better!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. This prevents them from spreading too much and ensures that you’ll have those lovely, soft centers.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and cocoa are fresh. Expired ingredients can affect the rise and flavor of your cookies, leading to disappointing results.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while slightly underbaked ones will provide that soft, chewy texture we all love!

• Experiment with Sugars: While granulated sugar is great, consider rolling your cookie balls in flavored sugars like dark cocoa sugar or salted caramel sugar for an extra layer of flavor that complements the caramel kisses beautifully.

• Store Wisely: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping those cookies soft and delightful!

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms not only taste amazing but also look adorable on any dessert platter! Here are some creative ways to present these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before serving enhances the sweet and salty flavor profile of the cookies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies can add a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness to your dessert table, balancing out the rich flavors of the cookies with its natural sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.
• Coffee or Tea: These cookies also pair perfectly with a nice cup of coffee or herbal tea, making for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert option.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Chocolate Caramel Blossoms—they’re sure to become a favorite treat for friends and family alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time to save you some stress during the busy holiday season. You can whip up a batch in advance, store them properly, and enjoy fresh cookies whenever you’re ready!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain moisture.
• Enjoy within one week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between cookies if desired.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For extra gooeyness, you can add a fresh Hershey Caramel Kiss on top while reheating!

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common ones about Chocolate Caramel Blossoms!

Can I use different types of chocolate for Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?

Absolutely! While Hershey Caramel Kisses are delightful, you can experiment with other chocolate varieties or even caramel-filled chocolates for a unique twist.

How do I prevent my Chocolate Caramel Blossoms from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key! Make sure to chill it for at least an hour so that the butter firms up, which helps keep the shape while baking.

What is the best way to store Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread for freshness. They stay deliciously soft that way!

Can I make Chocolate Caramel Blossoms gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweet memories into your kitchen! These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays or any special occasion. Enjoy making these delightful treats; I can’t wait for you to experience their gooey richness. Happy baking!