Okay, friends, gather ’round! How much I love Peppermint cookies? What are chocolate blossom cookies? Is magic true? I remember the first time I made these – my kitchen smelled like a candy cane factory exploded in the middle of the night. How do I do it the best way possible? What are Peanut Butter blossoms like? What is a chocolate-peppermint twist that’s just utter What do you think of peppermint cookies with a vibrant kiss in the center? What is refreshing to read What are some of your favorite holiday baking recipes?
What is Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies?
Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies are essentially a chocolate cookie (a really good one, I must admit). ), topped with a peppermint candy kiss. What is a festive makeover for the traditional blossom cookie? We’re talking soft, chewy chocolate base, infused with a hint of peppermint, and then crowned with chocolate. Hershey’s Kiss. The name comes from how the candy “blossoms” on top of the cookie during baking. What is Christmas in cookie form? What are some of the best cookies to Make for a holiday cookie exchange? What is a good night in with Hot Cocoa?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore these Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies. First and foremost, the flavor! The rich, dark chocolate paired with the cool, refreshing peppermint is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s like a decadent hot chocolate with a candy cane stirred in – pure comfort. And honestly, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. Don’t let the “blossom” name intimidate you; the recipe is straightforward and forgiving. What I love most about this is how budget-friendly the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! And because these cookies are so festive and eye-catching, they’re perfect for gifting. I usually make a big batch and package them in cute little boxes for my neighbors and friends.
What’s more, these are way easier than gingerbread men and taste better than a lot of other holiday decorations. What are some ways to make peppermint flavor stronger? What are some extra decadent recipes that add peppermint extract? What are some ways to top a cookie with melted white chocolate? My kids go crazy for these, and they’re always gone in a flash. Is baking cookies a holiday tradition in my family? I can’t wait to share the joy with you.
How do I make Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies? How do you make chocolate dough? Roll it into balls and bake it until golden brown. Is it safe to kiss peppermint in the center of a cookie while it’s still warm? The warmth of the cookie helps the kiss adhere beautifully. The whole process is pretty quick and straightforward. I’m not a seasoned baker, but I can nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Make sure the butter is truly soft, not melted, for the best cookie texture. I usually take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie.
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. I always pack my brown sugar tightly when measuring.
* 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation.
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. How do I use pure vanilla extract for best taste?
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: For that signature peppermint flavor! Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering. You can adjust this to your liking, but I find 1/2 teaspoon to be the perfect amount.
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Measure it accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor. I prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a darker, richer color and flavor.
* 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Topping:
* About 36 Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses, unwrapped: The star of the show! How do you unwrap cookies before baking so they’re ready to go when they come out of the oven?
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). How do you line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat? How do I clean cookies? If you want to skip this step, you have to! I always double check that my oven is properly preheated before I start baking – it makes a huge mess! What is the difference in the final result?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake evenly. I always give it a good whisk to get rid of any lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. How do I use a stand mixer? I usually mix it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s nice and creamy. Then, beat in the egg, Vanilla Extract, and peppermint extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible and then finish mixing it by hand. It’s really important!.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. How do I make cookies the same size? I find that this helps them bake evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. If you remove cookies from the oven, don’t let them cool. The cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet if they are not touching the pan. I always keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary.
Step 7: Add the Kisses
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a peppermint kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will help the kisses adhere to the dough. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the cookies to crack.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. When they’re completely cool, they’re ready to enjoy!
Step 9: Enjoy!
What are the best fresh fruits to eat? To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
What do you serve it with?
Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. What are the different ways
For a Christmas Brunch:What are some of the Best Christmas Cookies? Serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit, scrumptious quiche, and festive mimosa bar. What is the most memorable
As a Dessert:What are some of the best cookies to serve during the holidays? Serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for an extra special treat.
For Cozy Snacks:On a chilly winter evening, there’s nothing better than curling up with hot chocolate. What are some of these cookies? They’re also great for movie nights or game nights.
In my family, we always serve these with a big glass of milk on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition that my kids look forward to every year. They’re also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea. Honestly, these cookies are so good that they can be enjoyed any time of day, any day of the year!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies
How do you take Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies to the next level? What are some of the Best Tips and tricks that I have learned over the years?
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted. If the butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much during baking. I usually take my butter out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If chilling, you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Even Baking: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that the cookies are all the same size. This will help them bake evenly. I also recommend rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Peppermint Extract: Be careful not to add too much peppermint extract, as it can be overpowering. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Peppermint Kisses: Unwrap the kisses ahead of time so you are ready to press them into the cookies immediately when they come out of the oven.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling into balls and baking.
Add Chocolate Chips: For even more chocolate flavor, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. I prefer using dark chocolate chips, but you can use any kind you like.
Rolling in Sugar: Roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking for a slightly crispy exterior.
These are tips I’ve learned after MANY batches! Trust me on these.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make sure your Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies stay fresh and delicious?
Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to wait until after they’ve thawed to add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.
In my experience, the key to keeping these cookies fresh is to store them properly. I always make sure to use an airtight container and to store them in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent them from drying out or becoming stale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, friends, that’s it! I hope you give these Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies a try. They’re seriously one of my all-time favorite holiday treats, and I know you’ll love them too. They’re so festive, so delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for more festive cookie recipes, be sure to check out my other holiday baking posts. And if you try these cookies, please let me know how they turn out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your own variations. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking!
Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened unsalted
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 48 pieces Hershey's Kisses Peppermint flavored
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Immediately press a peppermint Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
