Christmas Blossom Cookies Easy

These festive Christmas Blossom Cookies transform any holiday gathering with their elegant appearance and melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture. Featuring a shortbread base topped with a classic Hershey's Kiss, this holiday cookie recipe is the ultimate crowd pleaser. With only 15 minutes of prep time and ready in under an hour, Christmas Blossom Cookies are the perfect last minute homemade treat for entertaining or gifting during the holiday season.

I first made these Christmas Blossom Cookies during a neighborhood cookie exchange when searching for a recipe that looked elegant but was quick to prepare. The delicate texture of the shortbread paired with the warm chocolate center won everyone over—it's now my most requested holiday cookie and the recipe I count on for special occasions. Over five years, I've perfected the timing and learned that having the Hershey's Kisses ready to press in while cookies are still hot gives that classic, glossy finish every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Unsalted butter at room temperature: Quality butter is essential since it forms the main flavor of these cookies. Use pure, unsalted butter for the richest and cleanest taste. Let it come to true room temperature so it creams properly and creates a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Just the right amount provides sweetness without overpowering the buttery shortbread. Use standard white sugar for classic texture, but superfine can be swapped for an ultra-melt-in-your-mouth result.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect, delicate crumb these blossom cookies are known for. Measure flour by spoon and level for accuracy, and sift if you want extra-light cookies. Gluten-free blends can be substituted cup for cup if needed.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla deepens the flavor profile and brings out the richness of the butter. Almond or peppermint extract can offer a creative twist.
• Hershey's Kisses candies, unwrapped: The star of the show—choose milk chocolate classic Kisses, but try filled or flavored versions if you want to mix things up. Unwrap and have them ready before baking for smooth assembly.

How to Make Christmas Blossom Cookies

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and helps the cookie bases stay pale and delicate as they bake. Proper prep also ensures easy cleanup and prevents bottoms from browning too quickly.

Cream the Butter:

Beat the room temperature butter using a hand or stand mixer on medium for a full 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, creamy, and aerated. Scrape the bowl frequently to mix evenly—this is crucial for creating the airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the final cookie.

Add Sugar and Continue Creaming:

Add granulated sugar and beat an additional 5 to 7 minutes. The mixture should become almost white and very fluffy, increasing in volume as more air is incorporated. This extended creaming is the secret to achieving that delicate, tender bite.

Incorporate Vanilla:

Blend in the vanilla extract just until combined. It infuses the dough with a warm note that enhances the richness of the butter without overpowering the other flavors.

Add Flour:

Add all-purpose flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, as this will develop gluten and toughen the cookies. The result should be a soft dough that holds together and feels smooth to the touch.

Bake to Perfection:

Scoop or roll dough into evenly sized balls, place on prepared sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for cookies that are slightly puffed with edges just set and only the faintest golden color on the bottom. Overbaking will create dry, hard cookies—err on the side of pale.

Add the Hershey's Kisses:

Right after removing cookies from the oven, press one Kiss gently into the center of each while still hot. The chocolate will soften, securing itself perfectly as it cools to a glossy finish.

Cool Properly:

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool undisturbed until kisses harden again. This finishes setting the chocolate and preserves the signature shape and sheen.

Prepare Decorative Drizzle:

Melt candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls, starting with 1 minute on high. Stir well, then continue microwaving in 15-second bursts until smooth and pourable. Stir thoroughly to ensure each color is completely melted before use.

Add Festive Finishing Touches:

Spoon or pipe the melted candy over cooled cookies in decorative drizzles. Add holiday sprinkles immediately before the drizzle sets for a festive, professional look with very little effort.

Allow Decorations to Set:

Leave cookies undisturbed until the drizzled candy hardens completely. This step prevents smudges in storage and ensures the cookies keep their beautiful presentation.

These Christmas Blossom Cookies have become the centerpiece of my family's holiday dessert table. I discovered that letting the cookies rest for a day actually enhances their flavor, with the vanilla and buttery notes deepening over time. As a bonus, decorating with my kids has become a fun, messy, and memory-filled family tradition every December.

Smart Swaps and Variations

You can tailor Christmas Blossom Cookies for any occasion by switching up both flavors and decorations. Try almond or peppermint extract in place of vanilla for a sophisticated twist, or add cinnamon to the dough for a cozy holiday spice. Rolling cookie dough balls in colored sugar before baking creates extra sparkle, and experimenting with different chocolate centers—from caramel-filled to peanut butter cups—lets you customize for everyone's favorite flavors or dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Blossom Cookies

Store Christmas Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week—simply separate layers with parchment paper to protect the chocolate tops. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to airtight containers, again using parchment between layers; this prevents smudging or breakage and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Christmas Blossom Cookies

Pair Christmas Blossom Cookies with classic holiday beverages like peppermint cocoa or spiced eggnog, which complement both chocolate and buttery flavors. On dessert trays, contrast them with chewy gingerbread, traditional peanut butter blossoms, or fruit shortbreads for a pleasing variety. For elegant entertaining, arrange on tiered platters with chocolate dipped strawberries or offer with coffee and tea for a cozy afternoon treat during holiday gatherings.

Nutritional Benefits

While Christmas Blossom Cookies are a sweet treat, baking them at home offers several advantages over store bought versions. Using real butter instead of hydrogenated oils creates a cleaner flavor and better texture, and you can choose to use organic flour or sugar for a wholesome upgrade. With portion controlled sizes and a lower sugar content compared to many bakery cookies, they fit easily into mindful holiday celebrations and special diets when needed.

Recipe Success Tips

Even easy shortbread cookies can present a few challenges, but troubleshooting is simple. If your cookies spread too much, make sure the dough is slightly chilled and your butter is not overly soft. If kisses tilt or slide, press them firmly into hot cookies and let cool completely to lock them in place. Dry, crumbly cookies typically result from overbaking or overmixing, so watch those baking times closely and handle dough gently for the most tender result.

These Christmas Blossom Cookies are a guaranteed way to impress at any holiday gathering with minimal effort. Embrace their buttery texture and festive flair for your next celebration, and enjoy creating sweet seasonal memories in your own kitchen.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of chocolate works best for the center?

Classic Hershey’s Kisses are most commonly used, but you can substitute other chocolate candies according to your preference for different flavors or colors.

→ How do I keep the cookies soft and tender?

Beating the butter and sugar well creates a light, fluffy dough. Avoid overbaking and remove the cookies when the edges are just set to keep them soft.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Baked cookies last several days in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ What decorations can I add for extra festivity?

After drizzling with melted candy, add colored sprinkles or nonpareils. You can match them to Christmas, Valentine’s, or any themed occasion.

→ Do the chocolate centers melt after baking?

The chocolate will soften from the heat but will firm up again as the cookies cool completely on a rack. Handle with care until set.