Oh, how I love Easter! It’s that delightful time of year when pastel colors fill our homes, and sweet treats are in abundance. One of my absolute favorite recipes that I look forward to making every year is these delightful Easter Blossom Cookies. They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re the perfect combination of soft, buttery goodness topped with a chocolatey kiss that just melts in your mouth!
I remember the first time I made these cookies; it was an impromptu baking session with my niece. We ended up with more flour on our faces than in the bowl — but you know what? The laughter, the sprinkles of food coloring everywhere, and the smells wafting through the house created a memory I cherish. Plus, when I handed her the first cookie to try, her eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. It truly was a magical moment, and that’s what Easter Blossom Cookies are all about — joy, celebration, and a sprinkle of sweetness.
What’s in Easter Blossom Cookies?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these cookies so special!
Unsalted Butter: A must for any cookie recipe. It gives the cookies a rich flavor. I always opt for high-quality butter; it really does make a difference!
Granulated Sugar: This is our sweetener! It adds sweetness and helps create that lovely crispy edge.
Powdered Sugar: This is the secret to that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It creates a nice contrast with the crunchy exterior.
Large Egg: Binding everything together, it helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives them a soft, tender interior.
Vanilla Extract: Who doesn’t love the rich, warm flavor of vanilla? It’s the classic flavor that complements the buttery goodness.
Almond Extract: A dash of this goes a long way! It adds a unique flavor that elevates the cookies to another level.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie! I always sift mine just to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise a bit while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Food Coloring: Because who wants boring cookies? A splash of pastel colors makes everything festive and fun!
Hershey’s Kisses: The star of the show! Those chocolatey delights on top of the cookies are what make these treats a true Easter treat.
Is Easter Blossom Cookies Good for You?
Now, I’d be lying if I said these cookies were the healthiest option out there. But hey, we all deserve a little indulgence now and then, right?
Butter: While it adds delicious flavor, it’s also high in saturated fat. Just remember, moderation is key. Plus, the joy these cookies spread? Priceless!
Sugars: There’s a double dose here with both granulated and powdered sugar. They do pack a calorie punch, but every bite of sweetness might just make your day brighter!
Flour: The all-purpose flour is a source of carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost. But if you’re after a health-conscious twist, consider substituting some or all of the flour with a whole wheat variety for extra fiber.
So while these cookies aren’t winning any health awards, they bring a lot of joy and sweetness to your celebrations!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Food coloring (various pastel colors)
– 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses candies (or similar chocolate candies)
Yields: About 24 delicious cookies
How to Make Easter Blossom Cookies?
Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This might take a couple of minutes; your arm might get a bit of a workout!
3. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything’s well combined. Feel free to dance a little while you mix; it makes baking more fun!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want these to be tender!
5. Now it’s time for the fun part! Divide the cookie dough into three portions. Add food coloring to each portion to create your desired pastel colors (think blue, pink, green, or anything that screams spring!), and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. Get your hands in there!
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. They will spread slightly while baking, so leave some room.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the middle!
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. This is where the magic happens!
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (If you can resist, that is!)
10. Enjoy your scrumptious Easter Blossom Cookies! Share them with family and friends, or enjoy them all by yourself – no judgement here!
Sweet Tips for Easter Blossom Cookies
– Don’t be afraid to get creative with the colors! Mix and match to create a rainbow of cookie blossoms.
– To make these cookies a bit more festive, consider adding sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking.
– If you want to mix things up a bit in the flavor department, try using different flavored candies on top, like peanut butter or caramel kisses.
So, what do you say? Give these Easter Blossom Cookies a try! I promise they’ll become a beloved part of your Easter traditions just like they are for me. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
