Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines rich chocolatey goodness with a delightful caramel surprise, then these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are just what you need! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my kitchen, especially during the holidays. They are soft, scrumptious cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a sweet Hershey Caramel Kiss. Trust me; once you taste one, you’ll be hooked!

These cookies are not only perfect for festive gatherings but also make a lovely treat for busy weeknights when you want something sweet to brighten your day. Gather your loved ones and whip up a batch of these beauties; they are bound to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate and caramel! These cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready for a warm treat.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings—add sea salt or flavored sugars for an extra touch!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolatey goodness with caramel creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

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 the Topping

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

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the creamy caramel.
• Use Different Chocolates: Swap out the Hershey Caramel Kisses for any chocolate candy you love—try peanut butter cups or milk chocolate kisses!
• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract during mixing for a festive twist during the holidays.
• Stuffed Cookies: Create stuffed versions by placing two small balls of dough around a whole caramel instead of using kisses.

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 that 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 your mixture, which makes your cookies tender and delicious.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as necessary to ensure everything is well mixed. These ingredients help bind everything together while adding moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in the whisked dry mixture until completely blended. The dough will be on the thicker side—it’s okay if it feels slightly sticky!

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Tightly wrap your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least an hour or overnight. Chilling helps solidify the fats in the dough so they won’t spread too much when baking.

Step 6: Preheat Your 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 mats to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Form Cookie Balls

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take small amounts of cookie dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. It’s important to roll them evenly so they bake uniformly.

Step 8: Roll in Sugar

Roll each ball in granulated sugar (or flavored sugar if desired) before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. This adds texture and sweetness on top!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

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

Step 10: Add Kisses

When ready, remove your Chocolate Caramel Blossoms from the oven. Place a Hershey Caramel Kiss on top of each cookie while still warm; press down gently. This makes those wonderful cracks appear!

Step 11: Final Bake

Return them to the oven for another 2 minutes. This step allows everything to meld beautifully together.

Step 12: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way they firm up without losing their shape!

Now that you have this delightful recipe at hand, I can’t wait for you to dive into baking these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfection in every bite!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and egg to reach room temperature helps create a smoother dough, ensuring the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: Chilling the cookie dough not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Roll the dough in flavored sugar: Experimenting with different sugars, like dark cocoa sugar or salted caramel sugar, can add an extra layer of flavor to your cookies and make them visually appealing.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 6-minute mark to make sure they don’t overbake. You want them soft and chewy with just a hint of cracking on top.
• Store with bread: To keep your cookies fresh longer, add a slice of bread to your airtight container. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping your cookies from becoming stale.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or as sweet gifts for loved ones. Present them beautifully to enhance their charm!

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a sophisticated touch and balances the sweetness of the caramel chocolate.
• Chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies elevates their look and adds an extra layer of decadence.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fresh fruit platter: Slices of strawberries or apples provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookies, adding a burst of freshness to your dessert table.
• Hot chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements these treats perfectly, making for an indulgent snack during chilly evenings.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with coffee or herbal tea can enhance their chocolatey flavor while providing a comforting beverage option for guests.

These serving suggestions will surely impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy sharing these tasty treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Add a slice of bread inside the container to help keep them soft.
• Store at room temperature for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• If you have leftover baked cookies, you can reheat them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350ºF.
• Alternatively, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful treats.

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

Absolutely! While Hershey Caramel Kisses are delicious, you can experiment with other flavors like milk chocolate or dark chocolate kisses to add your unique twist.

How do I store my Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?

Store your Chocolate Caramel Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread will help keep them soft and delicious!

Can I make these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to ensure my cookies are soft?

Make sure not to overbake your cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when you first take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms as much as I do! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that bring warmth and comfort during the holidays. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they’re sure to be a hit! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweet aromas!