Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are exactly what you need! Perfectly soft and chocolatey, they are rolled in sugar and topped with the sweetest Hershey Caramel Kisses. Every bite is pure bliss! I can’t resist sneaking one (or two) whenever I bake them. Not only are they great for holiday gatherings, but they also make an excellent snack for busy weeknights or a cozy family dessert.

What makes these cookies truly special is their simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a batch of irresistible cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply indulging yourself, these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the combination of chocolate and caramel.
• Make-Ahead Option: Chill the dough overnight and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready!
• Customizable: You can put your twist on this recipe with different sugars or toppings.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich chocolate paired with gooey caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (plus additional for coating of cookies)
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk (1%, 2%, or Fat-free)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Toppings

• 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, allowing you to explore different flavors and textures. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate kisses instead of caramel ones for a richer taste.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick.
• Use Flavored Sugars: Experiment with flavored sugars like cinnamon or vanilla to roll the cookies in.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Step 1: Whisk Together 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 because combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter 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, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture we all crave!

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add in the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. This helps create a smooth dough without any lumps.

Step 4: Combine Dry Mixture

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in the whisked dry mixture until fully blended. The dough will be thick at this stage—don’t worry! That’s what makes these cookies so chewy and delicious.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Tightly wrap the top of the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least one hour or overnight if you can wait that long! Chilling helps solidify the fats in your dough which leads to perfectly shaped cookies when baked.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets

After chilling, 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 to prevent sticking—this will make cleanup a breeze!

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of cookie dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. This size ensures even baking while providing that delightful burst of flavor from each bite!

Step 8: Roll in Sugar

Roll each ball in granulated sugar (or a flavored sugar if you’re feeling adventurous). Place them on the prepared cookie sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. If you want an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top before baking.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for 6-8 minutes at 375ºF. While they bake, unwrap those Hershey Caramel Kisses—you’ll need them soon!

Step 10: Add Caramel Kisses

When your cookies are ready, take them out of the oven. Place one Hershey Caramel Kiss on top of each cookie and press down gently. It’s okay if they crack; that’s part of their charm! Return them to the oven for another two minutes—this melts those kisses beautifully into each cookie.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time helps them firm up!

Step 12: Store Your Cookies

Keep your delicious Chocolate Caramel Blossoms stored in an airtight container or cookie jar with a slice of bread to keep them fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats; they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Baking these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors. It also makes it easier to roll into balls.
• Use Quality Chocolate Kisses: Opting for brand-name Hershey Caramel Kisses ensures a rich and creamy caramel flavor that complements the chocolate cookie base perfectly.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them from the oven while they’re still soft ensures a chewy texture. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Sugars: Rolling your cookie balls in different flavored sugars, such as salted caramel sugar or dark cocoa sugar, adds an extra layer of flavor that takes your cookies to another level.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Presenting your Chocolate Caramel Blossoms can turn a simple dessert into a showstopper! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet and salty contrast of the caramel kiss.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies creates an elegant finish and extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, providing a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Serving a side of mixed berries adds brightness and tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: This cozy beverage is perfect for dipping your cookies or enjoying alongside them during chilly evenings.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea balances out the sweetness while providing a comforting beverage option for dessert time.

Enjoy baking these delightful Chocolate Caramel Blossoms, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making your holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• For an extra touch of softness, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps keep the cookies moist.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds on low power until warm.
• Alternatively, you can bake them at 350ºF for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these delicious treats.

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

Absolutely! While Hershey Caramel Kisses are delightful, feel free to experiment with other flavors like milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each variation offers its unique twist!

How do I ensure my Chocolate Caramel Blossoms stay soft?

The key is to avoid over-baking. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Once they start cracking on top, they’re ready to come out of the oven!

Can I substitute any ingredients in Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?

Yes! You can use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk if you’re looking for alternatives. Just ensure that any substitutions align with your dietary needs.

What is the best way to store my Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread will help keep them soft and fresh longer!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms as much as I do! They bring joy not just in their delicious flavors but also in the memories created while baking and sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to dive in; I can’t wait for you to experience these delightful treats during your holiday celebrations! Happy baking!