Name: Indulge in Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms: Holiday Cheer Awaits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 68 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled); 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) (ensures rich flavor); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances sweetness); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened) (can substitute with vegan butter); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (adds moisture and flavor); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar); 2 large Egg Yolks (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (can use peppermint extract); 34 pieces Candy Cane Hershey Kisses (Frozen) (can swap for other varieties); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling the dough)

There's a certain charm in the air when the holiday season rolls around, and nothing captures that spirit quite like baking. Just picture this: the rich aroma of dark chocolate mingling with the cool, invigorating scent of peppermint, creating a delightful symphony for your senses. That's exactly what you'll experience with these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms.

These chewy, fudgy cookies are not just desserts; they're a festive experience wrapped in a sweet package. Topped with a luscious Candy Cane Hershey Kiss, each bite offers a burst of chocolatey goodness and a refreshing peppermint twist that's sure to elicit smiles all around. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these quick-to-make treats will become a cherished addition to your Christmas cookie platter. Let's dive into the recipe and create some holiday magic together!

Why are Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms a must-try?

Chewy, fudgy perfection: Each bite boasts a delightful chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Festive flair: Topped with a Candy Cane Hershey Kiss, these cookies bring holiday cheer to life.
Quick to whip up: You'll have a batch ready in no time, making them perfect for spontaneous celebrations.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap in any Hershey Kisses flavor for a personalized twist!
Crowd-pleaser: These cookies promise to delight friends and family, making them a hit at any gathering.

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Ingredients

• • Get ready to bake!

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour - Essential for structure; use spooned and leveled flour for best results.
Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) - Provides a rich chocolate flavor, ensuring your cookies are decadently chocolatey.
Baking Powder - A leavening agent that adds lift; don't skip this for that perfect chewy texture.
Baking Soda - Aids in spreading and tenderness, giving your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Salt - Enhances sweetness; even small amounts can make a big difference in flavor.
Unsalted Butter (Softened) - Brings moisture and richness to your cookies; a great dairy-free substitute is vegan butter.
Light Brown Sugar - Moisture and a deeper flavor profile; this is key for that delightful chewiness you crave.
Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and helps with a crisp texture; can be swapped for coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Egg Yolks - These bind the ingredients and add richness; make sure they're at room temperature for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract - A flavor enhancer that adds warmth; you might even try peppermint extract if you want a stronger flavor.

For the Festive Touch

Candy Cane Hershey Kisses (Frozen) - These iconic kisses provide a sweet center; swap them out for any variety you love!
Granulated Sugar (for rolling the dough) - This adds a sweet crust to the cookies, making each bite feel extra special.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Prep Kisses: Unwrap and freeze the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure they hold their shape during baking and don't melt completely.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for easy clean-up and prevents sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfect cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Shape Dough: Scoop and roll the dough into about 34 balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Arrange them on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or 7 minutes for chewier cookies. They should look soft and puffy because they'll continue to set as they cool.
Add Kisses: As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press a frozen Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will create a deliciously melty center as they cool.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. This ensures that the Kisses maintain their lovely shape and remain a delightful surprise in every bite.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Precise Measurements: Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measuring. This prevents dense cookies caused by overly packed flour.
Properly Frozen Kisses: Make sure to freeze your Candy Cane Hershey Kisses for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them retain their shape instead of melting away.
Monitor Baking Time: Cookies should be soft to the touch when pulled from the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while slight underbaking yields that chewy texture you desire.
Cooling Tips: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets. This allows the Kisses to set properly and ensures they don't lose form once you move them.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap out Hershey Kisses flavors to customize your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms. This simple change can take your cookies to a whole new level!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Airtight Container: Store your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.

Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, these cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just ensure they're wrapped well to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their freshly-baked taste.

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Variations

Feel free to take these delicious cookies to the next level with your own personal touches!

Kiss Swaps: Try swapping in milk chocolate or dark chocolate Kisses for a delightful twist on flavor. Each version brings a new experience.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The nuts will add a delightful crunch that complements the chewy cookies.
Minty Freshness: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract for an intensified peppermint flavor. This will enhance the holiday spirit in every cookie!
Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive treat without worry.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy note that beautifully contrasts with the chocolate and peppermint.
Fruity Delight: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries into the dough for a sweet and tart flavor burst in each bite. The fruit pairs unexpectedly well with the chocolate.
Creamy Center: Instead of Kisses, try using mini peanut butter cups for a surprise filling. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter will create a flavor explosion!
Decorative Touch: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an artistic flair and added sweetness. It makes for a beautiful presentation, especially during the holidays.

What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?

These delightful cookies are perfect for creating a festive spread that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: This rich, velvety beverage complements the cookies beautifully, enhancing their minty chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy contrast of vanilla ice cream against the fudgy cookies makes for a delicious treat. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!
Peppermint Bark: For a double dose of peppermint, serve alongside homemade or store-bought peppermint bark. The crunchy texture adds variety to your dessert table.
Gingerbread Men: These classic holiday cookies provide a spicy, chewy contrast to the sweet chocolate peppermint. Together, they celebrate the best of the season.
Eggnog: A festive glass of eggnog, whether spiced or classic, pairs wonderfully with the cookies for a holiday-inspired flavor explosion.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings a cozy aroma and sweetness that perfectly melds with the cookies' rich chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Mint Tea: Sip on a cup of chocolate mint tea for a soothing drink that mirrors the cookie's flavor profile while adding a warm touch to your celebrations.
Christmas Fruitcake: Delve into a slice of traditional fruitcake for a twist of fruity sweetness, creating a delightful contrast to the chocolatey treats.
Pecan Pie: The buttery richness and nutty flavor of pecan pie create a wonderful accent to the peppermint blossoms, making each bite a holiday sensation.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead by rolling it into balls, then refrigerating them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their chewy texture. Additionally, the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses can be unwrapped and frozen up to 3 days in advance, ensuring they hold their shape during baking. When you're ready to bake, simply place the chilled dough on your baking sheets, bake for 7-8 minutes, and finish by adding those melted Kisses right after removing them from the oven. This time-saving prep allows you to enjoy fresh cookies with minimal effort!

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?
I recommend using all-purpose flour, specifically spooned and leveled, as this ensures the right structure for your cookies. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup to prevent overly packed flour, which can lead to dense cookies.

How should I store my Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, just make sure they're wrapped well to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms, and if so, how?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent them from sticking. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

What if my cookies turn out dry?
A common issue could be overbaking. To ensure your cookies are perfectly chewy, keep a close eye on them in the oven. They should look soft and puffy when you remove them. Let them cool on the baking sheet to finish setting-this will help with maintaining a chewy texture.

Can I substitute the candy in the Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?
Yes! Feel free to use any variety of Hershey's Kisses you love-milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled Kisses. Each variation adds a different twist to the flavor profile, making these cookies even more enjoyable!

Are Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms safe for pets?
While the ingredients in these cookies are safe for humans, remember that chocolate and sugar can be harmful to pets. If you're sharing your treats with furry friends around, it's best to keep these delectable cookies out of their reach.