Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

If you’re looking for a cookie that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than these delightful Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! Soft, chocolatey, and topped with a gooey Hershey Caramel Kiss, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these for family events or just a cozy night in. They’re not only simple to whip up, but they also fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Honestly, once you take a bite, I dare you to stop at just one!

These cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it busy weeknights, festive celebrations, or just because you deserve a sweet treat after a long day. Trust me; they’ll become a favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate and caramel; they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch for friends or neighbors; you’ll spread joy with every cookie!
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it easy to bake when you’re ready.
• Customizable toppings: Add sea salt flakes or flavored sugars for an extra touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Let’s gather up everything we need:

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 of cookies)
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk (1%, 2%, or Fat-free)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For Topping

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

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! This recipe is flexible enough to allow for some fun twists.

• Swap the sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Change up the chocolate: Try using different flavors of Hershey Kisses—like milk chocolate or almond—for unique variations.
• Experiment with spices: Add a hint of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.

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 key because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.

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 is where your cookies start to gain their wonderful texture!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your large egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl so that everything gets mixed well. The wet ingredients will bring moisture and flavor to your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Mixture

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in your whisked dry mixture until it’s completely blended. The dough will be thick—that’s what makes these cookies so deliciously chewy!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Tightly wrap the top of your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

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—this will ensure easy clean-up!

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of cookie dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

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

Step 9: Add Kisses

When your cookies are ready, remove them from the oven. Place a Hershey Caramel Kiss on top of each cookie and gently press down—it’s okay if they crack a little! Return them to the oven for another 2 minutes.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Let your cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while still being warm!

Step 11: Store Your Treats

Keep any leftover cookies stored in an airtight container or jar with a slice of bread for freshness lasting up to a week.

Now you have all you need to create these incredible Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! Get ready to enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the best Chocolate Caramel Blossoms possible!

• Chill the Dough: Letting your dough chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in the perfect chewy texture.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or precise measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are just right. This is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and taste in your cookies.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract. The flavor of your cookies will significantly improve with premium ingredients, making each bite irresistible!
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft center.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different flavored sugars or additional toppings like chopped nuts or drizzles of melted chocolate for a personal touch that makes your cookies unique.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present and serve them.

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle on top adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
• Melted Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies can elevate their appearance and taste.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the richness of the cookies perfectly, creating a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the Chocolate Caramel Blossoms.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy treat that’s great for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing counterpart to these rich cookies, making it an excellent addition to any dessert table.

Now that you have all the insights on how to make, serve, and enjoy these delicious Chocolate Caramel Blossoms, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or just to have on hand for a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• To keep them fresh longer, add a slice of bread to the container – it helps maintain moisture.
• They should stay tasty for about a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey treat!

FAQs

You might have some questions about making these delightful Chocolate Caramel Blossoms. Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey Caramel Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey Caramel Kisses are delicious, you can substitute them with any chocolate variety you prefer – dark chocolate or even white chocolate will work wonderfully!

How do I make my Chocolate Caramel Blossoms even more festive?

To make your Chocolate Caramel Blossoms festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the cookies right after placing the caramel kiss. This adds a fun pop of color for holiday get-togethers!

What if I don’t have Dutch process cocoa?

If Dutch process cocoa isn’t available, you can substitute it with natural cocoa powder. Just note that the flavor might be slightly different, but your cookies will still be delicious!

Can I omit the cinnamon from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you’re not a fan or if you want to keep the flavor focused solely on chocolate and caramel. The cookies will still turn out rich and tasty!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! They’re such a delightful treat that brings joy not only through their taste but also through the memories created while baking them. Whether sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!