Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Colorful: The pastel sanding sugar gives these cookies a bright and cheerful Easter look.
- Easy to Make: A simple sugar cookie dough comes together quickly, making this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Customizable: Swap out the sanding sugar colors or use different flavored Hershey Kisses for variety.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make a great addition to Easter baskets or dessert platters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pastel sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green, blue)
- 24 Hershey Hugs or Kisses
Directions
1. Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pour sanding sugars into small bowls for rolling.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, salt, and milk until a dough forms.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in a bowl of sanding sugar until fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 2 minutes.
5. Add the Chocolate Kiss
Press a Hershey Kiss or Hug into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate.
- Flavor Twist: Swap the almond extract for lemon or coconut extract for a different taste.
- Toppings: Try using white chocolate kisses or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of sanding sugar?
Yes, but sanding sugar provides extra crunch and vibrant color.
What type of Hershey Kisses work best?
Hershey Hugs, milk chocolate Kisses, or dark chocolate Kisses all work well.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
Yes, you can replace the almond extract with more vanilla extract or another flavoring.
How do I make these cookies softer?
Slightly underbaking them (removing from the oven as soon as they set) keeps them soft and chewy.
Can I use food coloring instead of sanding sugar?
Yes! Mix food coloring into the dough for a colorful effect.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
No, but chilling the dough can help create a more structured cookie.
Conclusion
Easter Blossom Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that adds a pop of color and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With their soft texture, crunchy sugar coating, and chocolatey center, they’re perfect for Easter dessert tables or homemade gifts. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive cookies with friends and family!
Easter Blossom Cookies
Easter Blossom Cookies are festive, pastel-colored sugar cookies coated in sanding sugar and topped with a Hershey Kiss. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for Easter celebrations, spring gatherings, or dessert platters. Easy to make and customizable, they add a fun, colorful touch to any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday, Easter
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pastel sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green, blue)
- 24 Hershey Hugs or Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pour sanding sugar into separate bowls.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing well. Gradually blend in flour, baking soda, salt, and milk until a dough forms.
- Shape & Coat: Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls, coat in sanding sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just set. Let cool for 2 minutes.
- Add the Kiss: Press a Hershey Kiss or Hug into each cookie’s center while warm. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Swap almond extract for lemon or coconut extract for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate.
- Toppings: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decorative touch.
