There’s something magical about the combination of peppermint and chocolate during the holiday season. I’m excited to share my Candy Cane Blossoms recipe, perfect for this time of year. 🎄🍬
These delightful treats bring festive cheer to any cookie platter!
In this easy-to-follow recipe, I’ll guide you through creating these colorful, peppermint-kissed blossoms that both kids and adults will adore.
The secret lies in the peppermint Hershey’s Kisses that top each cookie, making them as cute as they are tasty. 🍪✨
Let’s dive in and gather what we need to make these delicious delights. Get ready for some holiday baking fun! 😄
Candy Cane Blossoms Recipe
Equipment
- You’ll want to gather everything you need before starting. Here’s what I use:
- Baking sheet: For laying out the cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Various sizes for different ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Helpful for blending the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
- Rubber spatula: To combine ingredients smoothly.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleaning easy.
- Make sure all your equipment is clean and ready to go. This helps to keep the process smooth and enjoyable. 🥳
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 servings:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped
Gather these flavorful ingredients. Having them ready makes baking so much easier and more fun! 😄
Instructions
Follow these steps for scrumptious treats:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
- Combine flour and salt in another bowl. Slowly add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and quickly press a Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Enjoy the delightful smell filling your kitchen! Allow cookies to cool before serving. 🎄
Notes
Try different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses for variety.
For an extra minty touch, use peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
Store these in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
These notes help me sprinkle a bit of my personality into the recipe. 🍪
Presentation & Serving
I’m so excited to share how I like to present and serve these delicious Candy Cane Blossoms! 🎉 These treats not only taste amazing, but also look super festive!
Here’s how I make sure they shine at any gathering:
- I start by placing the Candy Cane Blossoms on a colorful, decorative plate. The bright colors really make them pop!
- To amp up the holiday vibe, I like to sprinkle some crushed candy canes around the cookies. It adds a nice touch and a little crunch! 🍭
- For an extra special look, I arrange the cookies in pretty circles or layers. This makes them the star of the dessert table.
When it comes to serving:
- I often pair these sweet treats with a hot drink. Hot chocolate or peppermint tea goes perfectly with their minty flavor.
- If I have a lot of guests, I make sure to have plenty on hand, because they disappear fast! 🏃♂️💨 Enjoy your festive cookies with friends and family!
These simple tips make serving Candy Cane Blossoms fun and easy. Let’s make the holidays even sweeter!
Storage Tips
I love making Candy Cane Blossoms, but sometimes I have leftovers. Keeping them fresh is really important. Here’s how I store them! 🍪✨
- Airtight Container: I always put my cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft.
- Room Temperature: If I plan to eat them within a week, I keep them at room temperature.
- Separate Layers: I use parchment paper to separate layers of cookies. This prevents them from sticking together.
If I need to keep them for longer:
- Freezer: I wrap each cookie in wax paper and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from becoming dry and tasteless. ❄️
- Label and Date: I always label the bag with the date. It helps me remember when I made them.
When I’m ready to eat, I take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. They taste just as good! 😋
Recipe Variation 🎉
Let’s spice things up a bit! I love adding my own twist to candy cane blossoms. These variations make the cookies even more fun and delicious. Here’s how you can switch things up:
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
- Peanut Butter Surprise: Use ½ cup peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Replace regular chocolate with 60% dark chocolate.
- Mint Madness: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for extra minty flavor.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Add holiday-themed sprinkles to the dough.
Instructions:
- Mix the main dough ingredients as usual.
- Add your chosen variation ingredient next.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Press a Hershey’s kiss on top after baking.
That’s it! Each variation has its own magic. I love this because it keeps things fresh each time I bake. 😊 Try these ideas and enjoy making your version of candy cane blossoms! Be creative and let me know which one you like best!
Pairing
I’m super excited to talk about the best ways to enjoy Candy Cane Blossoms! 😋
They pair perfectly with a cozy cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha. These drinks bring out the minty flavor in the cookies.
For something cool, try a vanilla milkshake on the side.
Hosting a party? 🎉 Here are some fun ideas:
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Offer whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks.
- Tea Party: Brew a pot of chamomile or mint tea to balance the sweetness.
If you’re serving them as a dessert, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. It’s the ultimate treat for a festive evening! 🍦
These cookies are perfect for a holiday gathering and make the season even more special. Try these pairing ideas and let me know your favorite! 💬
Tips & Tricks
🎄 Chill the Dough: I always chill my cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It makes the dough easier to handle and shapes better. Plus, it helps the cookies keep their shape in the oven!
💡 Colorful Blossoms: Use different colors of sanding sugar to coat the dough balls. It makes the cookies more festive and fun! My favorite is using red and green for a classic holiday look.
📏 Size Matters: I use a small cookie scoop to keep my cookie sizes even. This ensures they bake uniformly, and the candy cane fits perfectly in the center!
🛠 Equipment:
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for sugar
🧈 Ingredients:
- Sugar cookie mix
- Egg
- Butter
- Sanding sugar
- Candy cane candies
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat the oven.
- Mix cookie dough according to package instructions.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Coat balls in sanding sugar.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet.
- Press a candy cane in each cookie’s center while hot.
⭐ Final Touch: When the cookies come out of the oven, I gently press a candy cane candy into the center. It adds a pretty touch and a minty flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
When making Candy Cane Blossoms, some common questions pop up, like how to keep the cookies soft and how to make them without peanut butter.
I also get a lot of questions about storing them or making gluten-free versions.
Let’s tackle these questions to make your baking experience a breeze!
What’s the secret to getting perfectly soft Candy Cane Blossom cookies?
I like to bake the cookies just until they’re set but not browned.
Cooling them on a wire rack helps keep them soft.
Don’t overbake! Keeping an eye on them in the oven is key.
How can I make Candy Cane Blossoms without peanut butter for those with allergies?
I swap out peanut butter with sunbutter or almond butter.
It’s a simple switch that works great and keeps the cookies delicious without the peanuts.
Just make sure to check for any nut allergies if using almond butter.
Can Candy Cane Blossoms be made ahead of time for a holiday party?
Absolutely! I often bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
They stay fresh, so they’re perfect for prepping in advance. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about on party day!
What’s the best way to store Candy Cane Blossoms to keep them fresh?
I store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Layering parchment paper between the cookies helps them stay separate and fresh.
This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy for a whole week.
Is there a gluten-free version of the Candy Cane Blossoms recipe?
Yes! I use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes one-to-one with regular flour.
This keeps the texture just right while making them gluten-free.
Check the Hershey Kisses, too, to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How do you make sure the Hershey Kiss doesn’t melt while making Candy Cane Blossoms?
I wait a couple of minutes after removing the cookies from the oven before pressing the Kiss into the center.
This little trick helps it hold shape.
Once added, I let them cool completely to set properly.
Recent Posts
Feeling hungry for something special? I've got a treat for you: Magic Pumpkin Scones! 🎃 These scones transform your breakfast into a magical experience with their rich pumpkin flavor and...
I love starting my day with something refreshing and energizing, like an Icy Icicle Iced Coffee. It's as easy as it is delicious! ☕❄️ This breakfast drink is perfect for those who want to...