Name: Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-purpose flour (Use a spoon-and-level method for best results.); ⅓ cup Dutch process cocoa powder (Avoid regular cocoa for optimal texture and taste.); ½ teaspoon Baking powder (Ensure it's fresh for the best results.); ¼ teaspoon Baking soda (Ensure you use the correct type as indicated.); a pinch Salt (Enhances the chocolate flavor.); ½ cup Unsalted butter (Softened for easy mixing.); ⅓ cup Light brown sugar (Dark brown sugar can work as a substitute.); ¼ cup Granulated sugar (Essential for rolling the dough balls.); 2 Egg yolks (Using them at room temperature promotes a better texture.); 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (Always opt for pure vanilla.); 24 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses (Frozen to maintain shape while baking.)

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As the first hint of frost appears on the windows, I can almost hear the joyful laughter coming from the kitchen. There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, especially when it involves my favorite festive treat: Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms. These fudgy dark chocolate cookies, crowned with a delightful Candy Cane Hershey Kiss, are not only quick and simple to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their chewy texture and a burst of refreshing peppermint, they evoke the warmth of Christmas gatherings and cozy nights. Imagine sharing these treats with family and friends as they savor every bite, leaving fast food behind and embracing the spirit of homemade goodness. Are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of these holiday delights? Let’s dive into the delightful world of Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms!

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Why are Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms a Must-Try?

Irresistible Festive Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for the holiday spirit.
Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
Chewy Texture Delight: With their fudgy base and melt-in-your-mouth kisses, they’re a texture lover’s dream.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Gather friends and family around—everyone loves homemade cookies! Plus, if you’re a chocolate enthusiast, you may also enjoy our Butter Toffee Chocolate cookies.
Versatile Options: Switch up the flavor with different Hershey Kiss varieties or make them gluten-free! You’ll have a treat for everyone.
Get ready to embrace the charm of baking with these Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms!

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Ingredients

• For the Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; use a spoon-and-level method for best results.
Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; avoid regular cocoa for optimal texture and taste.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Baking Soda – Aids in leavening; ensure you use the correct type as indicated.
Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor; a pinch goes a long way in balancing sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar works as a delicious substitute.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; essential for rolling the dough balls.
Egg Yolks – Provides richness and binds the dough; using them at room temperature promotes a better texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds wonderful flavor; always opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.

• For the Topping

Candy Cane Hershey Kisses (Frozen) – The signature topping, delivering a burst of peppermint flavor; freezing keeps their shape while baking.

Imagine how delightful the aroma of these Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms will fill your kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday festivities!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. This simple step ensures that your chocolate peppermint blossoms bake evenly and get that perfect chewy texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of Dutch process cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This blend of dry ingredients contributes to the rich chocolate flavor and the cookies’ structure. Set the bowl aside to focus on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Continue mixing for about 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step creates a wonderful texture for the Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms, ensuring they’re delightful to bite into.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend for another 1-2 minutes until the batter becomes pale and fluffy. This incorporation helps bind the dough while enhancing the flavor profile of your cookies, making each bite truly memorable.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined, ensuring no flour streaks remain. This creates a fudgy dough that will be the heart of your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms, ready to be shaped into delicious cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a lovely sparkly finish. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to look set while the centers remain soft and slightly under-baked for that chewy texture.

Step 8: Add the Peppermint Kisses
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a frozen Candy Cane Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The immediate heat will slightly melt the kisses, creating a delightful topping on your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes until the kisses are set. Once they’re ready, transfer your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms to a wire cooling rack. This step not only finishes the cooling process but also maintains the festive shape of the peppermint topping, making them perfect for sharing!

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How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.

Fridge: If you want to keep your cookies fresher for a bit longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they’re stored in an airtight container.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for future treats! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy that freshly-baked taste, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Perfectly Measure Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dry cookies. Scooping can lead to packs of flour, resulting in dense treats.
Chill the Kisses: Freezing the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses is essential. This prevents them from melting too much during baking, ensuring a beautiful shape for your chocolate peppermint blossoms.
Watch Baking Time: Aim for 7-8 minutes; cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking leads to crunchy cookies instead of that desired chewy texture.
Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets after baking. This helps the kisses set and ensures you achieve that iconic soft and chewy cookie goodness.
No Substitutions in Baking Powder: Always use baking powder as indicated, as substitutes can lead to unexpected results. Stick with guidelines for your chocolate peppermint blossoms!

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Variations

Invite your taste buds on a delightful journey of customization with these variations!

Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate kisses for a deliciously inclusive treat.
For those who are dairy-sensitive, this option ensures no one misses out on festive flavors.
Gluten-Free: Utilize a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs while keeping that chewy texture.
Baking without gluten doesn’t mean sacrificing taste; these cookies can still be just as delightful and festive!
Minty Chocolate Overload: Replace the Candy Cane Kisses with Mint Truffle Kisses for an extra burst of minty richness.
This variation will truly elevate the chocolate peppermint experience, making each bite even more indulgent.
Nutty Addition: Fold in some crushed walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture and earthy flavor.
This twist brings in a lovely crunch, making your chewy blossoms even more satisfying to enjoy.
Flavor Infusion: A dash of peppermint extract in the dough will intensify the mint flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
This subtle integration allows you to customize the peppermint level to your liking perfectly.
Cocoa Variance: Experiment with using white cocoa powder alongside regular cocoa for a visual spin and added creaminess.
This fun twist turns the classic recipe into a unique treat that surprises guests and brightens your holiday table.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Unexpected heat marries beautifully with the chocolate, giving your beloved holiday treat a festive flair.

If you’re a fan of festive treats, don’t forget to check out our delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake or whip up some delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie dough twists after indulging in these Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply scoop and roll the dough balls, coat them in granulated sugar, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled dough on the baking sheets and follow the baking instructions. After 7-8 minutes in the oven, press on your frozen Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, and you’ll have fresh, festive treats ready to delight your family!

What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Imagine the delightful scents of your kitchen complemented by a festive meal that warms hearts and bellies!

Classic Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy texture perfectly harmonizes with your cookies, enhancing the chocolate experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the chewy chocolate base. It’s an alluring accompaniment!
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, minty treat mirrors the peppermint kisses and offers a deliciously sweet and satisfying contrast.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth and spices in apple cider blend beautifully with the cool peppermint, making for a cozy festive drink.
Nutty Biscotti: Enjoy with a crunchy texture; dunking them into hot cocoa invites an irresistible synergy with every bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm cookies, delivering a dreamy combination of flavors.
Holiday Fruit Platter: Fresh seasonal fruits provide a refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Board: A sharp cheese like aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness splendidly, creating a lovely balance of flavors in your festive spread.

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Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right cocoa powder for my Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?
For these cookies, you should use Dutch process cocoa powder to achieve a deep chocolate flavor and rich color. Regular cocoa powder can alter the leavening process and the overall taste, so I highly recommend sticking to Dutch process for the best results.

What is the best way to store my Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them chewy and fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked dough balls, scoop them into balls, roll in sugar, and wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without thawing, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What if my cookies come out dry or crumbly?
If your Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms turn out dry, it might be due to over-measuring flour—this often happens when scooping directly. Always spoon and level flour for accuracy. Baking time is also crucial; you want the edges set and the centers soft and chewy, so keep an eye on them around the 7-8 minute mark!

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
These Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are nut-free, but always double-check your ingredients, especially if you’re using processed sugars or other toppings that might be manufactured in facilities that handle nuts. If you’re sharing with those who have severe allergies, it’s best to mention the ingredients you used just to be safe.