The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joyous gatherings, festive decorations, and, of course, an abundance of delicious homemade treats. We often admire those who manage to assemble impressive platters overflowing with an assortment of Christmas delights – from rich fudges and savory snacks to a vast collection of cookies. The secret to achieving such a festive spread without feeling overwhelmed lies in embracing easy, yet incredibly delicious, recipes. As someone who appreciates both simplicity and mouthwatering flavor, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that deliver on both fronts.
While my heart often gravitates towards the decadent allure of chocolate, I understand the importance of balance in any holiday cookie assortment. That’s where a classic sugar cookie truly shines, offering a universally loved flavor that brightens any tray. These delightful Sugar Cookie Blossoms are a testament to that balance, taking a simple sugar cookie to new heights with an enchanting twist: a delightful sugar cookie-flavored Kiss nestled right in the center. They are not just cookies; they are a celebration of holiday spirit in every bite.
My recent batch of these festive sugar cookie blossoms vanished almost instantly, reminding me that while chocolate holds a special place, the classic charm of a sugar cookie is truly irreplaceable. Their popularity serves as a wonderful reminder that a well-rounded holiday treat selection should cater to all palates, ensuring there’s something wonderfully sweet for everyone to enjoy. These cookies perfectly bridge that gap, appealing to both the dedicated chocoholic and the ardent sugar cookie enthusiast alike.
Why These Sugar Cookie Blossoms Are a Must-Have for Your Holiday Tray
Crafting a diverse and appealing holiday cookie assortment doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Many traditional recipes can be incredibly time-consuming, leaving even the most enthusiastic bakers feeling exhausted. This is precisely why these Sugar Cookie Blossoms have earned a permanent spot on my holiday baking list. They embody the “easy button” concept, making the festive baking process enjoyable and stress-free.
The secret to their simplicity begins with a high-quality sugar cookie mix. This ingenious shortcut eliminates the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients and laboriously mixing dough from scratch, allowing you to bypass the most strenuous part of cookie preparation. You’ll find yourself with perfectly blended dough in no time, ready to transform into beautiful blossoms without breaking a sweat.
Beyond their ease, these cookies offer a fantastic opportunity for family involvement. Baking together is a cherished holiday tradition, and this recipe is perfectly suited for little hands. My granddaughter, for instance, absolutely adores the step of rolling cookie dough in vibrant colored sugar – a key part of creating these festive treats. Getting children involved not only makes the process more fun but also creates lasting holiday memories that extend far beyond the kitchen. Imagine the delight on their faces as they contribute to a beloved family tradition, crafting delicious cookies to share with loved ones.
These Sugar Cookie Blossoms are more than just simple cookies; they’re a harmonious blend of classic comfort and festive flair. The soft, chewy texture of the sugar cookie base pairs beautifully with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of the sugar cookie-flavored Kiss, creating a truly irresistible treat. Their vibrant coating of red and green sugar adds a delightful crunch and a visually appealing sparkle that instantly evokes the spirit of the season. They are an effortless way to bring smiles and sweetness to any holiday gathering, making them an indispensable addition to your collection of easy Christmas cookies.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sugar Cookie Blossoms
One of the many charms of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list, relying on common pantry staples and one special item that gives these blossoms their signature twist. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible festive treats:
- Sugar Cookie Mix: The cornerstone of this easy cookie recipe. A standard 17.5-ounce bag of your favorite brand, such as Betty Crocker, will do the trick. Using a mix drastically cuts down on prep time and ensures consistent results, making these truly simple sugar cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of extra flour, typically about 3 tablespoons, is added to the cookie mix. This is a crucial step when you want the dough to hold its shape better. It helps to stiffen the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensuring those beautiful, round “blossom” shapes.
- Butter: You’ll need ½ cup (or one stick) of melted butter. Butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients, contributing to the tender texture of the cookies.
- Egg: Just one egg is usually required to complete the dough mixture. The egg acts as a binder, adding moisture and helping the cookies achieve their desired structure.
- Sugar Cookie Flavored Kisses: This is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique “blossom” identity and namesake flavor. You’ll need approximately 36 Kisses to top your cookies. These sweet, creamy candies melt slightly into the warm cookie, creating a delightful texture and an extra burst of sugar cookie goodness. If sugar cookie kisses are unavailable, you can experiment with other festive flavors like chocolate peppermint or even classic milk chocolate for a different spin.
- Colored Sugar for Rolling: To achieve that classic holiday sparkle, vibrant red and green sanding sugars are highly recommended. Rolling the cookie dough balls in this festive sugar not only adds visual appeal but also a lovely, subtle crunch to each bite, making them perfect Christmas cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Irresistible Sugar Cookie Blossoms
Creating these delightful Sugar Cookie Blossoms is a straightforward process, designed for ease and enjoyment. Even novice bakers will find success with this recipe, making it perfect for family baking sessions during the busy holiday season. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, festive treats:
1. Prepare Your Dough for Success
Begin by carefully reading the back of your sugar cookie mix package. You’ll typically find two sets of directions: one for drop cookies and one for cut-out cookies. For these blossoms, it’s essential to follow the directions for cut-out cookies. This ensures your dough has the right consistency to hold its shape beautifully. For example, a Betty Crocker mix usually calls for adding a little extra all-purpose flour to the dry mix, along with melted butter and an egg. This crucial addition of flour helps to stiffen the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking and ensuring your cookies maintain their lovely spherical form.
2. Form and Coat Your Cookie Balls
Once your dough is thoroughly mixed and has a firm, workable consistency, it’s time to shape your cookies. Using a small cookie scoop is highly recommended to ensure uniform size, which leads to even baking and a consistent appearance. Gently roll each scoop of dough between your palms to create smooth, perfect balls. This step also allows the warmth from your hands to slightly soften the dough, making it easier for the decorative sugar to adhere. Next, generously roll each dough ball in your chosen colored sugar—red and green are ideal for a festive holiday touch! Place these vibrant, sugar-coated balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow for slight expansion during baking.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the sugar cookie balls for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers should still appear soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. While the cookies are baking, take this opportunity to unwrap all your sugar cookie flavored Kisses and set them aside, ready for the next step.
4. The Blossom Transformation
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. This next step is crucial for achieving that signature “blossom” look. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for just a couple of minutes – they need to be warm enough for the Kiss to adhere and soften slightly, but not so hot that the Kiss completely melts. Gently press one sugar cookie flavored Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. As the cookie continues to cool, the Kiss will set, creating that iconic, delightful peak. Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures even cooling and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
Mix dough Form balls, roll in sugar Add kisses to baked cookies
Expert Tips for Unforgettable Sugar Cookie Blossoms
While this is an incredibly straightforward recipe, a few insider tricks can elevate your Sugar Cookie Blossoms from delicious to truly unforgettable. These expert tips will help ensure every batch is perfect, adding ease and flair to your holiday baking endeavors.
Achieving Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop
One of the keys to professional-looking and evenly baked cookies is consistency in size. A simple cookie scoop is an invaluable tool for this. It ensures each portion of dough is roughly the same, leading to cookies that bake uniformly and look beautiful on your holiday platter. While the scoop provides the initial portion, don’t shy away from using your hands. Gently rolling the dough between your palms helps to create a perfectly smooth, round ball. The warmth from your hands slightly softens the dough, making it more pliable and allowing the colored sugar to adhere beautifully and evenly, ensuring a sparkling, festive coating on every cookie.
The Magic of Parchment Paper
Most sugar cookie recipes might suggest baking directly on an ungreased or lightly greased pan. However, I highly recommend lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step offers multiple benefits: it ensures a non-stick surface, making it incredibly easy to remove the warm, delicate cookies without breakage; it promotes even baking, preventing scorched bottoms; and perhaps best of all, it makes cleanup a breeze! A clean baking sheet means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creations.
Keeping Kisses Cool for a Picture-Perfect Finish
The signature “kiss” in the center of a blossom cookie is prone to melting when pressed into a warm cookie. To prevent your beautiful Kisses from becoming too soft or losing their shape, a little pre-planning goes a long way. After unwrapping all your sugar cookie flavored Kisses, place them in the refrigerator or even the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while your cookies are baking. This chilling process makes them more resistant to the heat of the freshly baked cookies, allowing them to maintain their iconic shape. If you’re experimenting with other flavors, like chocolate peppermint Kisses, chilling is even more crucial due to their lower melting point.
Storage for Lasting Freshness
To keep your Sugar Cookie Blossoms tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back their perfect texture.
Creative Variations
While the sugar cookie flavored Kiss is delightful, don’t hesitate to get creative! For a chocolatey twist, use milk chocolate or dark chocolate Kisses. For different holidays, swap out the red and green sugar for colors that match the occasion – pastel sugars for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or even rainbow sprinkles for a birthday celebration. The versatility of these simple sugar cookies makes them a fantastic base for year-round fun.
More Treats for Your Holiday Cookie Assortment
Beyond these delightful Sugar Cookie Blossoms, the holiday season offers countless opportunities to explore a world of sweet treats. Building a diverse holiday cookie tray is about offering a variety of flavors and textures that will please every guest. Here are a few more irresistible ideas to complement your festive spread, ensuring your holiday dessert table is nothing short of spectacular:
- Snickers Fudge: Indulge in the rich, chewy, and nutty flavors of a Snickers bar transformed into a luscious, easy-to-make fudge. This decadent treat is a fantastic addition for chocolate and caramel lovers, offering a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with lighter cookies.
- Nutella Fudge: For those who adore the creamy, hazelnut-chocolate spread, Nutella fudge is an absolute must-try. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a smooth, rich flavor that’s universally appealing and perfect for sharing.
- Moscato Truffles: Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your assortment with these delicate Moscato truffles. Infused with the sweet, fruity notes of Moscato wine, these bite-sized confections are perfect for adult palates and offer a unique, refined flavor profile.
- Poinsettia Cookies: Embrace the festive spirit with beautifully decorated Poinsettia cookies. These artistic cookies, often made with a sugar cookie base, allow for creative expression through frosting and edible decorations, making them a stunning visual centerpiece for your holiday display.
By combining these diverse treats with your cheerful Sugar Cookie Blossoms, you’ll create a holiday cookie assortment that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with a variety of flavors and textures. Each item contributes to a rich tapestry of holiday indulgence, making your festive celebrations even sweeter.
📖 Recipe: Sugar Cookie Blossoms
These easy cookies will be one of the most popular on your holiday tray!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 102 kcal
Author: Sula
Ingredients
- 17.5 ounce bag sugar cookie mix
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour*
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, melted)*
- 1 egg*
- 36 sugar cookie flavored kisses
- Colored sugar for rolling (red and green recommended for holidays)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap all the sugar cookie flavored kisses and set them aside. For best results, consider chilling them in the refrigerator or freezer while preparing the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the added flour, melted butter, and egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and a cohesive dough forms. Ensure you follow the “cut-out cookie” directions on your mix package for the best dough consistency.
- Form the dough into approximately 36 uniform balls. A small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) is ideal for achieving consistent sizes.
- Roll each dough ball generously in the colored sugar of your choice. Place the sugar-coated balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still look soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for at least 2 minutes. While they are still warm, gently press one candy kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the kisses fully set and the cookies maintain their texture.
Notes
The specific amounts of flour, butter, and egg mentioned are tailored for a Betty Crocker brand sugar cookie mix. If you are using a different brand, please refer to the directions on your package, specifically following the instructions for making cut-out cookies rather than drop cookies, as this will yield the correct dough consistency for forming balls that hold their shape.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Calories: 102 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg