Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

A Festive Favorite for Every Cookie Tray

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms bring together two classic holiday flavors in the most delicious way. These fudgy, chewy dark chocolate cookies are topped with a bright peppermint Hershey’s Kiss, creating a festive and eye-catching treat that tastes like pure holiday joy.

Jump to:

• A Festive Favorite for Every Cookie Tray
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for the Best Blossoms
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Try These Other Christmas Cookies
• Final Thoughts
• Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

If you love the comforting richness of cocoa and the cool burst of peppermint, this is the cookie for you. Whether you're hosting a cookie swap or looking for something simple yet stunning to add to your holiday dessert spread, Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are always a win.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy, Quick, and Holiday-Perfect

• No chilling required
• Comes together in about 30 minutes
• Great for gifting and parties
• Simple enough for beginner bakers

Rich, Fudgy, and Minty

These cookies have a soft, brownie-like center and a slightly crisp edge. The Dutch cocoa brings a bold chocolate flavor, while the peppermint Kiss on top adds a cool, creamy finish. The texture is just right: chewy and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth topper.

Great for Dietary Needs

• Vegetarian-friendly
• Nut-free as written
• Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 34 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped and frozen
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Substitution Ideas

• Use gluten-free 1:1 flour to make them GF
• Swap peppermint Kisses with dark chocolate or cookies and creme versions
• Replace vanilla with peppermint extract for extra mint flavor
• For an egg-free version, try using Greek yogurt (2 tablespoon per yolk)

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

1. Freeze the Kisses
   Place unwrapped Hershey's Kisses in the freezer for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Preheat and Prep Pans
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Cream Butter and Sugars
   In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
   Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla until the batter is light in color and smooth.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.

7. Shape the Dough
   Scoop dough using a 1-tablespoon scoop. Roll into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
8. Bake
   Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and bake for 7–8 minutes.
9. Add Peppermint Kisses
   Immediately after baking, press a frozen Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the sheet to set completely.

Tips for the Best Blossoms

Make Them Like a Pro

• Weigh your flour: 1 cup equals 125 grams
• Use Dutch process cocoa for deep flavor
• Freeze the Kisses before baking to help them keep their shape

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overbake: The cookies should look slightly soft when you take them out
• Always roll in sugar before baking for that sparkly, crisp exterior
• Don’t move cookies while warm or the Kisses will melt out of shape

Time-Saving Ideas

• Make dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Scoop and freeze raw dough for quick baking later
• Bake cookies and freeze them in airtight containers for up to 2 months

Serving Suggestions

Best Pairings

• A tall glass of cold milk
• Peppermint mocha or hot cocoa
• Scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies

Presentation Tips

• Use mini cupcake liners to make each cookie look gift-ready
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on the platter for color
• Pack in a holiday tin with parchment paper between layers

Drink Pairings

• Red wine like Merlot for chocolate lovers
• Warm apple cider for a cozy vibe
• Peppermint tea for something light and soothing

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Place in layers with parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating Tips

• Let frozen cookies thaw at room temp before serving
• For a warm treat, microwave for 8–10 seconds to slightly soften the Kiss

Frequently Asked Questions

Fun Customizations

Make Them Your Own

• Add a pinch of espresso powder for mocha vibes
• Mix in crushed peppermint candy for crunch
• Add orange zest for a chocolate-orange twist

Make for Any Occasion

• Valentine’s Day: Use pink or red Hershey's Kisses
• Halloween: Swap in dark chocolate Kisses and roll in orange sanding sugar
• Easter: Use pastel Kisses and add a touch of lemon zest to the dough

Try These Other Christmas Cookies

If you love Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms, here are more festive cookies to add to your baking list:

• Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies
• Christmas Kiss Cookies
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies

For even more ideas, follow along on Pinterest at bakewithlina

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are everything a holiday cookie should be—festive, flavorful, and fun to make. Whether you're baking with family, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just craving something sweet and seasonal, these blossoms hit the mark.

If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Drop your feedback in the comments or tag your baking photos online so we can all enjoy your creations. Happy baking!

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