Chocolate Caramel Blossoms Recipe

If you’re searching for a decadent cookie that combines everything you love about chocolate and caramel into one irresistible bite, look no further than Chocolate Caramel Blossoms. These cookies deliver a cocoa-rich base that’s perfectly chewy, a surprise caramel center thanks to a Hershey’s Caramel Kiss, and a hint of sea salt to bring every flavor to life. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a special celebration, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these blossoms are guaranteed to become your new go-to treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Chocolate Caramel Blossoms is both simple and essential, with each component adding its own magic. From fragrant cinnamon to velvety Dutch cocoa and gooey caramel, these are the elements that create the signature taste and texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for your cookies, giving them structure so they hold the caramel surprise.
• Baking Powder: Ensures your cookies puff up just enough for that classic blossom shape.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and complexity that elevates the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens every other flavor in the cookie.
• Dutch Process Baking Cocoa: For deep, rich, and smooth chocolate notes that stand out.
• Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Creates a tender crumb and binds everything together with buttery goodness.
• Granulated Sugar (plus extra for coating): Sweetens and gives the cookies a little crunch when rolled before baking.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and caramel undertones that match perfectly with the kisses.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
• Milk (1%, 2%, or Fat-free): Helps achieve that soft, chewy bite we all crave.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances every other flavor and gives the cookies bakery-style aroma.
• Hershey Caramel Kisses (10 oz bag): The star of the show, delivering a gooey caramel center with every bite.
• Sea Salt Flakes (optional): Sprinkle on top for those who love a salty-sweet finish.
• Salted Caramel Sugar (optional): For even more caramel punch in every bite.
• Dark Cocoa Sugar (optional): Add an extra chocolatey twist for serious chocoholics!

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and Dutch-process cocoa in a medium bowl. This blend forms the backbone of your blossom cookies, ensuring that the flavors are balanced throughout and there are no unwanted clumps in the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars. Beat at medium-high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is all about introducing air for a lighter texture and blending the sugars for a caramelly depth.

Step 3: Add Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Drop in the egg, pour in the milk, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is silky and well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so nothing gets left out. This is where the dough begins to come together in glorious harmony.

Step 4: Blend in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly reduce the mixer speed and add the whisked dry ingredients in small batches. The dough should become thick, rich, and chocolatey. Stir until just blended, being careful not to overmix — this keeps the cookies tender, not tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. This step is key for achieving chewy, bakery-style chocolate caramel blossoms, as it allows the flavors to meld and firms up the dough for easier shaping.

Step 6: Prep for Baking

Once the dough is nicely chilled, preheat your oven to 375ºF and adjust the oven rack to just above center. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls between your hands. This size is just right for that signature blossom look and will bake evenly every time.

Step 8: Roll and Place

Roll each dough ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar, or try one of the optional flavored sugars for a new twist. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. For a gourmet touch, scatter a pinch of sea salt flakes on top before baking.

Step 9: The First Bake

Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, just until they look set but still slightly soft in the center. While they bake, gently unwrap the Hershey Caramel Kisses — trust me, it’s easier to have them at the ready!

Step 10: Add Caramel Kisses and Finish Baking

Take the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Caramel Kiss onto the center of each cookie. Press down gently so the cookie cracks slightly and spreads out — those cracks are the hallmark of great chocolate caramel blossoms. Then, pop the tray back in the oven for 2 more minutes to let the chocolate and caramel melt into the cookie just right.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll be fragile and molten at first!). Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This keeps the bottoms crisp and ensures the caramel kisses set in their soft pillows of chocolate.

Step 12: Store for Freshness

Store your finished chocolate caramel blossoms in an airtight container or cookie jar. Adding a slice of bread helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy all week long.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Garnishes

For a stunning finishing touch, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt really makes the chocolate and caramel flavors pop. If you’re feeling fancy, dust a few with powdered sugar or edible gold glitter for a festive touch. Of course, you can always toss on extra caramel or chocolate sprinkles to customize your batch!

Side Dishes

Chocolate Caramel Blossoms shine brightest with a tall glass of cold milk, but they’re also a treat alongside a strong espresso or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit or sliced pears for an easy dessert spread at any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet party favors, tuck them in a holiday cookie tin, or arrange in a pyramid on a cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece. For special occasions, alternate Chocolate Caramel Blossoms with other blossom cookies (like classic peanut butter) for a stunning color contrast on your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chocolate caramel blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. For ultimate freshness, add a slice of plain bread to the container — it keeps the cookies moist and chewy for up to a week.

Freezing

Both the cookie dough and the finished cookies freeze beautifully. To freeze dough, roll into balls and flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in layers separated by parchment. To enjoy, let thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Reheating

If you love that melty caramel center, pop a refrigerated or thawed cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. The Hershey Caramel Kiss will soften to gooey perfection, giving you that just-baked warmth in every bite!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of kiss or chocolate in the center?

Absolutely! While Hershey Caramel Kisses are classic, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, almond, or even hazelnut-filled kisses for a new flavor profile in your chocolate caramel blossoms.

My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?

If your blossoms spread too thin, it’s likely the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Don’t skip that chill time — it ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t melt into flat disks.

Are there gluten-free substitutions for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the chewy texture you want in chocolate caramel blossoms.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

This recipe is easy to scale! Just double every ingredient for a big batch, or cut each ingredient in half for a small test run — the results will be just as delicious either way.

How do I keep the caramel kisses from melting too much?

The short second bake helps the kisses melt just enough to become gooey but still hold their shape. Let the cookies cool completely before storing to help the chocolate set.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you fall in love with these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms as much as I have. Whether you’re baking them with family or sharing with friends, each bite is a little moment of chocolate-caramel heaven. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast — they’re just that good!

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