Name: Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar (dark preferred); 6 Tablespoons (128g) unsulfured or dark molasses (preferably Grandma’s brand; do not use blackstrap); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar or coarse sparkling sugar; 30 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, unwrapped

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If you’ve been searching for a festive treat that perfectly balances spicy warmth with melty chocolate goodness, look no further than the Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe. This classic holiday cookie features soft, chewy gingerbread dough rolled in sparkling sugar and crowned with a gooey Hershey’s Kiss in the center, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures you and your loved ones will adore year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate holds 16 round cookies covered with light brown sugar crystals, each with a chocolate kiss candy pressed into the center. The chocolate kisses alternate between smooth milk chocolate and white chocolate with dark chocolate drizzle, creating a pattern across the plate. One cookie at the top left of the plate has a bite taken, showing a soft brown cookie interior with a swirl of white and dark chocolate inside. Around the plate, there are two smaller white plates with lace-pattern edges holding some broken cookies. Two glasses with amber-colored bubbly drinks sit to the top right on a white marbled surface, and a lit candle in a brown glass holder is to the lower right. A beige napkin with red stitching and green holly embroidery is partially visible near the drinks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe so irresistible is the way each simple ingredient comes together to create a harmonious bite. Every spice brings depth, the molasses adds rich sweetness, and the chocolate kiss on top adds a luscious finish that’s just unforgettable.

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure and softness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
2 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice that delivers that warm, cozy gingerbread flavor.
1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, woody aroma that complements the ginger beautifully.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Introduces a subtle pungent note for complexity.
¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the spice profile with a hint of peppery warmth.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a mellow nutty undertone.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens the sweet spices.
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the cookies are buttery and tender.
¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Gives moist sweetness that deepens with molasses.
6 Tablespoons (128g) unsulphured dark molasses: The essential syrup that makes gingerbread, well, gingerbread.
1 large egg: Binds the dough while adding richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a smooth, aromatic note.
½ cup (100g) granulated or coarse sparkling sugar: Adds a shimmering exterior crunch.
30 Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs, unwrapped: The festive chocolate surprise on top.

How to Make Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and the cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This fragrant mixture forms the flavorful backbone of the dough and ensures your cookies have an even spice distribution.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, use your mixer to beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and light, about 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air, making those gingerbread blossoms soft and tender with every bite.

Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar. The molasses provides that rich amber color and deep flavor that gingerbread cookies are famous for, while the egg and vanilla add moisture and aromatic warmth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little separated at this point; that’s perfectly normal.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the seasoned flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want for chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Roll the Dough

Scoop the dough into balls roughly 1½ tablespoons each, then roll them in granulated sugar until fully coated. The sugar coating gives the cookies a magical sparkle and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the sugared dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they hold their shape perfectly.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kiss and Set

Carefully press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, then transfer them to a plate or tray that fits in your freezer. Chill them for 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden up just right. Your Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe

The image shows many round cookies with a rough sugar-coated surface, each topped with a smooth chocolate piece in the center. There are two types of chocolate pieces: plain milk chocolate and white chocolate with milk chocolate stripes. The cookies are laid on a white marbled surface, with one cookie having a bite taken out, showing the soft texture inside around the central chocolate. The brown color of the cookies contrasts with the shiny chocolate tops and coarse sugar crystals on the outside. The cookies are arranged close together, filling the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies look stunning all on their own, but you can sprinkle a little extra coarse sugar or tiny festive sprinkles around the chocolate kiss for a holiday pop. Freshly grated orange zest adds a unique zing if you want to get adventurous.

Side Dishes

Serve your Gingerbread Blossoms alongside a warm cup of spiced cider, hot cocoa, or a creamy eggnog. The warmth of the drinks highlights the spices, and the chocolate center melts in your mouth for a perfectly paired experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies on a beautiful holiday platter or arrange them in clear jars tied with festive ribbons for gift-giving. You can also nestle them in cupcake liners to keep them cozy and add a splash of color to your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Gingerbread Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday parties or last-minute guests.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead even more, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive their softness and to bring the chocolate kiss back to that slightly melty texture we love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate besides Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional here, you can use mini chocolate bars, chocolate chips, or even flavored kisses like peppermint for a fun twist on the classic Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much during baking?

Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies after baking and during the cooling period, then chill the cookies in the freezer briefly. This quick set helps maintain the chocolate’s shape and gives that perfect soft-center texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but note that the texture might slightly differ. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar to keep your cookies chewy and tender.

What’s the best way to roll the dough balls in sugar?

Use your hands or a small bowl; roll each portion of dough until fully coated, then gently shake off any excess sugar. Coarse sugar works especially well for that festive sparkle and subtle crunch.

Is there a vegan version of the Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe?

Yes! You can replace butter with vegan margarine, use a flax egg as an egg substitute, and choose vegan-friendly dark chocolate kisses. The spice blend and molasses remain the same to keep that classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Gingerbread Blossoms Recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether baked fresh for holiday gatherings or made ahead to share with friends, these soft, spicy cookies topped with melty chocolate kisses are sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be making these delights all season long!