Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; Dash of salt; 10 tablespoons butter, room temperature; 1 cup sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 18 Hershey’s Kisses; Christmas sprinkles, for rolling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a dash of salt together. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes until the mixture is soft and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the egg yolks one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate fully.

Step 5: Stir in the lemon extract and lemon zest until evenly combined to add a bright citrus flavor to the dough.

Step 6: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Step 7: Using a cookie scooper or your hands, roll the dough into 1/2 inch balls. Then roll each ball in Christmas sprinkles, coating the outside completely.

Step 8: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the bottoms turn slightly golden brown but the cookies remain soft to the touch. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. Then gently press one Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Immediately place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting and to set the kisses firmly.

Step 10: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and maintain the chocolate topping.

Tips & Variations

Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.

For a different flavor, try substituting lemon extract with vanilla or almond extract.

Use different colored sprinkles to match other holiday themes or seasonal celebrations.

To keep the cookies softer, store them with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps preserve the texture and keeps the Hershey’s Kisses firm. When ready to serve, allow the cookies to come to room temperature for the best flavor and softness. You can gently reheat them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Using only egg yolks helps make these cookies soft and tender. Whole eggs can change the texture and make the cookies cakier. For best results, stick with the recipe’s egg yolks.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. After baking and adding the kisses, keep the cookies refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.