I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite holiday treat with you today—Chocolate Caramel Blossoms! These fudgy chocolate cookies topped with gooey caramel kisses are what cookie dreams are made of. The contrast between the crisp edges and soft centers creates the perfect texture experience. And can we talk about that moment when you bite in and the caramel meets the chocolate? Pure magic. Trust me, once you see how simple these are to make, they’ll become your new go-to cookie for impressing everyone at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms
Cookies, the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints, especially when chocolate and caramel join forces. These chocolate caramel blossoms are truly something special—rich, fudgy chocolate cookies topped with gooey caramel kisses that melt just enough to create the perfect bite.
I’m obsessed with how the edges stay slightly crisp while the centers remain soft and tender. Can you imagine anything more satisfying than biting into warm chocolate with a caramel surprise? Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make. No fancy equipment needed, just basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.
What Ingredients are in Chocolate Caramel Blossoms?
These delicious chocolate caramel blossoms require just a handful of pantry staples plus those special caramel kisses that make them so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hershey’s Caramel Kisses
When shopping for ingredients, make sure your butter is unsalted (this gives you better control over the final flavor) and that you have enough Caramel Kisses on hand—you’ll need one for each cookie, and trust me, you might want to buy extra because they’ve a way of disappearing before they make it to the dough.
How to Make these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 375°F
Getting your oven to the right temperature is essential for these cookies to bake evenly.
While it’s heating up, you can gather all your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Then add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
For the fluffiest texture, consider using a stand mixer to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients with minimal effort.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until just combined.
Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so a gentle hand is key here.
Step 4: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Take portions of your dough and shape them into 1 1/4-inch balls.
This is about the size of a ping pong ball, if that helps visualize.
Then roll each ball in some additional granulated sugar for that sweet, sparkly coating.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Set
Place your sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
You’re looking for cookies with set edges but still soft in the middle—they’ll continue cooking a bit after you take them out.
Step 6: Add the Caramel Kisses
Working quickly while the cookies are still warm, gently press one Hershey’s Caramel Kiss into the center of each cookie.
The residual heat will help the kiss stick to the cookie without melting completely.
Step 7: Allow Cookies to Cool
Let your chocolate caramel blossoms cool directly on the baking sheet.
This gives them time to firm up and allows the kiss to set properly without losing its shape.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container.
The soft, fudgy chocolate base paired with the caramel kiss creates a treat that stays delicious for days—though they rarely last that long in my house!
What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Blossoms
These indulgent treats are perfect for your afternoon coffee break or as a sweet ending to any meal.
I love pairing them with a glass of cold milk—nothing beats that classic combo when caramel and chocolate are involved. For something a bit more grown-up, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the cookies are still slightly warm, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Coffee lovers might appreciate these alongside a cappuccino or latte, as the bitter coffee notes balance the sweetness beautifully.
For a revitalizing counterpoint, a small bowl of fresh berries adds a tart element that cuts through the richness.
And during holiday gatherings, these cookies make a stunning addition to a dessert platter with some salted nuts nearby for guests who enjoy a sweet-and-salty combination.
Chocolate Caramel Blossoms Substitutions and Variations
Need to switch things up? These cookies are wonderfully adaptable:
- Butter alternatives: Use coconut oil (same amount) or dairy-free butter for lactose-intolerant folks.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if it’s not included in the blend.
- Kiss swaps: Try dark chocolate kisses, peanut butter kisses, or even mint varieties when caramel isn’t available.
- Seasonal twists: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips or stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
- Fun garnishes: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm caramel kisses, or roll cookie dough in colored sugar for holiday flair.
- Lower sugar version: Reduce sugar to 1 cup and use stevia-sweetened chocolate kisses.
Who knew one little cookie could be so versatile?
The fudgey base makes a perfect canvas for all these delicious variations.
Leftovers and Storage for these Chocolate Caramel Blossoms
These delicious cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for advance baking. Once completely cooled:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The caramel kiss may develop a slight whitish bloom when frozen, but the flavor remains intact.
- To refresh cookies that have softened, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
- To prevent hardening, add a slice of bread to your storage container—the cookies will absorb the moisture.
While these treats are amazing fresh from the oven (that melty caramel center!), many bakers find the flavors deepen after a day, making them somehow even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Caramel Blossoms stand out from ordinary cookies with their perfect balance of textures—soft chocolate cookie base cradling that luscious caramel kiss.
Something magical happens when warm cookies meet caramel candies, creating that irresistible gooey center that makes everyone reach for seconds.
They’re ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, weekend baking projects with kids, or anytime you need a special homemade gift.
The combination of rich chocolate and buttery caramel makes these treats sophisticated enough for adults yet fun enough for children.
In a world of complicated desserts, sometimes the simple pleasure of a well-crafted cookie reminds us why classics never go out of style.