Spring Blossom Cookies are lovely little treats that celebrate the new season! With a hint of vanilla and colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for brightening up your day.
Making these cookies is a breeze! I love to watch them bake until they are just golden. They’re great for sharing at picnics or just enjoying with a cup of tea. Who can resist a blossom of sweetness? 🌸
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softening the butter is key for a fluffy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well. Just remember to use it in its softened form, not melted.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and helps with texture. You can use brown sugar for a different flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Eggs: These act as a binder. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Vanilla Extract: For a richer flavor, you could replace it with almond extract. But do note that almond has a strong flavor, so use less (about half the amount).
All-Purpose Flour: If you want to make this gluten-free, swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. I recommend measures to weigh the effectiveness in the texture.
Colored Granulated Sugar: If you can’t find it, regular granulated sugar or even sprinkles can add a fun touch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to soft and chewy cookies lies in how you mix and bake them. Cream the butter and sugar well to incorporate air, making them light. Take care when adding dry ingredients; mix just until no flour is visible to avoid dense cookies.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature – it should be soft but not melted.
- When rolling the dough, keep them evenly sized for even baking. Use a cookie scoop if you have one.
- Don’t overbake! You want the edges golden but still soft in the center; they will continue to cook while cooling.
How to Make Spring Blossom Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Rolling:
- Colored granulated sugar
For Topping:
- Hershey’s Kisses (or other chocolate candies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. With some cooling time, you’ll be enjoying your delicious cookies in about 30-40 minutes. Perfect for a spring treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important to create soft and chewy cookies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully blended into the mixture. Your dough is starting to come together!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want tender cookies!
5. Form the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Then, roll each ball in the colored granulated sugar until they are fully coated. This will give them a lovely sparkle!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the chocolate will go!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until you see the edges of the cookies turning lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool!
8. Add the Chocolate:
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. This will melt slightly and give your cookies a sweet surprise!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once they are cool, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy your colorful Spring Blossom Cookies!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Something Else?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you want a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them from getting soft, you can also place a slice of bread in the container; it helps retain moisture without making the cookies mushy!
What Can I Use Instead of Colored Granulated Sugar?
If you don’t have colored granulated sugar, you can simply use regular granulated sugar or sugar mixed with a few drops of food coloring. Just mix until you achieve the desired color before rolling the cookie dough balls!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
