Rich Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

The day I came up with these Rich Chocolate Caramel Blossoms started out as one of those slow, gray afternoons that begged for something cozy. My kitchen felt too quiet, and baking sounded like the perfect way to bring it back to life.

I had a half bag of cocoa powder from last week’s brownies, a few sticks of butter softening on the counter, and a shiny bag of caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses sitting in the pantry, waiting for inspiration.

It wasn’t a planned recipe, more like a happy accident. I wanted something indulgent but still simple, something that could bridge the gap between nostalgia and a bit of grown-up sophistication. As I creamed the butter and sugar, the aroma of chocolate and cinnamon started to fill the room, wrapping the space in that unmistakable comfort that only baking can bring.

When the cookies came out of the oven, warm and crackled, each topped with a molten caramel kiss, I knew I’d made something special. The texture was soft and fudgy with just the right amount of chew, and the caramel centers turned glossy and irresistible. I plated a few for photos, but truthfully, most didn’t make it past that first taste test. They were everything I wanted that afternoon to be, rich, warm, and just the right touch of indulgence.

Short Description

Rich Chocolate Caramel Blossoms are soft, fudgy cocoa cookies rolled in sugar and topped with gooey caramel-filled kisses. They’re simple to make yet feel wonderfully decadent — perfect for gifting, holidays, or just a cozy baking session at home.

Key Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup Dutch-process baking cocoa
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk (any type: 1%, 2%, or fat-free)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 10 oz bag of Hershey’s Caramel Kisses
• Sea salt flakes (optional)
• Salted caramel sugar or dark cocoa sugar (optional for coating)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and cocoa in a medium bowl until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Lower mixer speed and gradually add the dry mixture until a thick dough forms. Wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in granulated sugar or flavored sugar. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes, if using.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 6–8 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. While baking, unwrap the needed caramel kisses.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Kisses
Remove cookies from the oven, gently press one caramel kiss into the center of each. The cookies will crack slightly — that’s perfect. Return to oven for 2 more minutes to melt slightly and adhere.

Step 8: Cool and Store
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness for up to a week.

Troubleshooting Tip: If dough feels too sticky before rolling, chill for an additional 15–20 minutes or dust your hands lightly with cocoa powder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep chocolate flavor with a hint of cinnamon warmth.

Gooey caramel center adds a decadent surprise.

Soft and chewy texture perfect for gifting or snacking.

Make-ahead friendly — dough chills beautifully overnight.

Easy enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough for special occasions.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overbaking
Cookies can dry out quickly. Remove them when edges are just set — they’ll finish baking on the sheet.
Solution: Always set a timer and check at 6 minutes first.

Skipping the Chill Step
Warm dough spreads too much and loses shape.
Solution: Chill the dough for at least 1 hour so the butter firms up.

Pressing Kisses Too Late
If cookies cool too much before pressing the candy, they won’t melt in.
Solution: Press kisses right after removing from oven, then bake 2 extra minutes.

Uneven Baking
Crowding the tray prevents even airflow.
Solution: Space cookies 2 inches apart and use the center oven rack.

Using Cold Butter
Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies.
Solution: Let butter soften at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before using.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly warm for the ultimate gooey caramel bite.

Pair with espresso, chai latte, or a cold glass of milk.

Arrange on a dessert board with fruit, truffles, and chocolate bark for an elegant touch.

Crumble over vanilla ice cream for extra texture and flavor.

Layer into a sundae with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an indulgent twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Reheating: For that just-baked taste, warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds before eating.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural cocoa instead of Dutch-process?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly lighter and more acidic. Dutch-process gives a deeper, smoother chocolate taste.

2. Can I skip the caramel kisses?
You can — substitute plain Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate truffles for a similar effect.

3. My dough feels dry after chilling. What should I do?
Let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling. It will soften back up.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough keeps in the fridge for up to 48 hours or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

5. How do I get perfectly round cookies?
If they spread unevenly, gently nudge the edges into shape using a spoon while still warm.

Tips & Tricks

Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Try rolling dough balls in a mix of granulated sugar and dark cocoa sugar for an extra flavor boost.

For holiday flair, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate.

Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized portions and consistent baking.

Sprinkle coarse sea salt after baking for a delicious sweet-salty finish.

Recipe Variations

Double Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms: Replace caramel kisses with peppermint chocolate candies. Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the dough and roll in crushed candy canes before baking.

Salted Mocha Blossoms: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients and top with dark chocolate kisses instead of caramel. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt before serving.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Blossoms: Swap ¼ cup of butter for creamy peanut butter. Use milk chocolate kisses instead of caramel for a nutty twist.

Final Thoughts

Some desserts carry a quiet kind of joy, and these Rich Chocolate Caramel Blossoms bring that to life. The dough comes together easily, rich with cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, and the magic truly begins once the cookies are in the oven.

The air fills with the scent of warm chocolate, and as soon as they’re out, a soft caramel kiss is pressed into the center, melting just enough to create a glossy, golden swirl. Each step feels rewarding, from mixing the batter to watching the cookies crack slightly around their molten centers.

They’re beautiful on a tray, but even more delightful in hand, soft, chewy, and filled with a luxurious mix of chocolate and caramel. A sprinkle of sea salt takes the flavor even further, balancing sweetness with a gentle edge. These cookies never last long, disappearing one by one until only crumbs remain, proof that something simple, made with care, can bring a touch of celebration to any day.