Ultimate Guide to Easter Blossom Cookies (Easy Pastel Sugar Cookie Recipe)

Easter Blossom Cookies are one of the most cheerful and eye-catching treats you can bake for spring. With their soft sugar cookie base, sparkling pastel coating, and signature chocolate center, they combine simplicity with festive charm. Whether you’re planning an Easter brunch, assembling dessert trays, or baking with kids, these cookies deliver color, flavor, and nostalgic appeal in every bite.

Unlike traditional blossom cookies that are often associated with peanut butter and classic chocolate drops, Easter Blossom Cookies focus on vibrant spring colors and a buttery sugar cookie foundation. Their pastel sanding sugar and seasonal chocolate candies make them perfect for Easter baskets, dessert tables, and springtime gatherings.

If you’re looking for foundational techniques before diving into the recipe, understanding the basics of sugar cookie structure can make a major difference. For example, learning how to roll and bake sugar cookies.

What Are Easter Blossom Cookies?

Easter Blossom Cookies are soft, round sugar cookies rolled in pastel sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate candy pressed into the center immediately after baking.

They are known for:

  • A soft and tender sugar cookie base
  • Sparkling pastel sugar coating
  • A chocolate “blossom” centerpiece
  • A festive spring appearance
  • Easy, beginner-friendly preparation

They’re visually similar to classic blossom cookies but customized for Easter with seasonal colors and candies.

The History Behind Blossom Cookies

Blossom cookies originated with the iconic peanut butter blossom cookie, which became popular in the mid-20th century. The original version featured peanut butter dough topped with a chocolate kiss.

Over time, bakers began experimenting with:

  • Sugar cookie bases
  • Different chocolate varieties
  • Colored sugars and sprinkles
  • Seasonal adaptations

The Easter variation emerged as a spring-themed adaptation. Instead of peanut butter, bakers favored vanilla sugar cookies rolled in pastel sanding sugar and topped with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or striped chocolate candies.

Today, Easter Blossom Cookies are a staple of spring baking.

What Makes Easter Blossom Cookies Special?

Several features distinguish these cookies from other Easter desserts:

1. Visual Appeal

The pastel sugar coating gives them a sparkling, decorative finish that looks stunning on dessert trays.

2. Texture Contrast

You get:

  • Soft cookie exterior
  • Slight crispness from sugar coating
  • Smooth chocolate center

3. Customizable Flavor

You can easily adjust extracts and add-ins to create unique variations.

4. Simple Ingredients

No complicated steps or specialty equipment required.

Essential Ingredients for Easter Blossom Cookies

Understanding each ingredient’s role ensures consistent results.

1. The Sugar Cookie Base

Core ingredients include:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsalted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking soda or baking powder
  • Salt

Why These Matter:

  • Butter creates richness and softness.
  • Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure.
  • Eggs bind and add moisture.
  • Leavening agents control rise and spread.

2. Pastel Sanding Sugar

This is what gives Easter Blossom Cookies their signature look.

Choose:

  • Soft pastel pink
  • Baby blue
  • Light lavender
  • Mint green
  • Pale yellow

Rolling dough balls in colored sugar before baking creates sparkle and a lightly crisp exterior.

3. Chocolate Center Options

Popular choices include:

  • Chocolate kisses
  • White chocolate candies
  • Pastel-wrapped chocolates
  • Mini chocolate eggs
  • Swirled chocolate candies

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easter Blossom Cookies

Follow this precise method for best results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

You will need:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowls for colored sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

This step is critical because:

  • It incorporates air
  • Ensures soft texture
  • Creates uniform structure

Do not rush this stage.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

Ensure:

  • Ingredients are fully incorporated
  • Mixture is smooth

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda or baking powder
  • Salt

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  • Scoop uniform dough portions (about 1 tablespoon each).
  • Roll into smooth balls.
  • Roll each ball in pastel sanding sugar until coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake for:

  • 8–10 minutes
  • Until edges are set but centers remain soft

Do not overbake.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Center

Immediately after removing from oven:

  • Gently press one chocolate candy into the center of each cookie.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before moving.

The cookie will crack slightly — this is normal and desirable.

Creative Variations of Easter Blossom Cookies

One of the best things about Easter Blossom Cookies is how adaptable they are.

1. Chocolate Sugar Blossom Version

Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base.

Roll in:

  • Pastel sprinkles
  • Colored sanding sugar

Top with white chocolate candy for contrast.

2. Citrus Blossom Cookies

Add:

  • Lemon zest
  • Orange zest
  • Almond extract

This gives a bright spring flavor twist.

3. Cream Cheese Version

Replace part of the butter with cream cheese for:

  • Slight tang
  • Extra softness
  • Rich texture

4. Sprinkle Explosion Version

Instead of sanding sugar:

  • Roll in spring sprinkles
  • Mix sprinkles into dough
  • Use contrasting candy colors

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Cookies Spread Too Much

Possible causes:

  • Butter too soft
  • Oven too cool
  • Too little flour

Solution:

  • Chill dough for 30 minutes

Sugar Not Sticking

  • Dough may be too dry
  • Roll immediately after shaping

Chocolate Melting Too Much

  • Use room-temperature candies
  • Press lightly
  • Avoid pressing while cookies are extremely hot

Serving Ideas for Easter Blossom Cookies

These cookies shine in presentation.

Consider:

  • Arranging by pastel color
  • Placing inside Easter baskets
  • Stacking in clear jars
  • Adding to spring dessert boards

They pair beautifully with:

  • Milk
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Lemonade

Storing and Freezing Easter Blossom Cookies

Room Temperature Storage

  • Store in airtight container
  • Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days

Freezing Baked Cookies

  • Freeze in single layer first
  • Transfer to freezer bag
  • Store up to 2 months

Freezing Dough

  • Roll into balls
  • Freeze on tray
  • Store frozen dough balls for future baking

Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Blossom Cookies

What are Easter Blossom Cookies?

They are pastel sugar cookies topped with chocolate candy centers, specifically designed for spring and Easter celebrations.

Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can:

  • Refrigerate dough overnight
  • Freeze shaped dough balls
  • Bake 1–2 days before serving

What Candy Works Best?

Ideal choices include:

  • Chocolate kisses
  • White chocolate candies
  • Small pastel chocolates

Can Kids Help Make Them?

Absolutely.

Kid-friendly tasks:

  • Rolling dough balls
  • Coating in colored sugar
  • Placing chocolate centers

Why Did My Cookies Crack?

Light cracking is normal and adds character. Excessive cracking may indicate overbaking.

Final Thoughts on Easter Blossom Cookies

Easter Blossom Cookies combine festive charm, simplicity, and visual appeal in one easy recipe. Their pastel sparkle and chocolate centers make them a standout addition to any spring celebration.

Print
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Pastel Easter Blossom Cookies with chocolate centers

Ultimate Guide to Easter Blossom Cookies (Easy Pastel Sugar Cookie Recipe)


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: PT30M
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Easter Blossom Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies tinted in pastel spring colors and finished with a smooth chocolate kiss pressed into the center.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Pastel gel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or purple)
  • ¼ cup pastel sanding sugar (optional, for rolling)
  • 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add egg and vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.

3. Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt separately. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.

4. Color

Divide dough into portions and tint with pastel gel colors. Mix gently until evenly colored.

5. Shape

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sanding sugar if using. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

6. Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Do not overbake — they will continue to firm as they cool.

7. Add Chocolate

Immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool completely so the chocolate resets.

  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: Americain

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 135 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 60 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g

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