Strawberries & Cream Blossoms – A Delightful Treat
Introduction
Strawberries & Cream Blossoms are a delightful twist on classic blossom cookies, featuring the sweet and fruity flavors of strawberries combined with the creamy richness of white chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly pretty, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a delicious homemade treat.
Made with a simple cake mix base, these cookies come together effortlessly with just a few ingredients. The result is a beautifully pink, slightly chewy cookie topped with a creamy white chocolate kiss or Hershey’s Hug. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is a foolproof way to create a batch of picture-perfect cookies that taste as amazing as they look.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
For the Topping
- 24-30 white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or Hershey’s Hugs
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch dough balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar to give them a sweet, slightly crackled finish.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are set but still soft in the center. The cookies may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kiss
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a white chocolate Kiss or Hug into the center of each warm cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Methods of Enjoyment
- With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- For Special Occasions: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, birthdays, or any festive celebration.
- As a Gift: Pack them in a decorative box or jar for a thoughtful homemade treat.
History of Blossom Cookies
Blossom cookies originated in the U.S. in the 1950s, most notably with the creation of Peanut Butter Blossoms, a peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. Over time, bakers have experimented with different flavors, leading to delicious variations like these Strawberries & Cream Blossoms. This fruity version became popular in recent years, especially as a fun and colorful option for spring and summer treats.
Formation of the Perfect Cookie
The secret to achieving soft, chewy blossoms lies in:
- Not overbaking: The cookies should remain slightly underbaked when removed from the oven.
- Using melted butter: This helps create a tender texture.
- Rolling in powdered sugar: This not only adds sweetness but also helps with the signature crinkle effect.
Lovers of This Cookie
- Strawberry Lovers: The fruity, sweet flavor makes these a dream come true.
- White Chocolate Fans: The creamy white chocolate Kiss adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Easy-Baking Enthusiasts: Since this recipe uses cake mix, it’s quick and foolproof.
Conclusion
Strawberries & Cream Blossoms are a beautiful, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that will impress anyone who tries them. With their soft texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and creamy white chocolate center, they are the perfect addition to your baking collection. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite!