Pumpkin Blossom Cookies

Oh my gosh, the smell of pumpkin spice baking makes the whole house feel cozy. Then you press a chocolate kiss in the center, and it’s just magic. It’s like fall and chocolate came together for a hug.

I baked these on a chilly day, and they were gone so fast. The soft pumpkin cookie with that little chocolate blossom on top was the perfect bite. Everyone kept reaching for “just one more.”

You’ll love how cute they look and how easy they are to make. They taste like comfort with a little sweetness on top. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because.

So let’s bake them together. I’ll show you step by step how I make these pumpkin blossom cookies at home. You’re going to want them fresh from your oven too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Pumpkin-Spiced: With a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies capture all the flavors of fall in every bite.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the addition of canned pumpkin, these cookies have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Pumpkin Blossom Cookies make a great addition to any fall baking repertoire. They’re the ultimate treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a cozy night in.
• Easy to Make: While they may look fancy with that Hershey’s Kiss on top, this recipe is simple to prepare with minimal effort required.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are perfect for baking with kids! They can help unwrap the Hershey Kisses and decorate the cookies.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

• Mixing Bowls: A medium and a large bowl for mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for these cookies, so make sure you have a set of measuring spoons and cups on hand.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make the cookie dough. A whisk will also work if you don’t have an electric mixer.
• Baking Sheet: You’ll need a large baking sheet for baking the cookies. You can line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps to keep the cookies from getting soggy by allowing air to circulate around them as they cool.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

• Light Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps to create that perfectly soft texture.
• Canned Pumpkin: The star of the show! The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor to the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the dough hold its shape.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor of the spices and sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These spices bring a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
• Hershey Kisses: The perfect topping for these cookies! Use any variety you like, from classic milk chocolate to dark chocolate or even pumpkin spice-flavored.

Variations for Pumpkin Blossom Cookies

These Pumpkin Blossom Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can always tweak the recipe to make it your own:

• Change the Chocolate: While Hershey’s Kisses are the traditional choice, you can swap them out for other types of chocolate, such as peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolates.
• Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute.
• Add a Glaze: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cinnamon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Use Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you want to simplify the spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Blossom Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you begin mixing your dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of light brown sugar and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir the mixture until smooth. Add the ½ cup canned pumpkin and 1 large egg. Beat everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This pumpkin mixture will create a soft dough with lots of flavor.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until the dough comes together and is smooth. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you find that the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, you can refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to work with and help the cookies hold their shape when baking.

3. Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Roll them between your hands to form smooth balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie (about 2 inches).

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. The center may look soft, but they’ll set as they cool.

5. Add the Hershey Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard, or the Kiss will melt into the dough.

6. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Blossom Cookies

These Pumpkin Blossom Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a Dessert: Serve them as part of a fall-themed dessert table, alongside other seasonal treats like apple pie or pumpkin bars.
• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies make a great pairing with a warm drink. Brew some coffee or steep a pot of chai tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
• For Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in a cute tin or box and give them as a gift to friends and family. They make a thoughtful and delicious present for the holidays.
• For Parties: Bring these cookies to your next party or gathering, and watch them disappear in no time. Their festive look and delicious flavor will make them the star of the show!

Storing Pumpkin Blossom Cookies

• Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They should stay soft and fresh for the entire time.
• In the Freezer: To freeze the cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Unbaked Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake the frozen dough for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information for one Pumpkin Blossom Cookie:

Nutrient	Amount (per cookie)
Calories	150-160 calories
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	14g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	30mg

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Pumpkin Blossom Cookies are a fun, festive, and delicious treat that combines all the flavors of fall into one simple, easy-to-make cookie. The soft, chewy texture of the pumpkin cookie dough, combined with the sweet, melty Hershey’s Kiss, makes for a cookie that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these Pumpkin Blossom Cookies as much as I do!