Chocolate Orange Blossoms
I have never made blossom cookies before and now I’m wondering where they’ve been all my life. I’ve seen them but never had one, so I knew what they were. Classic blossoms are peanut butter in flavor but I was making these for a school party and didn’t want any nuts or nut products.
Since many people associate orange with the holidays, I decided to add a bit of orange zest to the batter for that hint of citrus. You know the orange is there but it’s not overwhelming at all. I must say that blossom cookies are a favorite for many folks. I have never made them before but have enjoyed them on occasion.
Sometimes when you mess with a classic it’s a fail. Not this time. The orange is a win. I do want to share a tip. Before you put the first batch in the oven unwrap all of the kisses. A good task for kids, by the way. When you gently press the kiss into the cookie you want it to be warm so the kiss will melt into the cookie a bit making it stick. Unwrapping the kisses is not something you want to be doing as the cookies come out of the oven.
Chocolate Orange Blossoms
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sugar for rolling
- 48 milk chocolate Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, shortening and butter; beat until light and fluffy. Add orange peel, vanilla and egg; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, using a scoop, roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
- Bake at 375 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Immediately top each cookie with a Hershey Kiss, pressing firmly so cookie gently cracks around edges. Remove fro cookie sheets to cooling racks to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I have very fond memories of my mom making these when I was a kid and haven’t been able to find the recipe. Really special to have them again! Cheers!
Sounds yummy. I’ll have to try this at some point.
How have you made it this long without making blossoms?! I do love the orange twist. I can’t wait to try them this way!
Orange is a great flavor choice. I’m one that forgets things like unwrapping the kisses first. great reminder.
I love that you changed up the peanut butter for orange. YUM
I loooove chocolate and orange together! Need to try this recipe…thanks for sharing!
What a great flavor combo! Absolutely beautiful cookies.
I love chocolate blossoms and I love orange chocolate combinations, now I really want to try these!
I’ve never made these either, but I am loving the addition of orange!
Oh what a GREAT idea adding some orange zest! Perfect for the holidays and also for those school no nut restrictions.
Chocolate and orange are the perfect pairing for the holidays. They’re so delicious together. I’m totally making these for our holiday party. SO delicious looking.
Great tip Ellen! I haven’t made blossom cookies yet, and I love them.