Chocolate Blossoms Recipe (Soft & Chewy Cookies)

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These Chocolate Blossoms are a fun twist on the classic holiday favorite. Soft, rich chocolate cookies are made even more decadent with chocolate pudding mix and Nutella in the dough, then topped with a creamy milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss. They’re easy to make, incredibly soft, and perfect for Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges, parties, or anytime you’re craving a chocolate-packed treat.

Chocolate Blossoms cookies on a white plate with bottles of milk in the background

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What Are Chocolate Blossoms?

Chocolate Blossoms are soft chocolate cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss candy immediately after baking. While traditional blossom cookies are typically made with peanut butter cookie dough, these chocolate blossom cookies use cocoa powder, chocolate pudding mix, and Nutella for an extra-rich and fudgy texture.

The result is a bakery-style cookie with a soft center, slightly crisp edges, and a creamy chocolate candy center.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days
Easy pantry ingredients
Perfect for Christmas cookie platters
Great make-ahead cookie recipe
Freezer-friendly dough and baked cookies
A fun twist on traditional Peanut Butter Blossoms
Kid-friendly and holiday-approved

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Nutella

Adds rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor and helps create an ultra-soft cookie texture.

Instant chocolate pudding mix

The secret ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and chewy for days.

Cocoa powder

Provides deep chocolate flavor throughout the dough.

Butter

Creates a rich, tender cookie base.

Brown sugar

Adds moisture and contributes to the chewy texture.

Hershey’s Kisses

The classic finishing touch that makes these chocolate blossom cookies instantly recognizable.

Ingredients for Chocolate Blossoms arranged on a white hexagon tile countertop including flour, sugars, Nutella, cocoa powder, eggs, butter, vanilla, chocolate pudding mix, and Hershey's Kisses

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Butter – Use salted or unsalted butter. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
Nutella – Any chocolate hazelnut spread works well.
Granulated sugar – Helps create structure and sweetness.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness.
Eggs – Use room-temperature eggs for best results.
Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.
Cocoa powder – Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Instant chocolate pudding mix – The secret ingredient for soft, chewy cookies.
Hershey’s Kisses – Milk chocolate is classic, but dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint, caramel-filled, or specialty flavors also work.

Variations

Double chocolate blossoms – Stir chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Mint chocolate blossoms – Use mint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a festive holiday version.
Peanut butter chocolate blossoms – Replace some of the Nutella with creamy peanut butter.
White chocolate blossoms – Top with white chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate.
Holiday blossoms – Roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar before baking.

Plate of Chocolate Blossoms cookies topped with Hershey's Kisses surrounded by additional cookies and bottles of milk

Tips for Best Results

Chill the dough for easier rolling and thicker cookies.
Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses before baking the cookies.
Press the Kisses into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven.
Do not overbake. The cookies should still look slightly soft in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.

FAQs

Why did my Hershey’s Kisses melt?

The cookies may have been too hot. Press the Kiss into the cookie immediately after baking, but avoid leaving the cookies on the hot baking sheet too long.

Can I freeze Chocolate Blossoms?

Yes. Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze well for up to 3 months.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes. Chilling helps prevent spreading and creates thicker, softer cookies.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely. Vanilla, chocolate fudge, or even white chocolate pudding mix can work well.

Why is pudding mix used in cookies?

Pudding mix adds moisture and helps create a soft, chewy texture that lasts longer than traditional cookie recipes.

Can I make these for Christmas cookie exchanges?

Yes. Chocolate Blossoms are one of the best Christmas cookie recipes because they travel well and stay soft for several days.

How do I keep Chocolate Blossoms soft?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. The pudding mix also helps maintain softness.

How to Store Chocolate Blossoms

Store Chocolate Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies to help protect the Hershey’s Kisses.

How to Make Chocolate Blossoms

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Quick steps:

Step 1: Make the cookie dough – Cream together the butter, Nutella, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients – Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate pudding mix.
Step 4: Finish the dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Chill – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Shape and bake – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are set around the edges.
Step 7: Add the chocolate kiss – Immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 8: Cool – Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Butter, Nutella, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl for making Chocolate Blossoms

Butter, Nutella, and sugars creamed together in a mixing bowl for Chocolate Blossoms cookie dough

Make Ahead Instructions

Chocolate blossom cookie dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Bake directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.

What to Serve With Chocolate Blossoms

These chocolate blossom cookies pair perfectly with:

Hot chocolate
Coffee
Cold milk
Peppermint mocha
Christmas dessert boards
Holiday cookie trays
ice cream
Chocolate milk

If You Loved These Chocolate Blossoms

If you loved these Chocolate Blossoms, be sure to try some of these reader favorites next:

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless holiday cookie featuring soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate Kiss.

Death by Chocolate Poke Cake is loaded with rich chocolate flavor and always disappears quickly at parties.

Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with incredible flavor.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake in one irresistible dessert.

Butter Pecan Cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfect for holiday baking trays.

📌 Save This Recipe

Love easy cookie recipes? Save this Chocolate Blossoms recipe to your favorite Pinterest board, bookmark it for holiday baking season, or print a copy for your recipe binder.