Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, indulgently soft, and visually stunning treat, the Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies perfectly blend the deep, rich flavor of red velvet with the iconic Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center, creating a bite that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This recipe makes 30 delicious cookies that are moist, tender, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, making them ideal for everything from holiday gatherings to everyday indulgences. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies starts with simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role: from building structure and flavor, to adding that signature splash of red hue and irresistible sweetness. Here’s what you’ll gather before you dive in:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookies, providing the necessary structure and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate undertone that pairs beautifully with red velvet’s signature flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps your cookies rise just right and stay soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives your cookies richness and creates that velvet-like texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly to complement the cocoa and red food coloring.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together, adding moisture and helping with texture.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: The magic behind that stunning, vibrant red color that makes these cookies pop.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, giving a beautiful snowy coating.
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped: The crowning jewel of each cookie that melts slightly to create a delightful finishing touch.
How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the dough, so your cookies bake evenly and beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination might look simple, but it’s critical for giving your cookies their tender crumb and that subtle chocolate depth that complements the iconic red velvet flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves – it helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies delightfully soft.
Step 4: Add Egg and Color
Next, add in the large egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mixing everything together well ensures your dough develops that gorgeous red hue with a lovely flavor boost from vanilla.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and stop when everything is just combined – overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender, so take your time to get the perfect dough consistency.
Step 6: Roll the Cookies
Here comes the fun part: scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a neat ball, and then roll each ball in powdered sugar. This coating not only adds a subtle sweetness but also gives each cookie a pretty, snowy finish after baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place your rolled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they have room to spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set and the edges look just firm. The centers will still be a bit soft; that’s exactly what you want for them to stay chewy and tender.
Step 8: Add the Kisses and Cool
Right after you pull the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat will soften the chocolate just enough to meld with the cookie without losing its shape. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience now will reward you with perfectly shaped blossoms!
How to Serve Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra charm, you can sprinkle some finely crushed peppermint or a light dusting of cocoa powder around the plate. These subtle touches enhance the red velvet theme while adding a festive flair that’s perfect for gifting or holiday parties.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. The creamy beverage balances the rich sweetness of the cookies beautifully and elevates the whole indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies on a tiered cupcake stand or wrapped in a cellophane bag tied with a bright ribbon. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packed in a decorated tin, sharing your baking love with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, perfect for keeping a stash ready for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies after they’ve completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When stored this way, they stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. It helps soften the Hershey’s Kiss and refreshes the cookie’s softness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?
Absolutely! While classic Hershey’s Kisses work wonderfully, trying flavored varieties like peppermint or caramel can add a fun twist to the Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe.
Is there a substitute for red food coloring?
If you prefer a natural alternative, beet juice or powdered beetroot can be used, but it might slightly affect the texture and intensity of the cookie’s color.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy these treats without gluten. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency, which may vary a bit.
How do I prevent the kisses from melting too much?
Press the kisses onto the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat will soften the chocolate just enough without making it lose its shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales well – just keep an eye on baking times if your cookie sheet is more crowded, and consider baking in batches to maintain perfect texture and shape.
Final Thoughts
Making the Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and your heart with sweet satisfaction. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies offer a beautiful combination of color, texture, and classic chocolate flavor that never disappoints. I promise, once you make them, they’ll be a staple in your recipe box you’ll want to share over and over.
Print
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these classic Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, featuring soft red velvet dough rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a melty Hershey’s Kiss center. Perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, chocolatey treat with a pop of color.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Color: Add 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined and the batter is vibrant red.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Roll the Cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each ball in 1/2 cup powdered sugar until coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Add the Kisses: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, slightly melting it into the warm dough.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
- Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but creates the signature crackled bloom effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
