These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! They have a soft, chewy texture with a lovely red color and a chocolate kiss on top.
They’re always a hit at holiday gatherings. I love baking them; the bright color makes me smile, and the chocolate kiss is like a little surprise waiting to be eaten!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well, but make sure to check the blend’s baking requirements.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that rich chocolate taste. If you want a milder flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is slightly less bitter.
Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter for baking, giving you control over the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Red Food Coloring: The red food coloring is crucial for that signature red velvet look. You can swap it out for beet juice for a natural alternative, but the color won’t be as vibrant!
Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses: While classic, you can replace them with any chocolate candy or even a peanut butter cup for a fun variation, just remember to adjust the baking time if needed.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cookies are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies lies in how you mix and bake them. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Whip the butter and sugar until it’s really light and fluffy. This incorporates air, making cookies tender.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies.
- Watch the Bake Time: Take them out of the oven when they are slightly soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them hold their shape!
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously soft and delightful red velvet blossoms that everyone will love!
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus additional for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- Hershey’s milk chocolate kisses (about 36)
- Optional: red and white holiday sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of baking time. Make sure to add cooling time, which is about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet, plus additional time if you let them cool on a wire rack. Overall, you can whip these up in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is an important step to evenly distribute the leavening agent and will ensure your cookies rise perfectly. Set this bowl aside for later!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It helps to incorporate air into the batter, which is key for fluffy cookies!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring to the butter-sugar mix. Beat these ingredients together until the color is even and everything is well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Do not overmix! The dough should be smooth and ready to scoop.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, take portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar so they get a nice sparkling coat. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets—give them some room!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to bake slightly when removed from the oven.
8. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
As soon as you take the cookies out, press a Hershey’s milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. This will give them that beautiful signature look!
9. Decorate and Cool:
If you like, sprinkle some festive red and white sprinkles on top of the kisses while the cookies are still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Your soft, moist Red Velvet Blossoms cookies with a delicious chocolate center are now ready! These are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a glass of milk anytime.
Enjoy making these delightful cookies!
Can I Substitute Live Ingredients in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if you need a gluten-free option. For butter, feel free to substitute with a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. Just make sure to check that the plant-based option can be used for baking!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and baking to ensure they spread nicely.
What Can I Use Instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
If you want to switch it up, you can use any chocolate candy, like Rolos or mini peanut butter cups, instead of Hershey’s Kisses. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if your alternative is larger or smaller!