These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor! With a pretty red color and a sweet chocolate kiss on top, they are super festive and fun.
Every bite feels like a tiny celebration. Sometimes I sneak an extra one before guests arrive—shh, don’t tell! 😄 These cookies are a hit at any gathering.
I love how easy these cookies are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and top with those delicious kisses. Perfect for cookie lovers like me who want something special without the hassle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt in your cookies. If you’re out of butter, feel free to use coconut oil or margarine instead, but keep the texture in mind!
Cream Cheese: This gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter or vegan option, try using silken tofu or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Red Food Coloring: The iconic red color comes from this ingredient. If you’re avoiding food dyes, consider using beet juice for a natural alternative, but it might affect the shade a bit.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure. You can swap it with a gluten-free blend if needed, but check the blend’s packaging for any adjustments in liquid ratios.
Hershey’s Kisses: The classic choice here! If you’re looking for a change, caramel candies or peanut butter cups make tasty substitutes!
How Do You Ensure the Cookies Bake Perfectly?
Baking cookies can be tricky! Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect Red Velvet Blossoms every time:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened. This will help create a light texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Use a cookie scoop to keep your dough balls even in size for uniform baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens vary, and you want the cookies to be set but not overbaked. A slight crack on top is a good sign.
- Press the Hershey’s Kisses in gently while the cookies are still warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience!
These tips will help you create delightful cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking!
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup chocolate frosting
- Festive red and white sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and about 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies. After that, give them a little bit of cooling time. Overall, expect to spend about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butters:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well blended and the batter is nice and colorful!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This combination of dry ingredients helps the cookies rise and gives them that signature flavor.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is combined and you have a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This will give your cookies a lovely sparkle!
7. Bake:
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are set and slightly cracked on top. Once baked, take them out of the oven.
8. Add the Kisses:
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This step adds an extra burst of chocolatey goodness!
9. Cool and Decorate:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once they’re cool, pipe a small dollop of chocolate frosting on top of each Hershey’s Kiss and sprinkle with festive red and white sprinkles. How pretty!
10. Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for any celebration or simply to treat yourself.
These cookies are soft, rich, and packed with classic red velvet flavor, topped with a chocolate kiss, making them both delightful and festive. Enjoy baking and sharing!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar for Rolling?
Yes! While granulated sugar is traditional, you can use colored sugar or even sanding sugar for a festive look. Just keep in mind that these will add a slight crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh, you can also place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it into balls and baking.
What If I Don’t Have Red Food Coloring?
If you’re out of red food coloring, you can use beet juice for a natural alternative, although it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can skip it entirely for a chocolatey cookie, but it won’t have that classic red velvet appearance!