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These easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies bring a vibrant splash of color to any holiday or special occasion. Their soft, tender texture combined with a rich but subtle cocoa flavor makes them stand out from typical red velvet treats. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas, these cookies wrap a classic chocolate kiss in a bright red, sugary shell that is as fun to make as they are to eat.
I first baked these during a busy holiday weekend and was thrilled to see how quickly they disappeared from the plate. Now they are requested every year for gift boxes and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Butter: softened for easy creaming which helps create that soft cookie texture
- Brown and granulated sugar: combination balances moisture and sweetness to perfection
- Egg yolk: acts as a binding agent and adds richness and tenderness
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth to enhance the red velvet flavor
- All purpose flour: keeps the cookies sturdy yet soft
- Cocoa powder: delivers the subtle chocolate undertone that defines red velvet
- Salt: enhances sweetness and balances the flavors
- Baking powder: helps cookies rise just enough for a tender chew
- Wilton red gel food coloring: gives that signature bright red without altering taste
- Red sanding sugar: adds sparkle and texture forming a pretty outer coating
- Hershey Kisses milk chocolate: for the iconic melt in your mouth center or choose your favorite flavor
Instructions
- Saturate the Flavors:
- Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl ensuring they are light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Stir until fully incorporated and the mixture has a uniform bright red color.
- Blend Dry into Wet:
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix which would toughen cookies.
- Shape and Sugar Coat:
- Use a tablespoon to scoop dough, roll between your palms into balls. Then roll each ball in the red sanding sugar coating completely for that festive sparkle. Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving enough space for slight spreading.
- Bake and Top with Hershey Kiss:
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 13 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Immediately after removing from oven, press a Hershey Kiss gently into the center of each cookie to create the signature blossom shape and allow the chocolate to soften slightly.
- Enjoy Cool and Store:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. This ensures the bottoms don’t become soggy and preserve their texture.
I love the red sanding sugar because it adds a little sparkle that elevates the cookie's appearance making them perfect for festive occasions. One holiday, my kids insisted on helping me roll each dough ball in sugar, turning a simple bake into a fun family tradition filled with laughter and a few sneaky sugar tastes.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within three days for peak freshness. Refrigerating extends their life up to one week but bring them back to room temperature before eating to restore softness. To revive just a bit, microwave for a few seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have red sanding sugar, thicker granulated sugar can work though the sparkle will be less vibrant. For a twist on holidays, try colored sanding sugars such as green for Christmas or black for Halloween. You can swap Hershey Kisses for white chocolate or flavored ones to match your taste or event theme.
Serving Suggestions
These blossoms pair beautifully with a cup of milk or coffee for a cozy treat. For parties, arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by holiday greenery or edible glitter to impress your guests. They also make delightful edible gifts packed in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a festive, crowd pleasing cookie perfect for gifting or parties. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How should I store the red velvet blossoms?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let them return to room temperature before enjoying.
- → Can I substitute the red sanding sugar?
Yes, regular granulated sugar can be used, preferably a coarser texture. Colored sanding sugars can also be used for themed occasions.
- → What flavor profile do these blossoms have?
They have a buttery base with subtle cocoa and vanilla notes, balanced by the sweetness of sparkling red sugar and the milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss.
- → Can I use different Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely, try different flavors or colors to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
- → Are these treats suitable for baking with kids?
Yes, these blossoms are simple to prepare and make a fun baking activity with children, especially during holiday seasons.