There’s something magical about red velvet desserts during the holidays. The vibrant red hue, the subtle cocoa flavor, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an irresistible addition to any festive table. Add a Hershey’s Kiss to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect holiday cookie: Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies.
These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. They combine the softness of a red velvet base with the creaminess of Hershey’s Kisses, creating a treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or a cozy night at home, these blossoms are guaranteed to impress.
What’s more, they’re surprisingly easy to make! With a handful of pantry staples and a touch of food coloring, you can whip up these showstopping cookies in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
1. Festive Appearance
The bright red cookies, rolled in sparkling sanding sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss, are a feast for the eyes—perfect for the holiday season.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture
The cookies are wonderfully soft, with just the right amount of chewiness to make them addictive.
3. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream
The combination of cocoa-infused cookie dough and Hershey’s Kisses delivers a double dose of chocolate in every bite.
4. Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for family baking sessions.
5. Customizable for Any Occasion
Swap the red sanding sugar for other colors, or use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, to tailor these cookies to any celebration.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these festive cookies:
- 7 tablespoons butter (softened): Provides richness and a soft texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the flavor and adds a slight crispness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds structure and richness to the cookies.
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring gel: Creates the iconic red velvet hue.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their signature red velvet flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly while baking.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ¼ cup red sanding sugar: Adds sparkle and a festive touch to the cookies.
- 18 Hershey’s chocolate kisses: The perfect finishing touch for these blossoms.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and red food coloring gel. Mix until fully combined and the dough takes on a vibrant red color.
3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour mixture disappears. Be careful not to overmix.
4: Shape the Cookies
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out equal portions of the dough to create 18 balls.
- Roll each ball between your palms to form a smooth sphere, then roll them in the red sanding sugar until fully coated.
5: Bake the Cookies
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
6: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Press gently to secure it without flattening the cookie too much.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Holiday Platters: Arrange them with other festive treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark.
- Gift Giving: Pack the cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Dessert Table Centerpiece: Stack them on a tiered stand for an eye-catching display at holiday parties.
- With Hot Drinks: Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or a holiday latte for a cozy treat.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Blossoms
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid, giving you vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Unwrap the Kisses Ahead of Time: Have your Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped and ready to go before the cookies come out of the oven.
- Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Different Kisses: Use different Hershey’s Kisses flavors, such as white chocolate, peppermint, or caramel, for a unique twist.
- Alternative Colors: Swap the red sanding sugar for green, gold, or silver for a festive variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Double Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey kick.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Extend their freshness by storing them in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
A: Yes, if using unsalted butter, simply increase the salt in the recipe to ½ teaspoon.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make 36 cookies—perfect for parties or gift exchanges.
Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
A: You can, but you may need to use more to achieve the same vibrant red color, which could slightly alter the dough’s consistency.
Conclusion
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. They’re soft, chewy, chocolatey, and irresistibly festive, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re baking with family, participating in a cookie swap, or looking for a delicious homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to delight.
Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch of holiday magic. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creations—these cookies are too beautiful not to show off. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies – Perfect for Christmas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy red velvet cookies rolled in sanding sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. A festive and easy holiday cookie!
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring gel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey’s chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add vanilla, egg yolk, and food coloring.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Roll dough into 18 balls, coat in sanding sugar, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Freeze for longer storage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American