Name: Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter (7 tbsp); Brown Sugar (1/2 cup); Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp); Vanilla Extract (1 tsp); Egg Yolk (1); Red Food Coloring Gel (1/4 tsp); All-Purpose Flour (1 cup); Cocoa Powder (1 tbsp); Baking Powder (1/2 tsp); Salt (1/4 tsp); Red Sanding Sugar (1/4 cup); Hershey Chocolate Kisses (18 pieces)

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The moment you step into the kitchen and whip up a batch of Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, a warm, inviting aroma fills the air, hugging you like a cozy blanket. Picture a vibrant red cookie, soft and chewy, just waiting to be adorned with a perfect little chocolate kiss right in the center. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re delightful little moments that spark joy and nostalgia with every bite, bringing back memories of holiday gatherings and family celebrations. Baking these beauties is like painting a canvas – the red frosting, the kiss, and the sugar sparkle make each cookie a masterpiece!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

As the holidays approach or when you want to brighten up a regular Tuesday afternoon, these cookies are your go-to sweet indulgence. So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this delicious journey together! You’ll soon see how easy it is to create these charming gems that are just begging to be shared with loved ones or saved for your own sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and a mere 10 minutes of baking, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The rich cocoa paired with the slight tang of red velvet creates a cozy, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant red color and shiny Hershey’s kiss topping make them a hit for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday gatherings, an afternoon snack, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Great for baking with kids; they will love rolling the dough in sugar and pressing down those chocolate kisses!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter (7 tbsp): Softened butter ensures a creamy texture in your dough. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness, but salted works perfectly too.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): This adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a different taste.
Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp): It provides sweetness and helps create a lovely crust. Substitute with cane sugar if desired.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Pure vanilla extract is key for rich flavor. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Egg Yolk (1): This adds richness and helps bind everything together. You can use a flax egg for a vegan option.
Red Food Coloring Gel (1/4 tsp): A little gel can make a big difference in color. If you’re avoiding food coloring, you can opt for beet juice as a natural alternative.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Essential for structure. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Cocoa Powder (1 tbsp): This provides the chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet essence.
Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): Helps your cookies rise and become fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh to get the best rise!
Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a hint balances sweetness. Don’t skip this!
Red Sanding Sugar (1/4 cup): This gives a fun sparkle and extra crunch on the outside. Regular sugar can be used but won’t have the same effect.
Hershey Chocolate Kisses (18 pieces): The star topping! They are perfectly melty and add a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite.

How to Make Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Set it aside, allowing you to focus on mixing your delicious cookie dough.

Cream Together: In your stand mixer, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air, making your cookies light and tender. Then add in the egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a beautiful, rich color.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix; this can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that delivers that red velvet experience.

Scoop and Roll: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into even balls between your palms. Roll each ball generously in the vibrant red sanding sugar, creating a lovely coating that adds both flavor and visual appeal. This also provides that needed crunch when you bite into the soft cookie.

Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the edges are just set. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Hershey chocolate kiss firmly into the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens, melting deliciously into the cookie!

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, allowing them to firm up. Once they are slightly cool, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their life, putting them in the refrigerator works for about a week; just be sure to use a container that prevents moisture. You can also freeze them for up to three months! Wrap cookies tightly in plastic or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw them at room temperature. For a quick refresh, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain a bit of that freshly-baked warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing your dough; it can lead to tough cookies.
Allow your butter to soften at room temperature for the best texture.
Be careful not to overcrowd your baking sheet, as these cookies will expand a bit.
If you’re not into the red color, feel free to experiment with different colors of food gel for various occasions!
Want more chocolate? Add chocolate chips alongside the chocolate kiss for double the chocolate goodness.
These cookies are perfect for freezing, so you can always have a batch on hand when cravings strike!

Every bite of Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies is not just about the delicious chocolate melting in your mouth; it’s a trip down memory lane, a touch of nostalgia, and a celebration in cookie form. Whether you jazz them up for the holidays or enjoy them on a cozy weekend at home, they are bound to bring a smile. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine – try tweaking the recipe, rolling them in sprinkles, or using different chocolate candies on top. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful moment with these sweet treasures!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes for easier handling before scooping and baking.

What can I substitute for the egg yolk?

If you prefer to make a vegan version or simply don’t have an egg on hand, you can use a flax egg. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water; let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens, and then add it into your dough as you would the egg yolk.

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Definitely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, feel free to mix it up with mini chocolate chips or other chocolate candies. Just ensure they melt well and complement the red velvet flavor!

Why is my cookie dough too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll, it could be due to warm butter or too much moisture. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. It’s also a great way to help the flavors meld together!