Hershey's Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe

There's something magical about red velvet cookies that hint of cocoa, the gorgeous ruby color, and when you top them with a Hershey's Kiss? Pure perfection. These Hershey's red velvet blossoms are my answer to those classic peanut butter kiss cookies, but with a festive twist that makes them perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or honestly, any Tuesday when you need a little extra sweetness in your life.

I first made these on a whim when I wanted something special but didn't have time for a full red velvet cake. The house smelled incredible, and my family couldn't get enough. Now they're on regular rotation, especially around the holidays.

Jump To Recipe

• Why You'll Love This Hershey's Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe
• What Makes Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Special
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Hershey Kisses
• Making Them Your Own
• Serving Suggestions
• My Kitchen Memories
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Perfect Occasion Cookie
• Hershey's Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe

Why You'll Love This Hershey's Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe

Let me tell you why these cookies are about to become your new favorite. First, they're incredibly simple no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. You probably have most of what you need already. Second, they're stunning. That bright red color rolled in sparkling sugar, topped with chocolate? They look like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, you were in and out in about 25 minutes total.

Plus, unlike traditional red velvet cake, these cookies are perfectly portioned. No cutting, no serving dishes, just grab and enjoy. They're soft, chewy, and have just enough cocoa flavor to balance the sweetness. The Hershey Kiss on top adds that classic chocolate finish that makes them irresistible.

What Makes Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Special

These aren't your average Hershey kiss cookies. The red velvet twist gives them a softer, more cake-like texture compared to peanut butter versions. The cocoa powder adds depth without making them taste like chocolate cookies it's subtle, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

The red sanding sugar isn't just pretty; it adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie underneath. When you press that chocolate kiss into the warm cookie, it melts just slightly, creating the perfect marriage of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll gather for these beauties:

For the Cookies:

• 7 tablespoons butter, softened (salted or unsalted works)
• 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

For Decorating:

• ¼ cup red sanding sugar
• 18 Hershey's chocolate kisses, unwrapped

A quick note on ingredients: I prefer gel food coloring over liquid because it gives you that vibrant red without adding extra moisture to your dough. Also, unwrap those kisses before you start trust me, you don't want to be frantically unwrapping chocolate while your hot cookies are cooling!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you're like me and prefer easy make-ahead breakfast casseroles for busy mornings, you'll appreciate that these cookies are just as convenient.

Making the Dough

In your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy about 2 minutes. This step is important; it incorporates air and creates that tender texture we're after.

Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything's beautifully combined and evenly colored. Don't worry if it looks a bit bright at this stage; the color mellows slightly during baking.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add this to your butter mixture and mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Shaping and Baking

Pour your red sanding sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized portions of dough. Roll each one between your palms to create smooth balls, then roll them in the red sugar until completely coated. This is where they get that sparkly, festive appearance.

Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They'll spread slightly but not much. Bake for exactly 10 minutes no more, no less. They might look slightly underdone, but that's what you want. They'll firm up as they cool.

The Grand Finale

The moment you pull those cookies from the oven, immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each one. Press gently but firmly you want it to stick but not break the cookie. The heat will soften the Kiss slightly, creating that perfect connection.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial; it allows them to set properly. After 10 minutes, transfer them to a cooling rack. If you can resist eating one warm, you have more willpower than I do!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Hershey Kisses

Temperature matters: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. It should be cool to the touch but leave an indent when pressed.

Don't skip the gel coloring: Liquid food coloring won't give you that vibrant red without making the dough too wet.

Uniform sizing: Try to make all your cookie balls the same size so they bake evenly. A cookie scoop helps with this.

Press firmly: When adding the Kisses, don't be shy. You want them embedded enough to stay put.

Storage: Keep these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Making Them Your Own

While these cookies are perfect as-is, there's always room for creativity. Try white chocolate or vanilla birthday cupcakes for inspiration on flavor variations.

For a Valentine's Day twist, use pink sanding sugar and white chocolate kisses. During Christmas, stick with the traditional red and add a touch of peppermint extract to the dough. For a more decadent version, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.

If you want to make these without peanut butter but still achieve that classic blossom look, consider trying them with different flavors like carrot cake cookies next time you're feeling adventurous.

Serving Suggestions

These red velvet blossom cookies are showstoppers on any dessert table. Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside other favorites like Easter blossom cookies or chocolate chip cookies for variety.

They're perfect with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even alongside homemade hot chocolate. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gorgeous homemade gifts that people actually want to receive.

My Kitchen Memories

My grandmother always said the best recipes are the ones that bring people together. These cookies remind me of her philosophy. I remember the first time I brought them to a holiday party they disappeared before the main course was even served. Now, I'm asked to bring them every year.

There's something about baking that connects us to our roots. My mother and grandmother both had their signature cookies, and I like to think these are becoming mine. The smell of them baking brings everyone into the kitchen, and suddenly we're all chatting, laughing, and stealing warm cookies when we think no one's looking.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Perfect Occasion Cookie

Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, contributing to a romantic dinner for two, or just treating yourself on a random Wednesday, these Hershey's red velvet blossoms deliver. They're fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for everyday baking.

I love how they look like you spent hours perfecting them when really, they come together in minutes. If it looks a little messy when you press in the Kiss, you're doing it right that's the charm of homemade cookies.

So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and you're about to become everyone's favorite cookie baker. Here's to making something well, tasty

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