These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are soft, vibrant, and oh-so-chocolatey! They have a lovely red color that makes them perfect for any celebration.
Adding a Hershey’s chocolate kiss on top makes these cookies even more fun. I love how they look just as good as they taste! Perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a rich flavor. You can replace it with Dutch-processed cocoa if preferred, which has a smoother taste.
Red Food Coloring: This ingredient gives the cookies their vibrant color. For a natural option, you could use beet juice, but the color might not be as bright.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting, it adds tanginess. Neufchâtel cheese is a great lighter substitute, or use mascarpone for a different flavor twist.
Hershey’s Kisses: These are classic for decoration. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using Dove chocolates or chocolate chips instead.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The secret to soft and chewy cookies is in the baking time and temperature. You want them to look slightly underbaked when you take them out. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Preheat your oven correctly to ensure even baking.
- Watch the baking time closely; take them out when the edges are set, but the center still looks soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack, as they continue to cook slightly with residual heat.
Additionally, chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps develop flavors, but don’t skip the baking step—they should be warm when you add the Hershey’s Kisses for that perfect melt!
Delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Rolling:
- Granulated sugar (about 1 cup)
For The Frosting:
- 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Hershey’s Kisses chocolates (milk or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 10 minutes for baking. Additionally, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes if you’d like. The total time is approximately 1 hour with cooling and frosting included. Perfect for a fun baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is a crucial first step!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. This blend will provide the foundation for your cookie dough. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for soft cookies.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, mix in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar, ensuring everything is well blended and colorful!
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to over-mix, as the dough should be thick.
6. Chill Dough:
This is an optional step, but chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle. If you have the time, it’s worth it!
7. Shape and Roll Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until they are well coated – this adds sweetness and a lovely crunch on the outside!
8. Bake Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they’re about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are set but still have a slight softness in the center.
9. Cool Slightly and Add Frosting Layer:
After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, giving it a slight twist to secure it in place.
10. Prepare Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a creamy frosting.
11. Add Frosting:
Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or dollop a small amount of cream cheese frosting around the base of each Hershey’s Kiss on the cookies, creating the delightful “blossom” effect.
12. Cool Completely:
Allow the cookies to cool fully on wire racks so that the frosting can set properly. Patience is key here for optimal taste!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cookies are completely set, they are ready to be served. Enjoy your festive Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!
These cookies are a beautiful bright red, chewy with a classic red velvet flavor, and topped with creamy frosting and a Hershey’s Kiss. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use a Different Type of Food Coloring?
Yes! You can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue with less liquid. Alternatively, natural options like beet juice can be used, but the color may be less intense.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and rolling it in sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, you can also individually wrap them or layer them with parchment paper.
Can I Freeze the Cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. For best results, freeze them unwrapped on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, just thaw at room temperature!
