If you are on the lookout for a cookie that combines charm, a pop of color, and a little chocolatey surprise, the Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies have the silky richness of red velvet paired with the irresistible allure of a chocolate kiss at their centers, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough with a vivid red hue and a gentle cocoa undertone, crowned by a glossy chocolate center that adds both texture and flavor contrast. They’re perfect for celebrations, gifting, or simply a treat to brighten any ordinary day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients, and this Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe is no exception. Each component contributes something special—whether it’s the richness from butter, the subtle depth from cocoa, or the festive sparkle from sanding sugar—bringing together cookies that are irresistibly soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
- 7 tbsp salted or unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich moisture and tender texture for the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with its warm, fragrant note.
- 1 large egg yolk: Binds the dough and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 1/4 tsp red food coloring gel: Gives that iconic, vibrant red velvet color without thinning the dough.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The body of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds the subtle chocolate flavor classic to red velvet treats.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: A gentle lift that keeps cookies light and fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar: Sprinkles a festive, crunchy finish on top.
- 18 Hershey chocolate kisses: Inserted after baking for an ooey-gooey chocolate surprise.
How to Make Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature so your cookies bake evenly and develop just the right edges without overcooking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter together with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough helping create a soft texture in your final cookies.
Step 3: Blend in the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and that gorgeous red food coloring gel to your creamed sugar and butter mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine everything into a smooth, cohesive batter where the red color shines beautifully throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution, preventing any pockets of baking powder or cocoa in your dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mix to your wet mixture, gently folding until you have a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing here; just combine until there’s no flour visible to maintain tender cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Prepare for Baking
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to place dough balls on your baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. The dough will be soft, so don’t worry if it looks slightly sticky.
Step 7: Bake Until Set
Bake your dough in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers are still soft—this helps keep your cookies chewy and tender.
Step 8: Cool and Add Chocolate Kisses
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, gently press a Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing it to melt slightly and settle into that perfect, luscious blossom shape.
How to Serve Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, the red sanding sugar sprinkled atop just before baking gives these cookies a lovely sparkle and a subtle crunch that contrasts wonderfully with their soft texture. If you want to amp up their festive look, a light dusting of powdered sugar or even some edible gold glitter can add an extra touch of magic.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cup of hot cocoa, complementing the rich chocolate and buttery flavors perfectly. They also make a charming accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or a smooth latte, making for a cozy afternoon treat or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, present your Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh flowers for a pretty display. Alternatively, package them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon to share these delightful treats as handmade gifts that are sure to impress everyone lucky enough to receive them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days—a perfect way to have ready-made treats on hand anytime you want a little indulgence.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes very well. Shape the dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm briefly in the oven at a low temperature. This helps refresh their softness and lightly melts the chocolate, bringing back that just-baked magic in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel is preferred because it provides a rich hue without altering the dough’s consistency. Regular liquid food coloring can make the dough runnier, so use less if substituting.
Do I have to use Hershey’s Kisses, or can I substitute?
Hershey’s Kisses are iconic for this recipe, but you can swap them with other bite-sized chocolates like mini peanut butter cups or chocolate truffles for a fun twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the best results.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and keep the dough cold before baking if possible. Also, spacing the dough balls adequately on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! The recipe scales easily for bigger batches. Just be sure to use large mixing bowls and extra baking sheets to accommodate the increase.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade cookies that radiate warmth and love, and this Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to share with friends and family. It’s simple enough for newbies but yields impressive, show-stopping results every time. Once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want to add a splash of joy to your day—trust me, that first bite is downright unforgettable!
Print
Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies featuring a tender, cocoa-infused dough coated with red sanding sugar and topped with classic Hershey’s chocolate kisses, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a nostalgic sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 7 tbsp salted or unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp red food coloring gel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for perfectly baked cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor and vibrant color.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix for tender cookies.
- Prepare Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls, then coat each ball evenly with the red sanding sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugared dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Add Chocolate Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie to create the signature blossom.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for rich color without thinning the dough.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- If you prefer, use unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt to balance flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
