Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Introduction

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are the perfect balance of festive flavor and indulgent sweetness. With their soft, chewy texture and rich red velvet taste, these cookies make for a delightful treat any time of year. The combination of cocoa, buttermilk, and vanilla, along with the signature Hershey’s Kiss in the center, brings a unique twist to the classic chocolate cookie. They’re an irresistible bite, full of color and flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the nostalgia of red velvet with the joy of chocolate and the surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss hidden inside. The moment I first made these, I was taken by the gorgeous red color, which gives them such a festive feel, and the way the flavors blend so seamlessly. The cookie itself is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness, while the Hershey’s Kiss adds an extra layer of indulgence that elevates every bite.

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are ideal for those moments when you want something sweet, but with a little extra flair. They’re great for parties, holiday get-togethers, or just because. Whether served on a cookie tray or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The contrast of the soft, buttery cookie with the smooth chocolate kiss creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. If you’re looking to make a memorable dessert or sweet treat, these cookies are the ones to bake!

Perfect for:

Holiday baking
Christmas parties
Valentine’s Day treats
Special occasions
Chocolate and red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies will become a favorite at your home:

Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, making them a satisfying treat to bite into.
Distinct Red Velvet Flavor: The balance of cocoa and buttermilk in the dough gives these cookies their iconic red velvet taste that’s both tangy and rich.
Perfectly Sweet: The sweetness of the cookies is complemented by the rich, creamy Hershey’s Kiss on top, making them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.
Simple to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are easy to prepare and only require basic ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Holiday Ready: Their bold red color and festive appearance make these cookies perfect for any celebration or special occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Highlights

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies structure and softness.
Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the red velvet taste.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess to the dough, which is characteristic of red velvet cakes and cookies.
Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature bold red color, making them perfect for festive occasions.
Hershey’s Kisses: These classic chocolates are placed on top of each cookie for a sweet, melty center.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies:

Roll the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Place on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake and Finish:

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly firm.
Add Hershey’s Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are a fun, delicious treat that can be served in various ways:

For Holiday Treats: Serve them as part of a Christmas or Valentine’s Day dessert platter to share with family and friends.
Giftable: These cookies make a thoughtful gift when packaged in a festive tin or gift box.
With Milk or Hot Cocoa: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort treat.
As a Party Snack: Serve them at a party or gathering for a sweet and visually striking dessert that will stand out.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to roll, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a brighter, more intense red color without adding too much liquid to the dough.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
Let the Kisses Set: After pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm cookies, don’t move the cookies until the kisses have set and cooled to prevent them from melting completely.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies:

White Chocolate Blossom Cookies: Replace the Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate chips for a smooth, creamy twist.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add cream cheese frosting between two red velvet cookies for a more decadent treat.
Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate kiss.
Mini Red Velvet Blossoms: Make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon to scoop the dough, perfect for bite-sized treats.
Dark Chocolate Kiss Red Velvet Cookies: Use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Nutty Red Velvet Blossoms: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a bit of crunch.
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Kiss: Use cream cheese-filled Hershey’s Kisses for a creamy and tangy filling.
Oreo Red Velvet Blossoms: Press a mini Oreo cookie into the center of the red velvet dough in place of the Hershey’s Kiss.
White Chocolate Red Velvet Blossoms with Raspberry: Top the cookies with white chocolate chips and a fresh raspberry for a burst of fruitiness.
Double Red Velvet Blossoms: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a more intense red velvet flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, roll in sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake as directed from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies easier:

Electric Mixer: To easily beat together the butter, sugar, and wet ingredients for a smooth dough.
Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps you portion the dough evenly, making the cookies uniform in size.
Baking Sheet: A baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat makes cleanup easier and ensures the cookies don’t stick.
Wire Rack: A wire rack is useful for cooling the cookies evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring gives a brighter and more intense color without affecting the dough’s texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the kiss?
Yes, feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a different taste.
Can I use buttermilk powder instead of liquid buttermilk?
Yes, if you use buttermilk powder, mix it with the amount of water specified on the package to make the equivalent of 2 tablespoons of liquid buttermilk.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies. Simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are a decadent treat that brings the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake into the form of a soft, chewy cookie. The combination of the slightly tangy cream cheese center with the sweet and chocolatey red velvet cookie base creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both indulgent and comforting.

What truly sets these cookies apart is their striking appearance—vibrant red with a beautiful cream cheese swirl, making them the perfect addition to any celebration or simply a delightful snack to enjoy at home. These cookies are versatile, offering a little bit of luxury in every bite, whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just because, Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to give these a try! Don’t forget to share your cookie creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you enjoy them! Enjoy every delicious, melt-in-your-mouth moment!