Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

The Allure of Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Imagine stepping into a cozy kitchen, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. There’s something magical about the sweet aroma of chocolate and vanilla—it feels like a warm hug. Among my favorite festive bakes, Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a standout. These cookies combine soft, chewy texture with a melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s kiss right in the center. Every bite brings together nostalgia, rich cocoa flavor, and the pure joy of home baking.

Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday treat box, or a cozy weekend bake, Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms always impress. Their bright red color and chocolate center make them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms so special? Here’s why they’ve become a staple in so many kitchens:

• A rich blend of cocoa and butter gives these cookies their irresistible flavor and soft texture.
• Rolling them in red sanding sugar adds sparkle and crunch.
• That signature Hershey’s kiss in the center makes every cookie a little surprise.
• They’re simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Each batch brings a touch of celebration to any occasion.

If you enjoy cozy, feel-good baking, these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms will quickly earn a spot in your favorites list.

How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Ready to bake your first batch of Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms? The process is quick, fun, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 7 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, 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
• 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
• 18 Hershey chocolate kisses

Butter brings richness, while brown sugar adds depth. Red gel food coloring gives that signature festive look without changing the dough texture. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour.

Craving another classic cookie? Try these Soft Gingerbread Cookies next—they’re the perfect holiday companion to your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms.

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this will make cleanup a breeze! While the oven heats up, let’s start mixing our dough.

In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The blending of these sugars with butter is a crucial step—this is when you’ll notice the mixture becoming lighter in color and texture. Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, then mix until everything is well combined. This is when the magic starts; you’ll see the lovely red color start to emerge in your batter, giving a hint of what’s to come.

Once that’s all mixed, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Pour in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and combine everything gently until the flour is just incorporated. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tougher than desired.

Now, using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equal portions of the dough. Roll them between your palms to form smooth balls, and then roll each ball in the red sanding sugar. This step is not just for aesthetics—the sugar creates a lovely crunch on the outside of your cookies.

Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one, as they will spread slightly during baking. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn golden.

As soon as you pull them out, gently press a Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. This step is magical—see how the kiss starts to melt slightly, adding an irresistible gooeyness to your cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them set beautifully while retaining a soft center.

For a tastier treat that fits a diabetes-friendly plan, check out the Healthy Christmas Cookies for Diabetics — sweet, smart, and satisfying.

How to Serve Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Now that you have your fresh-baked Red Velvet Blossoms, let’s talk about how to serve them. These cookies are visually stunning, with their bright red hue contrasting beautifully against the chocolate kiss on top. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or simply as a treat to beautify your everyday meals.

Consider arranging these sweet beauties on a festive platter, perhaps with some whipped cream on the side for a little extra decadence. They also make excellent gifts when placed in a decorative tin or wrapped in cellophane with a colorful ribbon. Who wouldn’t love receiving such a thoughtful and delicious surprise? Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Store Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare when you serve these up!), storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container; they can be kept at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at 350°F to regain that freshly baked texture. A quick microwave warm-up works too, just be cautious not to overdo it, or you could end up with overly soft cookies.

Looking for something peppermint-fresh? Try the Candy-Cane Cookies — festive, minty, and fun to bake.

Tips for Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Over the years of baking these cookies, I’ve picked up some helpful tips that will make your Red Velvet Blossoms even more delightful:

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming; this ensures better incorporation.
• Don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; refrigerating for about 30 minutes can help firm it up for easier handling.
• Always invest in good-quality cocoa powder, as it significantly impacts the flavor. Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper flavor and darker color, so consider using that if available.
• Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary, and even a minute can make a difference.
• If the cookies spread too much, try adding a tad more flour next time, or chill the dough before baking.

Variations

If you’re feeling creative, there are several fun ways to put your spin on Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms:

• White Chocolate Twist: Swap the Hershey’s kisses for white chocolate ones. The creamy sweetness makes a delightful contrast with the red velvet flavor.
• Stuffed Cookies: Add a dollop of cream cheese filling right before placing the Hershey’s kiss on top—think red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting in cookie form!
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to maintain that soft texture.
• Mint Chocolate: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough and top with mint chocolate kisses for a festive twist.

FAQs

Can I make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough into balls, roll them in sanding sugar, and bake as directed.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges of your cookies should be a light golden brown. They may look slightly soft in the center but will continue to set as they cool. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to peek in the oven!

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

While you can use liquid coloring, I recommend gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue without affecting the cookie’s consistency. If using liquid color, you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right dough texture.

What if my cookies are too soft or fall apart?

If you find that your cookies are too soft, it could be due to underbaking or too much moisture in the dough. Ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately. If they fall apart after baking, consider chilling the dough a bit longer before baking next time.

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Conclusion

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are more than just cookies; they are a joyful experience filled with flavors and memories. Their rich taste, complemented by the creamy chocolate center, is irresistible and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try—it’s not just an easy baking project but also a delicious way to bring a smile to those you love. If you enjoy this delightful treat, save it for later or share it with someone who’d appreciate it too!

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