Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms cookies bring a fun twist to a classic holiday treat by combining soft red velvet cookies with a rich Hershey’s Kiss center. They are perfect for brightening up your Valentine’s Day or Christmas celebrations with their vibrant color and delightful chocolate surprise in the middle.

I first made these cookies to gift to my friends and family during Valentine’s Day, and now they are a requested staple every year because of their soft texture and that melty chocolate center.

Ingredients

• Butter softened: adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough so make sure it is really soft but not melted
• Brown and granulated sugar combined: using two types of sugar helps achieve the perfect balance between chewiness and slight crisp edges
• Egg yolk only: acts as a binder and adds extra fat which keeps these cookies moist and tender
• Vanilla extract: gives a warm depth to complement the cocoa flavor in the cookie
• All purpose flour: the base that holds everything together so use fresh, good quality for best results
• Cocoa powder: a small amount adds that iconic mild chocolate flavor that makes red velvet distinct without overpowering
• Salt: enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor
• Baking powder: helps the cookies bake up with a gentle rise rather than spreading too much
• Wilton red gel food coloring: to get that bright signature red color use gel food coloring since liquids can throw off the dough consistency
• Red sanding sugar: to coat the cookies creating a pretty glittery finish and subtle crunch if you cannot find this regular thick granulated sugar is an okay substitute but the sparkle will be missing
• Hershey’s Kisses regular milk chocolate: the fun center surprise that adds melty chocolate goodness right after baking pick festive seasonal flavors if you want to change things up

Instructions

Spoon and Cream the Butters and Sugars:

Cream the softened butter and the mixture of brown and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until pale and fluffy which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough and gives your cookies a lighter texture.

Add Egg Yolk Vanilla and Color:

Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and the Wilton red gel food coloring until fully combined. The egg yolk gives the cookies their tender crumb and the gel color ensures a vibrant red without making the dough runny. Be sure to scrape the bowl sides to incorporate evenly.

Combine Dry Ingredients Separately:

In another bowl whisk together all purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution so no pockets of baking powder or cocoa remain unmixed.

Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix or the cookies might become tough. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Form Cookie Balls and Coat:

Using a tablespoon measure scoop portion out 18 equal dough balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth the shape then roll each one in the red sanding sugar until evenly coated. This sugar coating gives that delightful sparkle on top.

Bake Cookies on Sheet:

Place the sugar coated dough balls spaced evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 9 to 11 minutes or until the tops look set but still soft.

Press Hershey’s Kisses Immediately:

Remove the cookies from the oven and while still hot gently press one Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. The warmth will slightly melt the bottom of the chocolate without losing its shape creating a lovely blossom effect.

Allow to Cool:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes so the chocolate can set and the cookies firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step prevents the cookies from breaking and helps the chocolate stay in place.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the burst of melty Hershey’s Kiss in the middle. It reminds me of cozy holiday baking afternoons with my family when the kitchen fills up with warm chocolate aromas and bright red treats that kids and adults alike cannot resist.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days but if you want them softer remove from the fridge and let them come back to room temp before serving. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to replicate that fresh from the oven softness and melted chocolate center.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find red sanding sugar regular granulated sugar will work but a thicker grain variety is best to mimic the sparkle on top. For the Hershey’s Kisses feel free to swap to white chocolate or caramel flavored ones for a fun twist or try mini peanut butter cups for a surprise contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but for a festive presentation try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. They also pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a simple glass of milk and can be arranged in holiday tins to gift friends and family.

These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are an easy festive treat with soft cookies and a melty chocolate center. They make a lovely homemade gift or party cookie.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How should I store these red velvet blossoms?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let them come back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

→ Can I substitute the red sanding sugar?

If red sanding sugar isn’t available, use thicker granulated sugar. Colored sanding sugars can vary the look for different occasions like Halloween or Christmas.

→ What flavor profile do these blossoms have?

They offer a buttery base with mild cocoa and vanilla notes. The Hershey’s Kiss adds a creamy chocolate center that complements the soft cookie perfectly.

→ Can I use different types of Hershey’s Kisses?

Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or seasonal flavors to suit your preferences or occasions.

→ Are these blossoms suitable for making with kids?

Definitely, the process is straightforward and fun, perfect for involving children in mixing, rolling dough balls, and adding the chocolate topping.