These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-colorful! Topped with a delightful chocolate kiss, they’re perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat any day.
Every bite is a tasty mix of rich chocolate and vanilla flavors. When I bake these, they disappear fast—like magic! Who can resist that cute little kiss on top? 🍪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the cookies. If you’re out, you can use margarine, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Some people also use half butter and half coconut oil for a different twist!
Cream Cheese: A must for that tangy taste! If you want a lower-fat option, use whipped cream cheese. You could also substitute with Greek yogurt to keep it tangy, though the texture may change slightly.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the cookies their signature color. For a natural alternative, beet juice can work, but adjust the amount as it’s less concentrated.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, you can omit it, but the cookies will be less chocolatey. Using dark cocoa will intensify the chocolate flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Soft?
Achieving the right texture is key! Here are some tips to keep your cookies soft and chewy:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; just combine until you see no dry spots.
- Underbake the cookies slightly. They should look set but still soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
- Press the Hershey’s Kiss right after taking them out of the oven. This will help them melt slightly and create that iconic blossom.
Lastly, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate, as they continue to cook while resting. Perfect red velvet cookies every time!
How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Red sanding sugar or red velvet cake crumbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at around 25 minutes total, plus cooling time. Let the cookies cool completely after baking for the best flavor and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is creamy and smooth—this may take a couple of minutes.
3. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in your egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until everything is combined and the color is even throughout the mixture.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few flour streaks remain.
6. Shaping the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets, as they will spread a little while baking.
7. Baking the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. They should be set on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
8. Adding the Hershey’s Kisses:
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. This creates a delicious chocolate centerpiece!
9. Letting Them Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to frost.
10. Making the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed—aim for a pipeable texture.
11. Frosting the Cookies:
Once cooled, use a piping bag or a simple zip-lock bag with a corner cut off to pipe a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top of each chocolate kiss.
12. Garnishing:
Finally, sprinkle some red sanding sugar or red velvet cake crumbs over the frosting for that extra festive touch!
13. Serving:
Serve these delightful cookies to friends and family, and enjoy the smiles they bring! Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Food Coloring?
Yes, you can substitute red food coloring with gel food coloring, which provides a more vibrant color with less liquid. Alternatively, natural beet juice can be used, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also place them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture, but they may last a bit longer—up to 5 days!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just roll them into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, try using mascarpone cheese for a similar taste and texture. You could also use a combination of unsweetened Greek yogurt and powdered sugar for a lighter option.
