Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

The moment the vibrant red hue of these cookies pops out of the oven, it’s like a cheerful invitation that says, “Let’s celebrate!” Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are my little secret weapon for brightening up any occasion, from birthdays to cozy family gatherings. I fondly remember baking these alongside my grandmother, her loving guidance forever imprinted in my heart, as we waited impatiently for the sweet aroma to waft through our home. The warmth and nostalgia of those memories keep me coming back to this delightful treat again and again.

Honestly, who could resist the allure of a soft, decadent cookie topped with a melty Hershey’s kiss? It’s not just any cookie; it’s a cookie that stands out, both in flavor and in presentation. The rich hint of cocoa, the whimsical pop of red, and the sweet chocolatey kiss create a festive experience like no other. Whenever I make these for friends or family, it’s as if I’m giving each of them a tiny bundle of joy—one bite, and I promise they’ll be hooked!

What makes this recipe special

So, why should these vibrant Red Velvet Blossoms be your go-to treat this week? First off, the flavor is enchanting! The combination of rich cocoa and that nostalgic red velvet flavor is irresistible. When paired with the creamy sweetness of a Hershey’s kiss on top, it’s a dreamy dessert that is as delicious as it is visually stunning. Imagine serving these beauties at your next gathering—guests will rave about them!

Additionally, they are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both the novice baker and the seasoned pro. All you need are a handful of simple ingredients, and within a short time, you’ll have warm, delightful cookies that can decorate any table, making them an excellent choice for holiday celebrations or just because. Not to mention, each cookie is like a little love letter in the form of sweet deliciousness—who wouldn’t want to bake that magic?

Gather these ingredients

Before we roll up our sleeves and get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need for these scrumptious Red Velvet Blossoms:

• 7 tbsp Butter: Choose either salted or unsalted butter, softened to the perfect spreadable consistency. This is where the magic begins, as it creates the luscious texture of your cookies.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Opt for packed light brown sugar here; it adds depth and warmth to your cookies. If you’re all out, feel free to use granulated sugar but know that brown sugar’s caramel notes elevate this recipe beautifully.
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar: A small amount to sweeten the deal and balance the overall flavor profile of your cookies. Simple yet essential!
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds that familiar warmth and aroma. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor—fake vanilla just won’t cut it!
• 1 large Egg Yolk: We’re only using the yolk here for richness. It ensures that your cookies are delightful and chewy. Save the egg white for another use!
• 1/4 tsp Red Food Coloring Gel: This is what gives your cookies that signature red hue! Gel coloring is preferred because it’s more potent than liquid, and you’ll need just a tiny bit to create magic.
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookie—don’t forget to stir it lightly before measuring to aerate it.
• 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder: It brings a hint of chocolate flavor, perfectly complementing our red velvet profile.
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: Our little leavener that makes sure your cookies rise just enough!
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Always include a pinch of salt in sweet recipes; it enhances flavors in extraordinary ways.
• 1/4 cup Red Sanding Sugar: For a fun, crunchy finish that adds visual flair and that extra sweet crunch when you bite into the cookie.
• 18 Hershey Chocolate Kisses: The divine crown for your cookie, providing that unmistakable chocolatey goodness. Choose classic milk chocolate, or try some flavored varieties for a twist!

Preparing Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how you’ll take those simple ingredients and transform them into cookie magic:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step is crucial for non-stick goodness!
2. In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Think of it as whisking in happiness;
3. Add in that luscious egg yolk, fragrant vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. It should look like a cheerful cloud of sweetness!
4. Now, sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour disappears—don’t overdo it, we want tenderness!
5. Scoop the dough into 18 equal-sized balls (think about ping pong ball size) and roll them in red sanding sugar for a dazzling finish.
6. Place the vibrant balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to give them room to spread.
7. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re just set—trust me, the aroma will be intoxicating!
8. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey chocolate kiss right in the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this is the hardest part, but worth every second!

Best way to enjoy it

These Red Velvet Blossoms are marvelous on their own, but why not elevate your presentation? Serving them on a colorful platter next to a cup of tea or coffee brings a delightful touch. You could even pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet sundae treat. Each bite is an explosion of joy—trust me, your tastebuds will dance with happiness!

Storage and reheating tips

Had a bit too much sugar? No worries—these cookies store remarkably well! Place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll keep for about 3-5 days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain their freshness, and you’ll have a special treat just waiting for you!

When you’re ready to enjoy a chilled cookie, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to soften them up. Always a delightful way to reignite those cookie memories!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some of my top tips to make sure your Red Velvet Blossoms turn out fabulously every time:

• Don’t skip the resting time for your cookies after baking. This little pause helps maintain their soft texture.
• If you prefer a more intense red color, feel free to add a touch more food coloring. A little goes a long way!
• For added flair, substitute the Hershey kisses with other chocolates or even caramel-filled candies—let your creativity shine!

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to customize, consider some of these tasty variations:

• White Chocolate Bliss: Swap Hershey kisses with white chocolate for a unique contrast!
• Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Minty Addition: Add some peppermint extract alongside the vanilla for a refreshing twist!

Ingredients

• 7 tbsp Butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 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

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until smooth.
3. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until well combined.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour disappears.
5. Scoop dough into 18 equal balls and roll into red sanding sugar.
6. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes until just set.
8. Press a Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after they come out of the oven!
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Your questions answered

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the center? Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of chocolate kisses, or even caramel or peanut butter-filled options.
• What if I can’t find red food coloring gel? Liquid food coloring will work, but you might need to adjust the amount since it’s not as concentrated.
• Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking, allowing for easy, fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Are these cookies soft or crispy? They are soft and chewy with a delightful, slightly crispy exterior. The texture is simply divine!
• Can I make these gluten-free? You can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll still end up with a cookie that’s just as delicious!

Baking these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms is more than just making cookies—it’s about creating warmth and happiness in your home. They’re perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, and I hope you feel inspired to try them out. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors or twist the recipe to suit your preferences! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out—join our cozy baking community, and let’s keep the love for cooking alive!

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