Are you tired of serving the same predictable desserts that leave your guests politely nodding? Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are the stunning, delicious solution that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These decadent cookies combine the rich, velvety texture of red velvet with the perfect chocolate kiss center that melts just enough to create dessert perfection.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! As someone who’s tested countless cookie recipes in my kitchen, I’ve perfected these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms through years of holiday baking and family gatherings. The magic moment when someone bites into these cookies for the first time keeps me coming back to this recipe.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the perfect cookie texture, troubleshooting common baking issues, and creative ways to present these showstoppers. Let’s create some cookie magic together!
Why These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Work
- Uses simple pantry staples with the special addition of Hershey’s Kisses
- Prep time under 20 minutes with minimal hands-on work
- Stunning presentation makes them perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting
- Balanced flavor profile combines tangy red velvet with rich chocolate
- Stays soft and chewy for days when stored properly
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Best Chocolate Selection for Red Velvet Blossoms
Traditional Hershey’s Kisses create the classic look, but you can elevate these cookies with Hershey’s Special Dark or even Hugs for a marbled effect. For a truly decadent experience, consider refrigerating the kisses before pressing them into the cookies to prevent excessive melting.
Quality Matters: Red Velvet Essentials
The signature red color depends on food coloring, but the flavor profile relies on quality cocoa powder. Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed) for the proper chemical reaction with buttermilk and vinegar that gives red velvet its distinctive taste.
Substitution Options for Dietary Needs
These cookies can accommodate various dietary restrictions with simple swaps. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based butter and non-dairy chocolate kisses. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well as a 1:1 replacement in this recipe.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Cookie Base Essentials
- Butter (unsalted, softened) 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
- Brown sugar (packed) 1/4 cup
- Egg – 1 large
- Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
- Red food coloring 1 tablespoon (or as needed)
- All-purpose flour 2 cups
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened) 2 tablespoons
- Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt 1/4 teaspoon
- Buttermilk 1/4 cup
- White vinegar 1/2 teaspoon
- Hershey’s Kisses 24-30 (unwrapped)
Pre-Baking Preparation
Mix your dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. For the perfect red color, add food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade – gel food coloring provides more vibrant color with less liquid.
Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls but soft enough to flatten slightly when pressed. If your dough seems too sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping. Too dry? Add a teaspoon of buttermilk at a time until the consistency is right.
Step-by-Step Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookie Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Red Velvet Blossoms
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
- Unwrap all Hershey’s Kisses and keep them refrigerated until ready to use
- Prepare a small bowl with 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookie dough balls
Mixing and Baking Method for Red Velvet Blossoms
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and food coloring until well combined
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt
- Combine buttermilk and vinegar in a small cup (it will bubble slightly)
- Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk mixture
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in granulated sugar
- Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft
Perfecting the Hershey’s Kiss Placement
Timing is crucial! Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat of the cookie will secure the kiss without melting it completely. If kisses start to lose their shape, place the entire cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
Cooling and Setting Red Velvet Blossoms
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate kiss will remain soft for about 2 hours, so avoid stacking or packaging until fully set.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Achieving the Ideal Red Velvet Blossoms Texture
For cookies with crisp edges and chewy centers, slightly underbake them by taking them out when the centers still look a bit underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. For more cake-like cookies, add an additional egg yolk to the batter.
Essential Red Velvet Blossoms Tools
- Cookie scoop for uniform sizing
- Silicone baking mats for even baking
- Cooling racks for proper setting
- Timer (crucial for catching cookies at the perfect moment for kiss placement)
Storage & Freezing Red Velvet Blossoms
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze: place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Looking for more delicious inspiration? Check out my Pinterest collection for stunning food photography and creative recipe ideas that will elevate your baking game!
Flavor Variations for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Festive Red Velvet Blossoms Options
- Holiday twist: Use seasonal Hershey’s Kisses varieties like Candy Cane or Hot Cocoa
- Valentine’s special: Add pink/red sprinkles to the sugar coating
- Birthday celebration: Mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough
Dietary-Friendly Red Velvet Blossoms
- Reduced sugar: Cut sugar by 1/4 cup and use dark chocolate kisses
- Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based butter, flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate
Creative Red Velvet Blossoms Combinations
| Flavor Twist | Hershey’s Kiss Type | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Zest | Dark Chocolate | 1 tbsp orange zest in dough |
| Peppermint | Candy Cane Kiss | 1/4 tsp mint extract |
| Cream Cheese | Hugs | 4 oz cream cheese in dough |
| Coconut | Almond Kiss | 1/2 cup coconut flakes in sugar coating |
| Espresso | Caramel Kiss | 1 tbsp espresso powder in dough |
Serving Suggestions for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
- Create a stunning cookie platter by pairing with contrasting cookies like lemon crinkles or chocolate chip
- Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts
- Arrange on a tiered stand with fresh strawberries for a striking dessert table centerpiece
- Complement with hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat
FAQs About Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This typically happens if the butter was too soft or the dough too warm. Try chilling the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking.
How do I get the perfect red color without an artificial taste?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more concentrated color with less product, or try natural alternatives like beet powder (though the color will be less vibrant).
My Hershey’s Kisses are melting too quickly. What can I do?
Freeze the kisses for 30 minutes before pressing them into the hot cookies. Also, make sure your cookies have cooled slightly (about 1-2 minutes) before adding the kisses.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. The kisses may develop a slight whitish appearance (chocolate bloom) but this doesn’t affect the taste.
Time to Bake Some Magic!
These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are more than just cookies they’re conversation starters and memory makers. The vibrant red color paired with the chocolate kiss creates a visual impact that’s matched only by their delicious flavor.
Remember, the key to perfect red velvet blossoms is timing don’t wait too long to press those kisses into the warm cookies! And don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your secret recipe.
Happy baking!
Print
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms: Decadent Cookies That Wow
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Blossoms soft, chewy red velvet cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a rich chocolate kiss. A festive, decadent treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tbsp red food coloring
24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until fully combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in granulated sugar.
7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
9. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra sparkle, roll in red sanding sugar instead of white.
Chill dough for 15 minutes before baking to help cookies hold shape.
Try using white chocolate kisses for a fun color contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: red velvet blossoms, red velvet cookies, chocolate kiss cookies, holiday cookies, festive desserts