Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Ever wondered how to create a show-stopping Valentine’s Day treat that combines the rich flavor of red velvet with the classic appeal of Hershey’s Kisses? Look no further than these irresistible Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies! Perfect for Valentine’s Day baking or anytime you want to impress with a festive, chocolatey treat, these cookies blend the tangy sweetness of red velvet with the smooth chocolate of Hershey’s Kisses. Whether you’re planning a romantic dessert or need Valentine’s Day cookies decorated with a special touch, these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies will make hearts flutter.

Ingredients List

For the perfect batch of Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, gather these essentials:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 36-40 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (original or Valentine’s varieties)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

Substitutions: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For natural coloring, substitute 2 tablespoons of beet powder instead of artificial red food coloring.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes unwrapping Hershey’s Kisses)
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (saves 15 minutes of baking frustration compared to unchilled dough)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

These Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies come together much faster than traditional Valentine’s Day sugar cookies that require intricate decorating!

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Pro tip: Sift the cocoa powder to prevent lumps for the smoothest Red Velvet Blossoms texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming creates the perfect cookie structure for your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined. For the most vibrant red velvet color, add coloring gradually while mixing.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing will create tough cookies, so stop when no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and intensifies the red velvet flavor in your Hershey’s Red Velvet Cookies.

Step 6: Form and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.

Step 7: Add the Kisses

Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven. The warm cookie will secure the Kiss perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (based on 36 cookies):

• Calories: 118
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 12g

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar to ¾ cup for a less sweet version
• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
• Replace butter with equal parts unsweetened applesauce for lower fat
• For gluten-free Red Velvet Blossoms, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies on a tiered plate with other Valentine’s Day treats for an impressive dessert display. Pair with:

• Warm milk with cinnamon for a cozy treat
• Coffee or espresso to complement the chocolate notes
• Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert sandwich

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm butter creates flat cookies—ensure it’s softened but still cool
• Skipping the chilling step leads to excessive spreading
• Adding Kisses too late means they won’t adhere properly
• Using old baking soda results in cookies that don’t rise properly

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw and add Kisses after warming slightly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion

These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies offer the perfect combination of festive appearance and delicious taste that makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day baking or any special occasion. The contrast between rich red velvet cookies and chocolate Kisses creates a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and share your creations on social media—we’d love to see your Valentine’s Day cookie sets come to life!

FAQs

• Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
  Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Why did my Hershey’s Kisses crack when I pressed them into the cookies?
  The cookies were likely too hot. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes after baking before adding the Kisses.
• Can I use other Hershey’s Kiss varieties for these cookies?
  Absolutely! Dark chocolate, Hugs, or seasonal flavors all work beautifully with these Red Velvet Blossoms.
• How do I get the perfect red color without using too much food coloring?
  Start with room temperature ingredients and use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant color with less product.