A Colorful and Delicious Cookie That’s Sure to Impress
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookie. These eye-catching treats feature a vibrant red velvet cookie base, a rich chocolate Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center, and a sparkling sugar coating that adds a touch of sweetness and texture. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any occasion that calls for a special treat. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers a stunning result that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of red velvet and chocolate is simply irresistible!
A New Holiday Tradition is Born
I’ve always loved peanut butter blossoms, but I wanted to create something a little different for a holiday cookie exchange. Inspired by the festive colors of the season, I decided to experiment with a red velvet version. The result was these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, and they were an instant hit! The vibrant red color, the rich chocolate kiss, and the subtle cocoa flavor were a welcome change from the usual holiday cookies. They were so popular that they’ve become a new tradition in my family. Every year, I look forward to baking these cookies and sharing them with loved ones. They are easy to transport to a cookie exchange in a cute tin, and always a conversation starter.
Ingredient Insights: Unpacking the Flavors of Red Velvet
Let’s break down the key ingredients that give these cookies their unique flavor and appearance:
- Butter (Softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the cookies. Using softened butter is essential for proper creaming, which creates a light and airy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, a subtle molasses flavor, and contributes to the cookies’ chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Egg Yolk: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Using just the yolk contributes to a more tender cookie.
- Red Food Coloring Gel: Gives the cookies their signature vibrant red hue. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid for its concentrated color and less impact on the dough’s consistency.
- Tip: Use a good quality red food coloring for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of the cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides a subtle chocolate flavor that’s characteristic of red velvet.
- Tip: Unsweetened cocoa powder is a must here, as the recipe already calls for a good amount of sugar.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become slightly fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Red Sanding Sugar: Adds a festive sparkle and a delightful crunch to the exterior of the cookies.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses: The crowning glory of these blossoms! The classic milk chocolate kiss provides a rich, chocolatey center that perfectly complements the red velvet cookie.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even white chocolate.
Essential Equipment: Tools for Baking Success
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need one or two large baking sheets to bake the cookies.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lining the baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): One for creaming the butter and sugars, and another for combining the dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): For creaming the butter and sugar efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing ingredients.
- Cookie Scoop (Optional): A small cookie scoop helps create uniformly sized cookies.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the baked cookies.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Red Velvet Bliss
Ingredients with Measurements
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring gel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped