Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Introduction

Every time I bake Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, I’m reminded of how special they make any occasion feel. The vibrant red color and the rich cocoa flavor create a stunning contrast, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. My family can’t resist them, and they disappear almost as quickly as I can make them. These cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just to brighten up a regular day. The combination of soft, chewy red velvet cookies topped with a smooth Hershey’s Kiss is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Color: Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Roll the Cookies: Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
8. Add the Kisses: As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing and make any occasion a little sweeter!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

How to Serve

• As a dessert: Perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.
• With coffee or tea: Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage.
• For special occasions: Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.
• As a gift: Package them in a decorative box for a sweet gift.
• With ice cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be soft in the center when taken out of the oven.
3. Adjust the food coloring: Add more or less red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
4. Experiment with flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor twist.
5. Let them cool: Allow the cookies to cool before stacking to prevent them from sticking together.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Kiss Variation: Use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel or peanut butter, for a fun twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for added crunch.
• Stuffed Cookies: Instead of placing the Kisses on top, try stuffing the dough balls with a Kiss before baking.
• Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Make two cookies with frosting in the middle for a sandwich-style treat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Table: Include these cookies on a dessert table alongside other sweets.
• At a Bake Sale: Perfect for bake sales or school events; they’re a hit with everyone!
• With Seasonal Decor: Display them as part of your holiday or seasonal decor for an inviting look.
• As a Party Favor: Wrap them individually in clear bags with a ribbon for party favors.
• For Movie Night: Serve them as a sweet snack during movie nights with family or friends.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Baked Cookie Freezing: Store baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls?
Yes, any brand of cinnamon rolls will work, but Pillsbury is recommended for best results.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without the red food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but they won’t have the signature red color.

Q3: How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Q4: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used; it will still work well for the icing.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to bake in batches if necessary, depending on your oven size.

Q6: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Q7: Can I add more cookies to the filling?
Yes, you can add more crushed Oreos to the dough for extra flavor.

Q8: What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until manageable.

Q9: How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q10: Can I use other fillings instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips, caramel, or any other favorite candy.

Conclusion
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor and fun. The combination of rich, velvety cookie dough with the classic taste of Oreo makes these cookies an indulgent delight. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy baking these delightful treats, and watch them disappear from the cookie platter in no time!

Print