Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are an easy and festive cookie perfect for occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. The cookies are soft, rich with a subtle cocoa flavor, and topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right out of the oven to create a delightful, melty center. Bright red and beautifully coated with sparkling red sugar, they bring a cheerful pop of color to any cookie tray and are fun to make with family or friends.

I first made these cookies while looking for a fun Valentine’s Day treat and fell for the sweet balance of buttery cookie with just a hint of cocoa. Now they are a holiday tradition in my house because everyone loves those gooey centers and bright color.

Ingredients

• Butter: softened to help create tender, moist cookies with a rich base. Using salted butter works fine but unsalted gives you more control over saltiness
• Brown and granulated sugar: a mix that balances moisture and sweetness perfectly for soft yet slightly chewy texture
• Egg yolk: adds richness and acts as a binder to hold everything together nicely
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes
• All purpose flour: the foundation of the cookie that provides structure be sure it’s fresh for best results
• Cocoa powder: a little goes a long way here, giving the characteristic red velvet flavor without bitterness. Use good quality natural or Dutch processed cocoa
• Salt: lifts and balances the sweetness of the cookie dough
• Baking powder: helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and slightly puffy rather than flat
• Red gel food coloring: delivers that vibrant, festive red color that makes these cookies special
• Red sanding sugar: coats the outside for sparkle and a subtle crunch, pick ones that are coarse enough to show texture
• Hershey Kisses: classic milk chocolate are delicious but you can switch to white chocolate or flavored Kisses to your liking

Instructions

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

Measure out the flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt and sift them together to eliminate lumps and ensure even mixing later

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until the mixture is pale fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial because it introduces air and creates a light texture

Incorporate Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg yolk vanilla extract and red gel food coloring to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low just until combined taking care not to over mix

Add Dry Ingredients Slowly:

With the mixer on low speed or by hand add the sifted dry ingredients in portions. Mix just until a soft dough forms do not overwork or the cookies can become tough

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking

Form Cookie Dough Balls and Coat:

Scoop roughly a tablespoon size ball of dough and roll it between your palms until smooth. Then roll each ball thoroughly in the red sanding sugar so it’s evenly coated and sparkly

Bake the Cookies:

Space the sugar coated dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges look set but the center is still soft

Add Hershey’s Kiss Center:

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate perfectly

Cool Before Serving:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so the Kiss chocolate sets slightly and the cookies firm up but they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature

Red velvet is a combination of cocoa and vanilla which gives these cookies a subtle chocolate flavor with a delicate crumb. My favorite part is the little Hershey’s Kiss center that melts just perfectly when pushed into the warm dough. It’s a moment of childhood nostalgia wrapped in a holiday treat.

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft. For longer storage place in the refrigerator for up to a week but always bring back to room temperature before eating to enjoy the best texture. You can also freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Let thaw completely and warm briefly in the microwave if desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have red sanding sugar you can use coarse granulated sugar but avoid very fine sugar as it won’t give the same sparkle or texture. For the Hershey’s Kisses feel free to swap to white chocolate or dark chocolate kisses depending on your preference or season. If you lack red food coloring you can try using natural alternatives such as beet powder but the color may not be as vivid.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are lovely on their own with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully as part of a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark or sugar cookies. Wrap them in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon for festive homemade gifts.

These blossoms are an easy festive bake that delivers a melty chocolate center and bright color. Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How should red velvet blossoms be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave.

→ Can I substitute the red sanding sugar?

If unavailable, use thick granulated sugar for coating. Colored sanding sugars can personalize for various occasions like Halloween or Christmas.

→ What flavor profile do these blossoms have?

The blossoms have a buttery texture with subtle cocoa and vanilla notes. The Hershey’s Kiss adds creamy richness reminiscent of classic red velvet flavors.

→ Are these blossoms difficult to make?

They are straightforward and quick to prepare, with simple steps that make the process fun and suitable for all skill levels.

→ Can I customize the Hershey's Kiss in the center?

Yes, you can choose different types or flavors of Hershey’s Kisses to match your preference or holiday theme.