Introduction

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a delightful twist on classic red velvet cake, transformed into soft, chewy cookies topped with a melted chocolate kiss. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these cookies offer a rich cocoa flavor and a fun, festive appearance.

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon red food coloring
24 Hershey’s Hug candies (unwrapped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Add the sugar to the butter and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.
Step 5: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until well mixed.
Step 7: While the mixer runs, slowly pour in milk just until the dough softens to the right consistency.
Step 8: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until cookies are puffed and edges are set.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy into the center of each cookie.
Step 11: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The candies will soften then harden again, so avoid disturbing them while cooling.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half of the unsalted butter with cream cheese.
You can swap Hershey’s Hugs for other candies like Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips for a different twist.
If you prefer less intense red coloring, reduce the food coloring slightly or use natural alternatives like beet juice.
Chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain cookie shape and improve texture.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to three weeks. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a sealed container; note that rapid temperature changes may cause the candy on top to bloom, which is harmless though less visually appealing. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of Hershey’s Hugs?

Yes, regular chocolate chips can be used, but they may not melt and set the same way as Hershey’s Hugs, which are designed to soften and resolidify nicely.

How do I prevent the red food coloring from staining my hands?

Use gloves when handling the dough or apply the food coloring directly into the wet ingredients to minimize direct contact. Washing hands promptly with soap also helps remove stains effectively.