Welcome back to Emily’s Must-Try Kitchen, friends! Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that not only brings a pop of color to your dessert table but also floods your kitchen with the most delicious aromas. Yes, we’re talking about the Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies! Growing up in Charleston, I remember the excitement of holiday baking with my family, especially when it came to cookies that were as fun to make as they were to eat. These Red Velvet Blossoms are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies, and they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy night in with loved ones.
As I stood on that stool in my mom’s kitchen, I learned that baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy through food. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely in your pantry!
- Quick to Prepare: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies ready to enjoy.
- Perfect for Sharing: With their vibrant red hue and the chocolatey surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss on top, they’re sure to impress friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: While they’re perfect for Christmas, these cookies are delightful year-round and can be dressed up for any celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about our star ingredients! For these Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies, Step-by-Step
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these cookies! Follow my simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is where the magic begins!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Beat in the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until everything is well combined. The red food coloring will give your cookies that gorgeous hue!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re going for tender cookies!
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space between them, as they will spread.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will melt the chocolate just enough to create a deliciously gooey center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure your Red Velvet Blossoms turn out perfectly:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be cool to the touch to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The white vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cookies rise and giving them that tender crumb. It’s a little secret that makes a big difference!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They freeze beautifully, too—just thaw and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert game, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat. You can even dust them with powdered sugar for that beautiful finishing touch!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning for a gathering, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just roll it into balls and bake when you’re ready to impress your guests! These cookies store well in an airtight container for about a week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Now that you have the recipe, the tips, and the love for baking, it’s time to get in the kitchen and whip up these Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you, so don’t forget to share your baking stories with me. Happy baking, friends!
Easy Hershey's Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fats & Sugars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Topping
- Hershey's kisses, unwrapped hershey's kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients; cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Form 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake 8-10 minutes.
- Press a Hershey's Kiss into each cookie immediately after baking.
- Cool cookies on wire rack before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Loved this recipe? Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it later! It’s the perfect way to keep all your sweet ideas in one place. ✨
