Effortless Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies: A Festive Delight

The holiday season is filled with memories of baking, laughter, and sharing sweet treats with loved ones. Few desserts capture the magic of the season like Effortless Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies. These eye-catching red cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss are not only visually stunning but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Imagine the joy of creating these beautiful cookies in your own kitchen. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just treating yourself to something special. With their festive colors and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies will be a hit every time.

What Makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies So Special?

• Festive Appeal: Their vibrant red color and chocolate kiss topping make them perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration.
• Rich Flavor: A combination of buttery cookie dough, cocoa powder, and the signature Hershey’s Kiss creates a heavenly bite.
• Easy Recipe: You don’t need advanced baking skills or fancy equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a little time.
• Versatile Treat: Swap the red sanding sugar or kisses for different flavors to match any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

Ingredient	Measurement
Butter (salted or unsalted)	7 tablespoons, softened
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Large egg yolk	1
Red food coloring gel	1/4 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Cocoa powder	1 tablespoon
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon

For Assembly

Ingredient	Measurement
Red sanding sugar	1/4 cup
Hershey’s chocolate kisses	18

How to Make Effortless Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and red food coloring gel until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Portion the Dough
   Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
2. Coat with Sanding Sugar
   Roll each ball in red sanding sugar to coat them fully.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheets
   Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 3: Bake and Add the Hershey’s Kisses

1. Bake the Cookies
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed.
2. Add the Chocolate Kisses
   Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
3. Cool the Cookies
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red hue without affecting the dough’s texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Work Quickly: Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies immediately after baking to ensure they stick.
• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best consistency.

Creative Variations

1. Flavor Swaps
   Replace the classic Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate, caramel-filled, or peppermint-flavored kisses for a unique twist.
2. Color Changes
   Use green food coloring gel and sanding sugar for a fun Christmas alternative or pink for Valentine’s Day.
3. Extra Festive Touch
   Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for added decoration.
4. Nutty Bliss
   Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts to the dough for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	120
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Carbohydrates	14g
Sugar	8g
Protein	1g

FAQs About Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it soften slightly before shaping.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. What if I don’t have red sanding sugar?
You can use regular granulated sugar or skip the coating altogether—the cookies will still taste amazing!

4. Why is my dough crumbly?
Crumbly dough is often caused by overmixing or measuring too much flour. Add a teaspoon of milk to bring the dough together if needed.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

6. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for longer storage, up to 10 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Why You’ll Love These Blossom Cookies

Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just indulging in some holiday cheer, Effortless Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a must-try. Their beautiful appearance and rich flavor make them a standout dessert. Plus, the recipe’s simplicity means you can whip up a batch anytime.

Bring Joy to Your Kitchen Today!

Now that you know how to make Effortless Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring yourself. Whatever the occasion, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Print