Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Introduction

Few cookies are as instantly recognizable and universally loved as blossom cookies. That classic moment—when a warm cookie comes out of the oven and is crowned with a chocolate kiss—never loses its charm. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms take that nostalgic idea and elevate it with rich cocoa notes, a striking red color, and the unmistakable flavor of Hershey’s chocolate at the center.

These cookies are soft and tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside thanks to a roll in red sanding sugar, and finished with a smooth chocolate kiss that melts just enough to adhere perfectly without losing its shape. They are festive without being complicated, making them ideal for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, bake sales, parties, or simply when you want a visually impressive cookie that does not require hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance. The red velvet cookie base is not overly sweet, allowing the chocolate kiss to shine. The use of an egg yolk instead of a whole egg gives the cookies a richer texture, while cocoa powder adds depth without turning them into chocolate cookies. Every element has a purpose, resulting in a cookie that feels thoughtful, bakery-worthy, and yet completely achievable at home.

This article walks you through everything you need to know about making Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms, from ingredient roles and step-by-step instructions to storage tips, variations, and expert baking advice. The recipe itself remains 100% accurate and unchanged, ensuring dependable results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and lightly crisp edges
• Festive red color ideal for holidays and celebrations
• Simple ingredient list with clear, straightforward steps
• Individual chocolate centers make portioning easy
• No chilling required, keeping prep time short
• Beginner-friendly while still feeling special and impressive

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the exact ingredient list, preserved precisely as provided. Each ingredient contributes to the structure, flavor, and appearance of the cookies.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring gel
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating and Topping

• 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
• 18 Hershey chocolate kisses

Yield

• Servings: 18 cookies

Tools & Equipment Needed

Having the right tools prepared before you start helps the process move smoothly and ensures consistent cookies.

• Oven
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl with hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the intended texture, structure, and appearance. The instructions below are clear, detailed, and faithful to the original recipe.

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look light and cohesive, indicating that air has been incorporated properly.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully combined and evenly colored. The dough should appear vibrant and smooth at this stage.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears and no dry pockets remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the final texture.

5. Shape and Coat the Dough

Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized portions of cookie dough. Roll each portion between the palms of your hands to form a smooth ball. Roll each dough ball in the red sanding sugar until fully coated.

6. Bake

Place the sugar-coated cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes.

7. Add the Chocolate Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges, which is expected and part of the classic blossom look.

8. Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

These tips help you achieve the best possible results while keeping the recipe intact.

Baking Tips

• Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming
• Press the chocolate kisses gently to avoid spreading the cookies
• Allow cookies to set before moving them to prevent breaking

Color Control

• Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red than liquid coloring
• Use the measured amount for consistent results

Texture Adjustments

• Slight underbaking keeps the cookies soft
• Overbaking may result in a drier texture

Flavor Profile & Texture

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms offer a balanced flavor profile. The cookie base is mildly sweet with subtle cocoa notes and a buttery richness. The red sanding sugar adds a delicate crunch on the outside, while the interior remains soft and tender. The Hershey’s chocolate kiss provides a creamy, familiar chocolate finish that contrasts beautifully with the red velvet base.

Nutritional Overview

These cookies are portioned individually, making them easy to enjoy in moderation.

Per Cookie (Estimated):

• Calories: 134
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg
• Sodium: 147 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 10 g

Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

These cookies are best baked fresh, but some steps can be planned in advance.

• Measure dry ingredients ahead of time
• Unwrap chocolate kisses before baking to save time
• Bake cookies the same day for optimal texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this recipe use only an egg yolk?

Using only the yolk adds richness and tenderness without adding excess moisture, resulting in a softer cookie.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel coloring is recommended for color intensity, but liquid coloring may work with slightly less vibrant results.

Why do blossom cookies crack when the chocolate is added?

The cracking is normal and creates the signature blossom appearance.

Can I make these cookies larger?

The recipe is designed for 18 cookies. Larger cookies may require adjusted baking time.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	10 minutes
Cooling Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the cookies on a platter to highlight their red color and glossy chocolate centers. They work beautifully as part of a holiday cookie assortment or packaged individually for gifting. Their uniform size and eye-catching appearance make them ideal for events and celebrations.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

• Roll cookies in sanding sugar more heavily for extra crunch
• Slightly flatten dough balls before baking for wider cookies
• Press the chocolate kiss deeper for a more dramatic crackle

Ingredient Spotlight

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder adds depth and a subtle chocolate note without overpowering the red velvet flavor. It also enhances the color by deepening the red tone.

Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses

These iconic chocolates are designed to hold their shape, making them ideal for blossom cookies. Their sweetness balances the cocoa-infused cookie base perfectly.

Pro Baking Tips

• Cream butter and sugars thoroughly to ensure proper structure
• Use consistent dough sizing for even baking
• Add chocolate kisses immediately after baking while cookies are hot

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days

Freezing

• Freezing is not recommended, as chocolate kisses may lose texture and appearance

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	134
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	17 g
Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free (depending on chocolate brand)

Expanded Conclusion

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are the kind of cookie that combines tradition with a festive twist. They bring together everything people love about blossom cookies—soft centers, crackled edges, and chocolate centers—while adding the elegance and visual appeal of red velvet.

This recipe is approachable, reliable, and rewarding, making it a wonderful choice for both experienced bakers and beginners. Whether you are baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply because you love the classic pairing of red velvet and chocolate, these cookies deliver consistent results and undeniable charm.

Bake them once, and they are likely to become a regular part of your seasonal baking rotation. They are simple enough for everyday enjoyment and special enough to share proudly with others.

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