Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms: A Festive, Chewy, and Irresistible Cookie
If you’re looking for a beautiful, festive, and delicious cookie, Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are the perfect treat! These soft, chewy red velvet cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s white chocolate “blossom”, creating a stunning contrast of flavors and colors. Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
With their rich cocoa flavor, slight tang from buttermilk, and signature red color, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossoms. Plus, the smooth, creamy Hershey’s white chocolate on top melts just slightly, making every bite decadent and dreamy.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Blossoms
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture – Perfectly baked with a slight crisp on the edges.
✔ Festive & Beautiful – The vibrant red velvet color makes them perfect for holidays.
✔ Classic with a Twist – A fun take on the traditional blossom cookies.
✔ White Chocolate Bliss – The Hershey’s Kiss melts just enough to make them irresistible.
✔ Great for Gifting – These cookies look as amazing as they taste!
What Are Red Velvet Blossoms?
These cookies are inspired by the classic peanut butter blossoms, but instead of peanut butter, they use a rich red velvet cookie base. Each cookie is rolled in sugar for a festive sparkle and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss or white chocolate drop, making them a delicious holiday favorite.
Ingredients for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
This recipe combines classic red velvet flavors with an easy-to-make cookie dough.
For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel works best)
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
For Rolling:
- ½ cup red sanding sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tablespoon white sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
For Topping:
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (white chocolate or candy cane flavor)
- Red velvet cake crumbs (optional, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 3: Shape & Roll
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1-inch dough balls and roll them between your hands.
- Roll each ball in red sanding sugar for a festive look.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- If desired, sprinkle with white nonpareils or red velvet cake crumbs for extra decoration.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Blossoms
✔ Use Gel Food Coloring – It gives a more vibrant red color without affecting texture.
✔ Don’t Overbake – Cookies should be soft in the center for the best texture.
✔ Chill the Dough – Helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
✔ Press the Hershey’s Kiss Gently – Too much force can cause cracks in the cookies.
✔ Switch Up the Chocolate – Use peppermint kisses, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate truffles!
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists:
1. Cream Cheese Stuffed Blossoms
- Add a tiny cube of cream cheese inside each cookie before baking for a creamy center.
2. Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms
- Use candy cane Hershey’s Kisses and add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
3. Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Blossoms
- Use dark cocoa powder and top with dark chocolate Kisses for an extra-rich version.
4. Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Mix 2 tablespoons peanut butter into the dough for a unique twist.
How to Store & Freeze Red Velvet Blossoms
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing (Unbaked Dough):
- Roll dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing (Baked Cookies):
- Freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months.
- Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Blossoms
These cookies pair perfectly with:
- Hot chocolate or coffee ☕
- A cold glass of milk 🥛
- Vanilla bean ice cream 🍨
- A holiday dessert tray 🎄
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute 1 tablespoon of milk + ½ teaspoon vinegar for a similar effect.
2. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps prevent spreading, keeping the cookies soft and thick.
3. What’s the best substitute for Hershey’s Kisses?
Try:
- White chocolate truffles
- Chocolate chunks
- Cream cheese dollops
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a fun, festive, and irresistible treat for any occasion! With their vibrant red color, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy Hershey’s Kiss center, they’re the perfect cookie for holiday parties, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy treat at home.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of these delightful cookies today!