Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are the perfect treat for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to holiday gatherings. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the crunch of red sanding sugar and the surprise of a Hershey’s chocolate kiss in the center makes them irresistible. Not only do they look stunning on a dessert table, but they also deliver a delightful flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of red velvet and Hershey’s chocolate creates a rich, sweet taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 18 cookies, making it great for parties, gifts, or simply sharing with family and friends.
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant red color and sparkling sugar topping make these cookies visually appealing for any celebration.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies year-round, whether it’s a romantic occasion or a casual family gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless while ensuring a well-mixed dough.
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Ingredients
For these delightful Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 7 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp red food coloring gel
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey chocolate kisses
How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Next, add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out 18 equally sized balls of cookie dough. Roll each ball between your palms to shape them. Then roll each ball in red sanding sugar until fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. As soon as you take them out of the oven, gently press a Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 6: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms!
How to Serve Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
These delightful Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are perfect for any occasion, especially during festive celebrations like Valentine’s Day. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their charm and deliciousness.
Gift Boxes
- Create beautiful gift boxes filled with these cookies. Wrap them in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a sweet surprise.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other treats. Pairing them with brownies or mini cupcakes can create an eye-catching dessert table.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The rich chocolate center complements the flavors perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream between two cookies. This adds a fun twist to your serving style.
Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in small bags as party favors for guests. It’s a thoughtful way to share your homemade treats.
Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast option with milk or coffee. Their soft texture makes them an excellent companion for your morning beverage.
How to Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
To achieve the best results with your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms, follow these simple tips for perfection.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugars cream together smoothly, leading to a better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the soft and chewy nature of the cookies.
- Chill the dough: If time allows, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Check for doneness: Bake until just set and slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Add extra kisses: For an even more indulgent treat, use two Hershey’s Kisses per cookie instead of one.
Best Side Dishes for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Pairing side dishes with your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances sweetness and texture, perfect to cool down those warm cookies.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse complements the cocoa flavor in the blossoms beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that help balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Whipped Cream: Serve alongside whipped cream for added decadence and fluffiness.
- Coffee: A strong cup of coffee pairs well, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making delicious treats like Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not measuring accurately: Always use the right measurements for your ingredients. A small error can change the texture and flavor of your cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step: If your dough is too warm, it can spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes if it feels soft.
- Using expired baking powder: Check the expiration date on your baking powder. Fresh baking powder is crucial for the right rise and texture.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center but set at the edges when done.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Use room temperature butter and egg yolk for better mixing and a smoother dough.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
- Oven: Preheat to 350F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms.
What makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms special?
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are unique due to their rich red color and chocolatey center, making them perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or even gluten-free flour if needed. The key is to maintain similar consistencies.
How do I achieve perfect cookie texture?
Ensure accurate measurements and avoid overmixing after adding flour. This will help keep your cookies soft yet chewy.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are not just visually stunning; they also deliver delightful flavors that everyone loves. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate in the center. Don’t hesitate; try these charming cookies today!
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 18 cookies 1x
Description
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, from romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to festive holiday gatherings. These cookies feature a soft, chewy texture with a stunning red hue and a crunchy coating of red sanding sugar. The star of the show is the rich Hershey’s chocolate kiss nestled in the center, adding an irresistible burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 7 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp red food coloring gel
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey's chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel; mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop out dough into 18 equal balls and roll each in red sanding sugar until coated.
- Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Press a Hershey's chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
