Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and cream cheese. Finally, add the red food coloring and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be thick but manageable.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball of dough in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat them lightly. This sugar coating will give the cookies a slightly crisp exterior.

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies should remain soft in the center.

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. The warmth of the cookie will allow the chocolate to gently melt into the dough.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once the cookies are cool, they’re ready to enjoy! The soft, chewy texture of the cookie combined with the rich chocolate of the Hershey’s Kiss makes each bite a perfect treat.

Tips for the Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies:

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined to ensure the cookies stay soft and tender. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing. This will help create a smooth, creamy dough and prevent lumps.
3. Customize the Topping: While Hershey’s Kisses are the traditional choice for these cookies, you can get creative with other chocolate candies, such as Hershey’s Hugs or even mini chocolate chips if you prefer.
4. Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They’re done when the edges are just set and the tops are slightly cracked. Overbaking will result in drier cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
5. Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their freshness and keep the chocolate Kisses from melting.

Why You’ll Love Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies:

1. Festive and Fun: The striking red color and chocolate Kiss center make these cookies perfect for any celebration, especially during the holiday season.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mild cocoa and cream cheese flavor in the dough complement the sweetness of the Hershey’s Kiss, creating a well-rounded and delicious treat.
3. Soft and Chewy: These cookies are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, giving them the perfect texture.
4. Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you can create a batch of impressive and tasty cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
5. Great for Gifting: Packaged up in a cute box or tin, these cookies make a delightful homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.

Final Thoughts:

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are the perfect combination of festive fun and irresistible flavor. The rich, soft cookies with their signature Hershey’s Kiss center are a treat that’s sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a special celebration, or just a weekend treat, these cookies will bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen. Try them today and experience the magic of red velvet in cookie form!