Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. When I first discovered this recipe, I couldn’t believe the joy these cookies brought to my family gatherings! Their vibrant color, decadent chocolate flavor, and sweet candy center make them perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers. With each bite, the sweet and rich taste blends beautifully alongside a crunchy topping of sprinkles, invoking smiles on every face around the table. Join me in making this easy yet impressive dessert that is sure to become a household favorite.
Table of Contents
Origin of the Recipe: The Story Behind Red Velvet
The origins of red velvet cake can be traced back to the early 20th century. Initially, it was a simple cake made moist with buttermilk and cocoa powder, often resulting in a reddish hue before the addition of food coloring became popular. This red hue symbolizes passion and excitement, making it an ideal choice for celebrations and festivities. Over the years, bakers and dessert enthusiasts transformed the classic cake into many different forms, with cookies being one of the most beloved.
The unique combination of flavors and eye-catching color makes red velvet a timeless treat. This recipe for Red Velvet Blossom Cookies truly captures the spirit of red velvet cake in a deliciously fun and bite-sized form. So, whether you’re baking for a birthday party or holiday gathering, these cookies will surely impress!
Why This Recipe Works: A Perfect Combination of Flavors
What makes Red Velvet Blossom Cookies irresistible? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures that work together harmoniously.
Rich Chocolate Flavor
The use of unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate taste that complements the sweetness of the cookie dough. This depth of flavor is vital to achieving a well-rounded cookie you’ll want to keep coming back to. The cocoa not only contributes to the flavor but also helps create a delightful contrast against the vibrant red from the food coloring.
The Magical Addition of Food Coloring
Red food coloring is essential in this recipe, as it brings the cookies to life visually and offers that signature red velvet charm. The intensity of color can be adjusted to your preference, allowing for creativity while baking. Want a deeper hue? Just add a bit more food coloring! It’s all about making these cookies your own.
The Hershey’s Kiss Center
The crowning glory of these cookies is undoubtedly the Hershey’s Kiss on top. It melts slightly as the cookies bake, making for a gooey chocolate centerpiece that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Pairing the sweetness from the Kiss with the subtly bitter cocoa flavor creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite exciting. These cookies are not just visually appealing; they are an explosion of flavor with every mouthful.
Step-by-Step Instructions + Tips
Creating Red Velvet Blossom Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all levels. Follow these easy steps to create these colorful delights!
Gather Your Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Red food coloring | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Hershey’s Kisses | As needed for topping |
| Sprinkles | For garnish |
Mixing the Ingredients
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients sets the foundation for your cookie dough. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and combined. This process usually takes around 3-5 minutes and is key to incorporating air into the dough, creating a lighter texture in the cookie.
4. Add in your egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, ensuring that the food coloring is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture for a unified color.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. You want a dough that holds together but is still soft.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them enough space to spread while baking.
7. Use your thumb to press down in the center of each ball, creating an indentation that will perfectly hold the Hershey’s Kiss after baking.
Baking the Cookies
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
9. As soon as you take them out of the oven, immediately place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the Kiss, making it gooey and scrumptious!
10. Allow the cookies to cool before transferring them to a wire rack or serving dish. If desired, sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for that extra festive touch.
11. Now that your kitchen smells heavenly, it’s time to enjoy your delightful Red Velvet Blossom Cookies with friends and family!
Variations & Serving Ideas
While the base recipe of Red Velvet Blossom Cookies is simply divine, consider these fun variations to switch things up and keep everyone guessing:
Nutty Additions
If you’re a fan of crunch, incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough. This adds another layer of texture while pairing beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor.
Alternative Toppings
Experiment with different types of candy toppings instead of the Hershey’s Kisses. Use caramel-filled chocolate, peanut butter cups, or even chocolate-covered cherries for a delightful surprise at the center of your cookie. Each bite can uniquely tantalize your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a decorative platter for special occasions, topped with vibrant seasonal sprinkles for added visual appeal. Pair them with ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even coffee for the perfect dessert experience. To keep the festivities alive, try pairing them with other delightful treats from our collection, such as Snickers Salad, to make your gatherings even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are not just cookies; they are a celebration of color, flavor, and joy. With their soft signature texture and delightful chocolate surprises, these treats are perfect for any holiday or gathering. I hope you find as much happiness baking these cookies as I have, it’s always a joy to see loved ones enjoy treats made with care.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations or combine this recipe with other dessert favorites. For more inspiration, check out Pumpkin Coffee Cake or Crack Breakfast Casserole. You can also get social with us on our Pinterest for more tasty ideas!
FAQ
Can I make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is formulated to mimic the properties of regular flour. This will allow you to achieve a similar texture, ensuring your cookies remain soft and flavorful.
How can I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I use gel food coloring instead?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is a great alternative to liquid food coloring. It will give you a more vibrant red without adding excess liquid to the dough. When using gel food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired color.
What is the best way to make cookie dough?
For a well-formed cookie dough, make sure your butter is softened but still cool. Cream it with sugars until light and fluffy, which incorporates air into the mix. This will help achieve a lighter texture. Avoid overmixing after you add the flour to keep cookies tender.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Blossom Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze these cookies either baked or raw. For baked cookies, wrap them individually and store in an airtight container. To freeze raw dough, portion it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a storage bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Delightful Red Velvet Blossom Cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses and sprinkles, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Hershey’s Kisses (as needed for topping)
- Sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; place on a prepared baking sheet.
- Press down in the center of each ball with your thumb to create an indentation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Immediately place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
- Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack or serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle additional sprinkles on top.
Notes
Consider adding finely chopped nuts for extra crunch or experiment with different candy toppings for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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