If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that packs a punch of flavor, color, and a bit of festive charm, this Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies bring together the rich, moist allure of red velvet cake with the buttery crunch of a sugar-coated cookie, all crowned with a melty, irresistible Hershey’s Kiss. Each bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just a sweet midweek treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these delightful cookies starts with simple but essential ingredients that harmonize perfectly to create a soft, flavorful treat with a beautiful red hue and a touch of irresistible chocolate. Each element plays a crucial role in making these cookies stand out:
- Red velvet cake mix: This is the base that gives the cookies their signature color and subtle cocoa flavor, making the recipe quick and foolproof.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter enriches the dough with a creamy texture and adds to the overall deliciousness.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla deepens the flavor profile, complementing the cocoa notes beautifully.
- Espresso powder (optional): Just a hint of espresso intensifies the chocolate taste without overpowering the cookie.
- Regular or coarse sugar: Rolling the dough balls in sugar creates a subtle crunch and a sparkling finish.
- Hershey’s Kiss candies (or other mini chocolate candies): These add a delightful chocolate center that melts slightly into each cookie, making them extra special.
How to Make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until they form a smooth, combined mixture. This step ensures your cookies will be moist and rich from the very start.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the red velvet cake mix along with the optional espresso powder. Stir everything thoroughly until the dough comes together, creating a velvety, vibrant red base that’s perfect for rolling.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Once chilled, roll the dough into approximately 1½-inch balls. Then, generously roll each ball in sugar to give your cookies a slightly crunchy, sparkling exterior once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges begin to set and the tops puff up with a gentle crinkle—this is the telltale sign of a soft and chewy center.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kiss
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss (or your chocolate candy of choice) into the center of each cookie. Let them cool completely so the chocolate can set beautifully without melting away.
How to Serve Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate. Sprinkling with edible glitter or crushed peppermint can instantly elevate their presentation and make them party-perfect.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Their rich red velvet flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy and warm beverages, making them a fantastic dessert for gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter or placing them in a clear jar with festive ribbons for gifting. You can even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that delightful balance of chewy and crisp textures you love.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping ahead of busy holidays.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. For a just-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic effortlessly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with red velvet cake mix for its distinctive flavor and color, you can experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake mixes to create your own twist on the blossom cookies.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step results in beautifully shaped cookies with the perfect texture.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses on hand?
No worries! You can use any mini chocolate candies, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter cups cut into small pieces. Just press your chosen chocolate into the cookies right after baking for that melty center effect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix. Make sure it’s suitable for baking and has similar consistency to ensure your cookies turn out just as delightful.
Is the espresso powder necessary?
The espresso powder is optional but highly recommended—it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out and still enjoy delicious cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about baking up a batch of these Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe. The ease of the ingredients combined with the spectacular flavor and charming presentation makes them a staple you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. So grab that red velvet cake mix and start baking—your new favorite cookie is just a few steps away!
Print
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Red Velvet Blossom Cookies that are soft, chewy, and topped with a classic Hershey’s kiss. These easy-to-make cookies combine the rich flavors of red velvet cake with a buttery dough, offering a festive treat perfect for any occasion. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate notes, and rolling the dough in sugar before baking provides a subtle crunch. A fun and visually appealing cookie that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (15.25 oz.)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar (for rolling)
Topping
- 24 Hershey’s kiss candies (or other mini chocolate candy)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined to create a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the red velvet cake mix and espresso powder (if using) to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated into a uniform dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it for about 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Form and Coat Balls: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½ inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the sugar until nicely coated to add a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to set, the cookies puff up, and they begin to slightly crinkle on top.
- Add Chocolate Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s kiss or similar mini chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely to set the kiss.
- Optional Cooling Tip: If using Hugs candy kisses, which tend to melt more, transfer the cookies to the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is set to prevent melting. Traditional chocolate kisses will hold their shape when left to cool at room temperature.
Notes
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Using coarse sugar for rolling adds a nice crunchy texture, but regular granulated sugar works fine.
- Press the chocolate kiss gently after baking to avoid cracking the cookie.
- Cooling times vary depending on kitchen temperature; patience is key for letting the chocolate set properly.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days when stored in an airtight container.
