Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Table of Contents
Ah, the heart of the home—our kitchens. It’s where laughter echoes over mixing bowls, where secrets are whispered over simmering pots, and where love is served on plates, one meal at a time. Today, I’m inviting you into my cozy kitchen to share a recipe that’s as sweet as a childhood memory and as comforting as an old family tradition—Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies. These delightful treats combine the velvety richness of red velvet with the classic charm of Hershey’s chocolate kisses, creating a cookie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Imagine biting into a soft, cocoa-infused cookie, its deep red color brightened by a sprinkle of red sanding sugar, and crowned with a smooth chocolate kiss. Each bite brings a rush of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of holiday baking with loved ones or cozy winter afternoons spent in the kitchen. These blossoms are more than just cookies; they’re a piece of home, a taste of happiness, and a sprinkle of love all in one.
There’s something magical about the simplicity of baking. The transformation of butter, sugar, and flour into something so delightfully comforting is nothing short of kitchen alchemy. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms capture this magic perfectly. With their vibrant color and rich flavor, they’re a joy to make and an even greater joy to share. Whether you’re setting them out for Santa or enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your home.
Moreover, these cookies are not just about taste; they’re about creating memories. Picture yourself gathered around the kitchen, sharing stories while the delightful aroma of chocolate and vanilla fills the air. It’s an invitation to pause and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, one cookie at a time. These cookies are the perfect excuse to bring people together, a reminder that the sweetest moments are often the simplest.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Now, why should you bring these beauties into your own kitchen? Here are a few heartwarming reasons:
- They’re a Hug in Cookie Form: Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these cookies embody the warmth and care of a homemade gift.
- Memorable and Festive: The vibrant red hue and the iconic chocolate kiss make them a showstopper for any occasion, from festive gatherings to quiet evenings at home.
- Easy Peasy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting.
- A Timeless Classic: Combining the beloved flavors of red velvet and chocolate, these blossoms are a delicious nod to tradition with a modern twist.
- Versatile and Fun: Ideal for holiday baking, family get-togethers, or just a special treat to brighten up your day.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring these delightful cookies to life, you’ll need just a few trusty tools that I’m sure you already have in your kitchen:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming the butter and sugars to a smooth perfection. A stand mixer can make the process hands-free, allowing you to multitask, while a hand mixer offers great control.
- Mixing Bowls: One for your wet ingredients and another for your dry—easy cleanup is key! Opt for bowls with a non-slip base for extra stability during mixing.
- Baking Sheet: A large one lined with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy removal. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: For perfectly sized cookies every time. A cookie scoop ensures uniformity, which is crucial for even baking.
- Cooling Rack: To let your cookies cool down after baking, ensuring they maintain their delightful texture. Proper cooling prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and helps the chocolate kiss set nicely.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 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
- 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 chocolate kisses
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring; mix until combined.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; mix until the flour mixture disappears. Scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls with a tablespoon, roll them in your hands, then in red sanding sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven, pressing down gently. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 110 per cookie • Servings: 18
Note: For a more intense red color, consider adding a bit more food coloring gel, adjusting to your desired vibrancy. Be cautious with food coloring as it can stain surfaces and clothing—handle it with care.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Every ingredient in these delightful cookies plays its role beautifully, not just in flavor but also in adding some nutritional goodness:
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture, making each bite soft and tender. It’s also a source of healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a depth of chocolate flavor while offering antioxidants. These compounds help combat free radicals and support overall health.
- Red Food Coloring: Brings that classic red velvet hue—perfect for festive occasions. Nowadays, you can find natural food colorings if you’re looking for a more health-conscious option.
- Hershey Chocolate Kisses: A source of pure joy and a hint of indulgence, bringing a smile to every bite. Chocolate, especially dark, contains antioxidants and can improve mood by boosting serotonin levels.
These cookies not only taste incredible but bring a little bit of goodness with each delicious mouthful. The combination of ingredients not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a small nutritional lift to your day.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Picture this: a plate of warm red velvet blossoms, their rich chocolate scent wafting through the air, paired with a steaming cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream. Yes, please! These cookies also pair wonderfully with:
- A Hot Cup of Coffee: The deep, rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies. For a real treat, try a mocha or a latte to enhance the chocolatey notes.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a cool contrast, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, soft cookies.
- Fresh Strawberries: The tartness of fresh berries adds a refreshing element to balance the richness. You could even layer the cookies and berries for a simple yet elegant dessert parfait.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you happen to have any leftover blossoms (a rare occasion, indeed), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If you prefer to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and you’re all set for up to three months of cookie bliss.
To enjoy them once more, simply thaw at room temperature and savor the familiar, comforting taste. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave will revive their fresh-baked warmth, making them as delightful as the day you baked them.
For an added touch, consider crumbling leftover cookies over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful topping, or use them as a base for a festive trifle. These cookies are versatile and can be reinvented in various delightful ways.
The magic of homemade cooking is in its ability to bring us closer to those we love, to make ordinary days a little brighter, and to turn simple ingredients into cherished memories. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms do all this and more, wrapping up love, joy, and a sprinkle of magic in every delicious bite. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it does to mine.
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Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper then set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add in the egg yolk, the vanilla, and the red food coloring and mix until combined.
- Add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and mix just until the flour mixture disappears. Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls, roll them in between the palm of your hands, then roll them in the red sanding sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie as soon as you pull them out of the oven, press down gently.
- Let the cookies cool down on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
