– **Title**: Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tbsp milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp red food coloring
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
– 1 bag Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just blended.
6. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for the best texture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, which works well and adds a light flavor.
Red Food Coloring: The traditional ingredient for that deep red color. If you prefer a natural alternative, try beet juice or a concentrated pomegranate juice, though the hue may be less vibrant.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with almond flour too, though it will give a different texture.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars add sweetness and moisture. If you’re cutting back on sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly.
Hershey’s Kisses: The signature topping! You can substitute with chocolate chips or any other candy if you want to change it up a bit, or even leave them out for a simple cookie.
How Do I Get the Cookies to Be Soft and Chewy?
The secret to soft and chewy cookies lies in how you mix and bake them. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; mix until just combined to keep them tender.
- Be careful not to overbake. They should look set but still soft in the middle when you take them out.
- Press the Hershey’s Kiss in right after baking while the cookies are still warm. This keeps the cookie soft around the chocolate.
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to finish setting up, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy making these delightful treats!
How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup red sugar sprinkles
For The Topping:
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool for a little while after baking. So, set aside about 30-40 minutes in total for this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take a minute or two! Then, add in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that everything is evenly combined.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Now it’s time to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Once you have your balls, roll each one first in granulated sugar and then in the red sugar sprinkles. This will give your cookies a festive sparkle!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them about 2 inches of space to spread out. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the middle—just perfect!
7. Add the Hershey’s Kisses:
As soon as you pull your cookies out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. They will soften from the heat and look super cute!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies with a glass of milk or however you like!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an additional granulated sugar or try using coconut sugar for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that using different types of sugar may alter the texture slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Red Food Coloring?
If you prefer not to use artificial food coloring, you can substitute with natural alternatives. Beet juice or pomegranate juice can give you a beautiful red hue, but the color may not be as vibrant. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if necessary until you reach the desired color.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls and baking.
