Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

If you’re a fan of delicious desserts, the iconic Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a must-try! Combining the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cookies with a delightful chocolate kiss at the center, this dessert perfectly represents a modern twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious treat to serve during the holidays, a birthday bash, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will wow your guests and family alike.

Why Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms?

There’s something distinctly enticing about red velvet. This sinfully sweet treat with its vibrant color has a special place in our hearts and taste buds. Pairing the soft, moist cookie base with a Hershey’s chocolate kiss raises the ante, delivering a satisfying chocolatey punch. But beyond just aesthetics and taste, let’s explore the broader appeal:

1. Visual Appeal: The bright red color promises a fun treat, making these cookies perfect for festive occasions.
2. Flavor Profile: Red velvet is not just about color; it offers a vaguely chocolatey but unique flavor, providing an interesting base for the rich chocolate kiss topping.
3. Versatility: They can be served as dessert at gatherings, given as gifts, or simply enjoyed at home with a cup of coffee or tea.

Let’s dive into the details of making these heavenly cookies yourself!

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

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• Author: chef-joudia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious red velvet cookies topped with a chocolate kiss, perfect for any festive occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well blended.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the sugar mixture and beat until smooth.
5. Incorporate red food coloring into the wet mixture.
6. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Scoop and shape the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter, rolling them in sugar if desired.
8. Place the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set.
10. Press a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
11. Cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: red velvet, cookies, dessert, Hershey’s, holiday treats

Ingredient Breakdown

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients in our Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms and understand their importance:

The Cookie Base

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe, it gives structure.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Combining both creates a caramel-like depth while also keeping the cookies chewy.
• Cocoa Powder: Essential for that mild chocolate flavor; it also deepens the color.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent creates a light texture by making the cookies rise.
• Salt: Enhances flavor balance.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds tenderness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the cookies structure.
• Buttermilk: Not only contributes to the flavor, but its acidity reacts with the baking soda, ensuring a soft texture.
• Red Food Coloring: The key to that unmistakable red velvet hue.

The Cherry on Top

• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses: These not only add a delicious chocolatey burst but also create an eye-catching presentation.

Health Insights

While these cookies are undeniably delicious, moderation is key. Each cookie packs a satisfying flavor, so enjoy them with mindfulness. If you’re interested in healthier alternatives or modifications, this can be a great opportunity to explore how ingredients can be swapped.

Step-by-Step Method

Now let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms.

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking space ahead ensures an even bake.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Ensure everything is well combined so your cookies rise evenly.
3. Creaming Mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of vegetable oil until well blended. It’s important for the sugars to dissolve in the oil to create a smooth batter.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Beat until smooth. The buttermilk plays a critical role in fluffiness here.
5. Incorporate Color: Add 2 tablespoons of red food coloring to your mixture. Don’t be alarmed; it’s normal for the mixture to turn a vivid red.
6. Combine Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold in the dry mix gently, ensuring you don’t overmix, which could toughen the cookie.

Baking the Cookies

1. Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop, form balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll them in a little sugar for the cookies’ surface if you prefer a sugary crust.
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart—this gives them room to spread during baking.
3. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers still soft.
4. Add the Kisses: Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, ensuring it sticks.
5. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips, Pro Advice, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measurement Matters: Baking is a science, so be precise. Use dry measuring cups for flour and wet for liquids.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and dairy to ensure the best incorporation with dry ingredients.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, fold them in gently until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
• Be Mindful of Baking Time: Ovens can differ; keep an eye on your cookies so they don’t overbake.

Variations and Swaps

Exploring variations can be a great way to personalize your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms and experiment with flavor profiles:

• Chocolate Variation: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
• Nut Companions: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Cream Cheese: Use cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate kisses for a smooth, tangy top.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating

Once you’ve baked your masterpiece, it’s important to store your cookies properly to retain freshness:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.

For reheating, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition Insights

While Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a delightful treat, it’s good to be mindful of the nutrients. Each cookie may have:

• Approximately 150-200 calories per cookie
• Carbs from sugar and flour
• Moderate fat due to the oil
• A small amount of protein from the egg

This treat should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring calorie intake. Consider rounding it off with healthy sides or beverages, such as a refreshing herbal drink from our guide on Lemon Balm Recipe: Refreshing Herbal Drink.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but it may change the texture and taste of your cookies. For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose.

Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it for about 30 minutes. This should help stiffen it up for easier handling.

Can I use different flavored kisses?

Definitely! Mint chocolate or caramel kisses can also add an exciting twist to your cookies.

How can I make these cookies festive for certain occasions?

For extra holiday cheer, consider decorating with sprinkles or colored sugar that matches the theme of your event, like red and green for Christmas or pastel hues for Easter.

Conclusion

By now, you’re well-equipped to tackle the scrumptious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms! With their festive appearance and rich flavor, they are bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing with friends and family, these delightful cookies embody warmth, celebration, and joy.

So grab your apron and get baking! Don’t forget to save and share this recipe with your friends or tag us in your baking adventures on social media. Happy baking!

By following this guide and adding your creative flair, you’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite of your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms! Enjoy the journey of baking and the joy of sharing deliciousness.