Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic red velvet flavor with a sweet Hershey’s chocolate kiss in the center. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a special dessert. With their soft and crunchy texture, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of red velvet and Hershey’s chocolate creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, and everyday snacks, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Eye-Catching Appearance: The vibrant red color topped with a chocolate kiss makes them visually appealing.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each cookie is just the right size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. This will ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, preventing cookies from spreading too thin.
• Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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 AP flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Topping

• 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
• 18 Hershey chocolate kisses

How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls. Roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Then roll each ball in red sanding sugar until fully coated.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. As soon as you pull them out of the oven, gently press a Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms!

How to Serve Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are perfect for any occasion, especially during festive gatherings or romantic celebrations. These delightful cookies can be served in various ways to enhance your experience.

For Valentine’s Day

• On a Heart-Shaped Platter: Arrange the cookies on a heart-shaped platter for a romantic touch.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes for sweet gifts to loved ones.

With Ice Cream

• Ala Mode: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast.
• Sundae Topping: Crumble the cookies over your favorite sundae for added texture and flavor.

As Party Favors

• Cookie Jars: Fill small jars with cookies and tie with ribbon for charming party favors.
• Themed Bags: Use themed bags for holidays or events, presenting the cookies as unique treats.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee Pairing: Offer these cookies alongside brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Tea Time Treats: Serve with herbal or spiced teas to enhance the flavors of the cookie.

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How to Perfect Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

To ensure your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth dough that incorporates air, making your cookies light and fluffy.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.
• Chill the Dough: If possible, chilling the dough for 30 minutes will prevent spreading and help maintain shape while baking.
• Press Kisses Gently: When adding the Hershey’s chocolate kisses, press down gently so they melt slightly without breaking the cookie apart.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on them in the oven; overbaking can dry out these soft delights.

Best Side Dishes for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Pairing side dishes with your Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy complement to these rich cookies.
2. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the blossoms.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce offers an extra layer of indulgence and pairs beautifully with red velvet flavors.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cookies.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting savory-sweet balance when served alongside these treats.
6. Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water cleanses the palate and enhances the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and making Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies.

• Using cold butter: Start with softened butter for better mixing and texture. Cold butter may not cream well, leading to dense cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients come together for soft, chewy results.
• Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s texture and taste.
• Ignoring the baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking will result in hard cookies, so remove them when they’re slightly underdone.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie on a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms.

Can I use different types of chocolate kisses?

Yes! While classic Hershey’s chocolate kisses are delicious, feel free to experiment with different flavors like caramel or almond.

How do I make my Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms more festive?

Add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for a fun, festive touch perfect for holidays or celebrations.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months without losing quality.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.

Final Thoughts

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms offer a delightful combination of soft cookie texture and rich chocolate flavor. These versatile treats are perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize them with different types of chocolate or colorful toppings to suit your taste!