There is something utterly delightful about the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with a sweet, melty surprise right in the center. These cookies are wonderfully soft with just the right amount of sugar sparkle on the outside and a luscious chocolate hug waiting inside each one. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe brings joy, warmth, and the perfect pop of festive red color to your kitchen. Trust me, once you make this Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your cookie rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of staple ingredients that together create magic in the oven. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cake mix providing that iconic red velvet base to the chocolate kiss adding a heavenly finish.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation of the cookie, packed with cocoa and that inviting red color.
- Large eggs: Binding the dough together while keeping it tender and moist.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and ensures a soft and chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Espresso powder (optional): A secret ingredient that intensifies the chocolate notes without adding coffee flavor.
- Sugar (regular or coarse): Creates a sparkling, slightly crunchy coating on the cookies.
- Hershey’s kiss candies: The star surprise, melting beautifully into each cookie’s center.
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, glossy mixture. This blend will be the base that brings richness and moisture, setting you up for spectacularly soft cookies.
Step 2: Combine with Cake Mix and Espresso Powder
Add the red velvet cake mix and the optional espresso powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the dough is uniform. The espresso powder is a little trick to boost the cocoa flavor without overpowering the red velvet essence.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into perfect balls and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 4: Form and Coat the Cookies
Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½ inch balls and then coat each ball generously with sugar. This coating gives a lovely texture contrast: a crisp sugar crust on the outside with soft, tender cookie inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sugared dough balls in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to become set while the cookies puff up and show gentle crinkles, a sign they are beautifully baked yet still soft.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Center
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s kiss into the center of each one. This ensures the chocolate melts just right without flattening entirely, creating a dreamy molten center once cooled.
Step 7: Cooling and Setting
Let the cookies cool completely. If you’re using Hugs kisses that contain white chocolate, transferring the cooled cookies to the fridge or freezer will help prevent the chocolate from melting into the cookie too much, preserving that pretty blossom look.
How to Serve Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle a little edible glitter or festive colored sugar on top just before baking or right after adding the chocolate kiss. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies also adds a snowy, elegant touch that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate. For an adult twist, consider serving alongside a sweet red wine or creamy coffee with a hint of cinnamon.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe cookies in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a homemade gift. You can also gently wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for an adorable party favor. Another fun idea is to serve them warm on a platter with small bowls of additional Hershey’s kisses and mini marshmallows for dipping and decorating at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed preserves the soft texture and prevents the chocolate centers from drying out or becoming grainy.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Chill and roll the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze fully cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate center sensation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate candy instead of Hershey’s kisses?
Absolutely! Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate truffles, or even caramel-filled chocolates can make wonderful substitutes and add a unique twist to your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe.
Is the espresso powder really necessary?
Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended if you want deeper chocolate flavor. It doesn’t add any coffee taste but enhances the cocoa notes beautifully.
How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting too much?
Press the kiss gently right after baking, then allow cookies to cool undisturbed. For Hugs candies, place the cookies in the fridge or freezer afterward to help the chocolate set without melting too far into the cookie.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Using a gluten-free red velvet cake mix is your best bet. Just verify the cake mix ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll and ensures the cookies bake evenly without spreading out too much, giving you those perfect, puffy blossom shapes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that blends ease, festive flair, and incredible flavor, the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple to make, fun to share, and irresistibly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see for yourself just how magical these cookies turn out. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Red Velvet Blossom Cookies with a soft, rich texture and a sweet chocolate kiss center. Made from a simple red velvet cake mix base, these cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet with a hint of espresso and a sugary coating, delivering a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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)
Coating and Decoration
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar
- 24 Hershey’s kiss candies (or other mini chocolate candy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until fully combined. Add the red velvet cake mix and espresso powder (if using), then stir until the ingredients form a cohesive dough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Shape and Coat: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in the sugar until evenly coated, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy outer layer.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the cookies are puffed with a slight crinkle forming on top.
- Add the Chocolate Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey’s kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolate sets properly.
- Set the Chocolate (Optional): If you use Hugs candy kisses, they may soften and melt slightly into the cookie. To prevent this, transfer the cookies to the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is firm. Regular chocolate kisses tend to set firmly when left undisturbed until cool.
Notes
- Optionally add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- Use coarse sugar for a crunchier coating on the outside of the cookies.
- For best results, do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- If you want to avoid melting candy kisses, refrigerate the cookies after pressing in the chocolate.
