Get ready to fall in love with the most vibrant and delicious cookie you’ll ever bake. These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, fudgy texture and classic red velvet flavor, all crowned with a signature chocolate kiss. They are incredibly simple to make from scratch and are guaranteed to be the star of any holiday platter, bake sale, or cozy afternoon.
Forget the boxed cake mix! This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a cookie with a rich, complex flavor that is simply unmatched. The subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla create the perfect backdrop for the sweet, creamy chocolate kiss nestled on top. If you’re looking for a go-to treat for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any day in between, you’ve found it.
Why This is the Best Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
While many recipes rely on cake mix, this from-scratch version gives you complete control over the flavor and texture. The result is a cookie that’s not just beautiful, but deeply satisfying.
Perfectly Chewy & Fudgy: We use a precise ratio of ingredients to ensure a soft-baked texture that stays chewy for days.
Rich From-Scratch Flavor: A touch of cocoa powder and vanilla extract creates that authentic, decadent red velvet taste you love.
Stunning Appearance: The vibrant red cookie, rolled in sparkling sugar, creates a beautiful crackle effect that’s simply irresistible.
Easy to Follow: The instructions are straightforward and designed for bakers of all skill levels. We include essential tips to guarantee your success.
What Makes Red Velvet, Red Velvet?
True red velvet flavor is more than just red food coloring. It’s a delicate balance of mild cocoa, a hint of acidity (traditionally from buttermilk and vinegar, which we replicate for texture), and creamy vanilla. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the rich milk chocolate of a Hershey’s Kiss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand. For the best results, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cookies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives that essential, subtle chocolate note of classic red velvet.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
Granulated Sugar: Used in the dough for sweetness and on the outside for a beautiful, sparkly crust.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant red without adding excess liquid.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic chocolate centerpiece. Be sure to unwrap them before the cookies go in the oven!
The perfect holiday treat: soft, fudgy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create flawless blossom cookies. The most important part of this process is chilling the dough, so don’t be tempted to skip it!
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the ingredients, which is key for a uniform cookie texture. Set this bowl aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 4: Roll and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the remaining granulated sugar in a small, shallow bowl. Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, roll them until smooth, and then coat them generously in the sugar. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. The centers will still look slightly soft.
Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kiss
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The cookie will crackle a bit more around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The secret to the perfect blossom cookie is a beautifully crackled, chewy base.
Pro Tips for Cookie Success
These simple tips will help you master this Red Velvet Blossom Cookies recipe on your first try.
Measure Flour Correctly: For the best texture, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and make your cookies dry.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough solidifies the fat (butter), which means the cookies will spread less and bake up thicker and chewier. An hour is the minimum, but you can chill it for up to 3 days.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring is highly concentrated, so you get a brilliant red without watering down the dough.
Work Quickly with the Kisses: Have your Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped and ready to go. You need to press them into the cookies while they are hot and soft, right out of the oven.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic milk chocolate Kiss is perfect, you can easily customize these cookies!
Different Kisses: Try using Hershey’s Hugs, dark chocolate Kisses, or caramel-filled Kisses for a fun twist.
Add Sprinkles: Mix in some festive sprinkles with the granulated sugar before rolling the dough balls for extra color and crunch. For other fun party food ideas, check out these jalapeño popper pinwheels.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle them with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Storing Your Cookies
Proper storage will keep your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
If you’re looking for another super simple dessert, these no-bake Oreo truffles are always a huge hit.
Yes, chilling the dough for at least one hour is a crucial step. It solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This ensures a thicker, chewier cookie and also allows the flavors to deepen.
You should press the Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after they come out of the oven. The cookies will be hot and soft, which allows the kiss to set perfectly without melting completely.
Absolutely! While classic milk chocolate Kisses are traditional, you can easily substitute them. Try using dark chocolate Kisses, caramel-filled Kisses, or even Hershey’s Hugs for a different flavor and look.
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
The two most common reasons for flat cookies are using butter that was too soft (or melted) or skipping the mandatory dough-chilling time. Ensure your butter is at a cool room temperature and that you chill the dough for at least one hour before baking.
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy Recipe
The best recipe for soft, chewy, and fudgy Red Velvet Blossom Cookies from scratch. A vibrant and delicious cookie crowned with a signature chocolate kiss, perfect for any holiday.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place extra granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set.
Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalProtein: 1gFat: 5gFiber: 0.5g
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, do not skip the chilling step. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red color without adding extra liquid. Have your Hershey's Kisses unwrapped and ready to go before the cookies come out of the oven.
Keyword Christmas Cookies,red velvet blossom cookies,red velvet kiss cookies,valentine's day cookies
I can’t wait to see your beautiful Red Velvet Blossom Cookies! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on Pinterest. Happy baking!
You won't believe how simple it is to make these beautiful and delicious Red Velvet Blossom Cookies from scratch!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
