Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

These Hershey’s red velvet blossoms cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a vibrant red hue, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or simply a sweet addition to your dessert table, these cookies will impress everyone. The soft and chewy texture, coupled with the Hershey’s chocolate kiss in the center, elevates them to a new level of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each cookie is individually sized, making them great for parties or as gifts.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of red velvet and chocolate creates a delightful taste that everyone loves.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Their bright color and chocolate center make them visually appealing on any dessert platter.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the fillings or toppings to suit your personal taste!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious cookies, having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Baking sheet: A good baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly, leading to perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 Toppings

• 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 aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the AP flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour mixture is incorporated.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls. Roll each ball in between your hands until smooth, then roll them in the red sanding sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful Hershey’s red velvet blossoms, perfect for sharing or indulging!

How to Serve Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

These delightful Hershey’s red velvet blossoms cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during festive celebrations or cozy gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookie while balancing its sweetness.

At a Valentine’s Day Gathering

• These cookies make a charming addition to any Valentine’s Day spread. Their vibrant color and chocolate kiss center are sure to impress loved ones.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with other treats like fruit tarts or brownies for an enticing dessert table.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. They make sweet, personal gifts for guests at any gathering.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert combo that is hard to resist.

How to Perfect Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

Making these cookies perfectly fluffy and flavorful can be easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugars, creating a smoother batter that leads to lighter cookies.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can result in dense cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time for perfect doneness.

Best Side Dishes for Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

Pairing side dishes with your Hershey’s red velvet blossoms can create a balanced dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, complementing the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

2. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a fondue station with fruits and marshmallows for dipping alongside your cookies, enhancing the chocolate theme.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors in your red velvet blossoms.

4. Mini Cheesecakes
   Individual cheesecakes offer creamy richness that pairs well with the light texture of these cookies.

5. Coffee or Espresso
   The robust flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the red velvet blossoms, making it an ideal beverage pairing.

6. Chocolate Mousse
   For true chocolate lovers, serving a velvety mousse alongside enhances the decadent experience without overwhelming sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these delicious Hershey’s red velvet blossoms can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined when adding flour.
• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can change the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Oven temperatures vary; always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Forgetting to press the chocolate kisses – If you don’t place the kisses on while the cookies are hot, they won’t stick properly. Press them down gently as soon as they come out of the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Place in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Hershey’s red velvet blossoms

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about this delightful recipe, here are some frequently asked questions regarding Hershey’s red velvet blossoms.

Can I use different types of food coloring?

Yes! You can use gel or liquid food coloring. Just remember that gel provides more vibrant colors with less liquid added.

How do I fix dry cookie dough?

Add a teaspoon of milk or water gradually while mixing until you reach your desired consistency.

What can I substitute for egg yolk in Hershey’s red velvet blossoms?

You can use a tablespoon of applesauce or mashed banana as an alternative for moisture and binding.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness, or refrigerate if you want them to last longer.

Are there any variations for these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap out the chocolate kisses for caramel candies, or drizzle with white chocolate after baking.

Final Thoughts

These Hershey’s red velvet blossoms are not only visually stunning but also deliciously soft and chewy. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Enjoy experimenting while making this delightful recipe!