Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe
Introduction
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are a festive twist on a classic cookie, combining the rich flavor of red velvet with a smooth Hershey’s chocolate kiss center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Ingredients
- 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 all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: 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 combined.
- Step 3: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no flour streaks remain.
- Step 4: Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equal portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using the palms of your hands, then roll each ball in the red sanding sugar to coat.
- Step 5: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one Hershey chocolate kiss gently into the center of each cookie.
- Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense red color, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of red food coloring gel.
- Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Substitute the Hershey chocolate kisses with peanut butter or caramel-filled kisses for different flavors.
- Make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon for bite-sized treats.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep the chocolate kisses from melting or blooming, avoid storing in warm or humid areas. Reheat slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer the chocolate warm and soft.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, you can use liquid red food coloring, but the color may be less vibrant and the dough slightly softer. Gel concentrates color without adding extra liquid, so it’s preferred.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature briefly before rolling and coating with sanding sugar.
PrintHershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are festive, soft red velvet cookies topped with a classic Hershey’s chocolate kiss. These tender, cocoa-flavored treats are rolled in red sanding sugar for a sparkling finish, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a sweet, colorful cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coating and Topping
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creates the base for a tender, sweet cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel until everything is thoroughly combined, giving the dough its signature red hue.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equal portions of dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, then roll each in red sanding sugar to coat evenly, adding a festive sparkle.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until they are set but still soft.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one Hershey chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm to allow it to slightly melt and adhere.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant red color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming and texture.
- You can substitute the Hershey kisses with other chocolate candies if preferred.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Rolling cookies in sanding sugar before baking adds a lovely crunch and festive appearance.
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Chocolate Kiss Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Hershey’s Kisses, Festive Cookies, Soft Cookies

