If you are looking for a delightful and charming treat that brings together the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the classic appeal of a cookie, this Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are soft and cakey, dusted with a sparkling sugar coating, and crowned with a luscious chocolate kiss that melts just enough to create a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether baking for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you crave something special, this recipe offers an irresistibly fun and delicious way to enjoy red velvet in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together effortlessly, each playing a crucial role in creating that tender, flavorful, and visually stunning cookie you’ll love. From the red velvet cake mix that forms the base to the melted butter that keeps things moist, every component has its part in making these cookies a joyful experience.
- Red velvet cake mix (15.25 oz.): The heart of the cookie, providing the iconic flavor and beautiful red color without extra fuss.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture for a soft texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds depth and tenderness to the cookie, making sure they aren’t dry.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cake mix’s flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Espresso powder (½ tsp, optional): A secret touch to intensify the chocolate notes and overall depth.
- Regular or coarse sugar (1 cup): Coats the cookie dough balls to give a delightful crunchy texture and sparkle.
- Hershey’s kiss candies (24, or other mini chocolate candy): The final crowning touch that melts sweetly into the cookie, creating the signature blossom look.
How to Make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Begin by whisking together your eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely combined. This step is crucial for ensuring that the butter is evenly distributed, which will make your cookies wonderfully tender and moist.
Step 2: Combine with Cake Mix and Espresso
Now, add your red velvet cake mix along with the optional espresso powder. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated. The espresso powder, while not necessary, brings out a richer chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
This dough benefits greatly from chilling for about 30 minutes. Not only does this help the dough firm up enough to roll into balls, but it also helps the flavors to meld together better, ensuring each bite is packed with that classic red velvet goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Coat
Once chilled, take the dough and form it into 1½ inch balls. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat completely. This outer sugar shell will give your cookies a delightful crunch contrasting the soft center.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the sugar-coated dough balls for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges to set and the tops to puff up and just begin to show small cracks. This crisp edge and slightly cracked surface are a telltale sign of perfectly baked blossom cookies.
Step 6: Press on the Chocolate Kisses
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s kiss candy into the center of each cookie. The heat will soften the candy just enough to meld it into the cookie, creating that iconic blossom effect. For a cleaner shape, placing these cookies in the fridge or freezer shortly after can help set the chocolate without melting too much.
How to Serve Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes aren’t necessary with these cookies because they look so charming on their own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an extra touch of elegance, resembling a dusting of fresh snow.
Side Dishes
Pair these festive cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the sweet, slightly tangy flavor and melty chocolate center. They also go beautifully with a creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these cookies or serving them at a party, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon or arrange them on a festive platter lined with doilies. Using mini cupcake liners for each cookie also adds a touch of class and makes them super easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though with these cookies, that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for about 3-4 days while maintaining that soft, chewy texture inside and crunchy sugar outside.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture. Frozen, they last up to 2 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, simply let the cookies thaw at room temperature or heat them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate center and refresh their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While this recipe shines with red velvet cake mix for its signature flavor and color, you can experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake mixes to create a variety of blossom cookie flavors.
Is espresso powder necessary?
No, the espresso powder is optional but highly recommended because it deepens the chocolate notes in the red velvet cake mix without making the cookies taste like coffee.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s kisses?
You can substitute any small chocolate candy like mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chips pressed into the center after baking. Just remember to press them in while the cookies are warm so they melt slightly and stick nicely.
How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting too much?
After pressing the kisses into the cookies, place the tray in the fridge or freezer for a short while. This quickly sets the chocolate and helps maintain the classic blossom cookie appearance without too much melting.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Since the base is a boxed cake mix, look for a red velvet cake mix that is specifically labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the recipe while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There is something irresistibly special about the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe that makes baking and sharing these treats a joyful experience. Their bright color, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that perfect kiss of chocolate create a comforting yet festive delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of sweetness and smiles into your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
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Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies, featuring a moist, tender red velvet cake mix cookie base rolled in sugar and topped with a perfectly melted chocolate kiss. Easy to prepare and ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions, these cookies combine classic red velvet flavor with a luscious chocolate center for an irresistible treat.
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 Topping
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar
- 24 Hershey’s Kiss candies or other mini chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the red velvet cake mix and espresso powder (if using), stirring until the dough is fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle and shape.
- Form Dough Balls: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½ inch sized balls. Then, roll each ball in sugar to evenly coat the outside, adding a pleasant crunch and extra sweetness.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the cookies are puffed up and just beginning to crinkle on top.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can set into place.
- Cooling and Setting: If using Hugs candies, which melt more, consider transferring the cookies to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate sets to maintain shape. Regular Hershey’s Kisses typically set well at room temperature if left undisturbed.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
- Using coarse sugar for coating adds a nice texture contrast.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to avoid melted chocolate mess.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
