Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies featuring a soft, cake-like texture infused with rich red velvet flavor. Each cookie is topped with a luscious Hershey’s kiss, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate in every bite. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want a colorful, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar
Topping
- 24 Hershey’s kiss candies (or other mini chocolate candy)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Whisk together eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. Add the red velvet cake mix and optional espresso powder, then stir gently until the mixture forms a uniform dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Shape and coat: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½ inch balls. Roll each ball in the regular or coarse sugar to coat evenly, which will add a delightful crunch and sparkle to the cookie surface.
- 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, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to set and the cookies puff up, showing a slight crinkle on top.
- Add the chocolate topping: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s kiss candy gently into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolates set properly.
- Optional cooling tips: If using Hugs chocolate kisses, note that they tend to melt and lose shape slightly; placing the cookies in the fridge or freezer after baking helps the candies set without melting into the cookie. Regular chocolate kisses will hold their shape if left undisturbed until fully cool.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the deep chocolate flavor of the red velvet cookies.
- Use coarse sugar for coating if you prefer a crunchier texture on the outside.
- Ensure cookies are cooled completely before storing to maintain the chocolate kiss shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Chilling the dough is key to easier handling and better cookie shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
