Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

The laughter of my daughters fills the kitchen as the smell of fresh cookies wafts through our tiny New York apartment. I pull the warm tray from the oven, the steam rising and wrapping us in a cozy blanket of chocolatey sweetness. Today, we’re making Hershey’s red velvet blossoms, a delightful twist on classic cookies that brings a burst of color and flavor to our family table. The surprise of chocolate kisses nestled in the center always brings squeals of joy from my girls. It’s these little moments that remind us of the simple joys of home cooking, and how it can gather us together even after a bustling day.

The Heart Behind This Recipe

Hershey’s red velvet blossoms are more than just delightful cookies; they hold a special place in our family tradition. I remember the first time I made them. My daughters were just toddlers, their little fingers dusting red sanding sugar all over the counter, giggles filling the air every time a chocolate kiss would tumble to the ground.

Baking this recipe serves as an invitation for connection. In our busy lives, where chaos often reigns, I cherish these moments. Each bite brings a taste of love and nostalgia, a reminder of time spent together without distractions. These cookies might seem simple, but they represent the warm embrace of family, the laughter shared over sweet treats, and the memories built in our kitchen.

Bringing Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Making Hershey’s red velvet blossoms is straightforward, but the process is what truly makes it special. The vibrant red hue of the dough hints at the sweetness to come, while the aroma of baking cookies fills every nook of our home. I often tell the girls to keep their ears open for the cheerful buzz of the mixer and the delightful sizzle of cookies baking.

As I gather the ingredients, the anticipation builds in the air. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of our creativity and culinary journey together. Let me walk you through the simple yet heartwarming process of making these cookies, shall we?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering what you need for our Hershey’s red velvet blossoms is part of the fun. In my kitchen, the bright colors of ingredients spill out, almost like a painter’s palette. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

Each ingredient plays its role. The butter brings richness, the sugars provide that perfect balance of sweetness, and the cocoa powder lends a hint of chocolatey depth. The red food coloring creates that beloved velvet appearance. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the baking process.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
This is where the cookie magic begins.

2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
This tiny detail prevents the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.

3. In a stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth.
The mixture should turn a lovely golden color, soft and fluffy.

4. Add in the egg yolk, the vanilla, and the red food coloring, mixing until well combined.
Watch as the color transforms the batter into a beautiful rich red.

5. Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears.
Be careful not to overmix; we want soft and tender cookies here.

6. Using a tablespoon, scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls.
Roll them gently between your palms for that perfect round shape.

7. Roll each dough ball in the red sanding sugar.
This adds a nice crunch and visually pops against the red velvet.

8. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Make sure to leave space between them as they will spread.

9. Bake for 10 minutes.
Keep an eye on them; they should have slightly golden edges.

10. As soon as you pull them out of the oven, place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie and press down gently.
This is where the magic happens. Watch those kisses melt a little bit into the cookies.

11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
This is the hardest part; the aroma of fresh cookies can make anyone restless.

In just over half an hour, you’ve created a sweet masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing or snacking. The kitchen will smell heavenly, and the joy of anticipation makes it all the more special.

Serving Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms at the Family Table

When it’s time to serve our Hershey’s red velvet blossoms, the excitement is palpable. The kitchen transforms into a family hub, where laughter punctuates conversations. The deep red cookies, each crowned with a shiny chocolate kiss, invite everyone to dig in.

I love to serve them warm, fresh from the oven. The steam rises gently as I present them on a whimsical plate. We gather around the table, a familiar routine that brings comfort after the hustle and bustle of the day.

“Mom, can I have the big one?” my youngest asks, her eyes lighting up with delight. The girls each grab a cookie, the kisses melting and gooey pure happiness.

Sharing food is about more than taste. It’s the love poured into the cooking that is felt in every bite. We reminisce about the stories woven into our baking adventures, and every cookie feels like a hug from the oven.

Storing and Reheating Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

I often wonder how to make our sweet treats last longer. Thankfully, these Hershey’s red velvet blossoms store beautifully. To keep them fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for about a week.

If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When cravings strike, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. You’ll feel the warmth and chewiness return, as if they came right out of the oven.

It’s fascinating how flavors develop overnight. The sweetness intensifies, and those moments spent savoring the treats linger still.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few helpful tips I’ve gathered over the years while making these delightful cookies:

• Timing is key. Cream the butter and sugars until just light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; it’s what makes your cookies tender.
• Choose your food coloring wisely. Red food coloring gel gives vibrant color without altering the cookie’s texture. Make sure to mix it gently so it combines evenly.
• Roll the cookie balls quickly. If your hands get too warm, they can melt the butter slightly. So keep the dough chilled in between batches if needed.
• Watch for overbaking. The cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Take them out while they’re still puffy for a soft texture.
• Have fun with it. Involve the kids! Let them add the kisses or sprinkle the sanding sugar. The laughter they bring transforms baking from chore to celebration.

Variations on Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

As much as I adore the classic version, there’s room for creativity. One day, I decided to mix things up and add crushed walnuts to the dough for some crunch. It was such a hit that the girls now ask for nutty red velvet blossoms!

You can also swap in different flavored kisses, like caramel or almond, for a unique twist. And for those watching sugar, a natural sweetener can work in place of brown sugar without sacrificing much flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies to add a delightful contrast of flavors and a touch of elegance. Each variation brings a new way for our family to explore flavors while keeping the heart of the recipe intact.

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

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• Author: cookthatdish
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on classic cookies featuring a rich red hue and chocolate kisses nestled in the center.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth.
4. Add in the egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears.
6. Scoop out 18 equally sized cookie dough balls and roll them gently between your palms.
7. Roll each dough ball in red sanding sugar.
8. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
9. Bake for 10 minutes.
10. After baking, place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie and press down gently.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

FAQs About Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. I often prep it in the morning before the girls wake up, then finish it right before dinner. This keeps the flavor fresh and saves time later.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can use beetroot powder as a natural alternative. It gives a lovely color but may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I use liquid food coloring?
You can, but gel is preferred as it gives a more vibrant color and keeps the cookie texture intact.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that it includes xanthan gum to maintain the right texture.

Do these cookies freeze well?
Absolutely. Properly stored, they can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper.

A Final Thought

As I take a moment to breathe in the lingering aroma of our freshly baked Hershey’s red velvet blossoms, my heart swells with gratitude. Cooking isn’t just about feeding our bodies; it’s about nurturing our souls. These cookies are not just treats but memories waiting to be made. Whether it’s the laughter of my daughters or the warm hugs shared, I am reminded of how cooking brings connection, the joy of creativity, and a comforting sense of home to our everyday lives.

So, as you gather your ingredients and start this delightful baking journey, remember that every mixing bowl cradles a story waiting to be told. Here’s to the joy of home cooking not just a recipe, but a way of connecting, cherishing each other, and creating moments that last a lifetime. Until the next recipe, happy baking!