If you have a penchant for treats that are both visually charming and deliciously rich, then the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. These cookies marry the velvety, cocoa-infused flavor of classic red velvet cake with the delightful surprise of a gooey chocolate kiss right in the center. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, tender crumb coated with a light sugar crunch and finished with a melty, sweet chocolate touch that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a fun and festive cookie, this recipe has all the charm and taste you could wish for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the perfect texture, flavor, and look of these cookies. Every item on this list plays an essential role whether it’s bringing moisture, color, a hint of espresso depth, or that signature chocolate center.
- Red velvet cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz.): This is the foundation that gives the cookies their classic mellow cocoa flavor and vibrant red color.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and add richness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds moisture and a tender crumb; melted butter helps incorporate ingredients smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the flavor with sweet aromatic notes.
- Espresso powder (½ tsp, optional): Enhances the chocolate undertones without overtaking the flavor.
- Regular or coarse sugar (1 cup): Provides a sweet crunch on the cookie exterior.
- Hershey’s kisses or similar mini chocolate candies (24): The signature blossoms centers—gooey chocolate surprises that melt beautifully.
How to Make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything blends together smoothly. This is where the magic begins—the butter’s richness and vanilla’s warmth set your dough up for success.
Step 2: Combine With Cake Mix and Espresso Powder
Add the red velvet cake mix and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the espresso powder for that subtle chocolate depth. Stir until the dough forms a uniform, slightly thick consistency. The espresso is optional but truly ups the flavor game.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period tightens the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring more defined, puffed-up cookies when baked.
Step 4: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Toss your dough onto a work surface and roll into 1½ inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the sugar so they get beautifully coated. This step adds a delightful sugary crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Step 5: Bake
Place your sugared dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely—the cookies should puff slightly, edges set, and a few gentle crinkles starting to form.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kiss Center
Right after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s kiss into the center of each cookie. As they cool, the chocolate melts just enough, making that signature blossom shape appear. Fun tip: if you use Hugs candy kisses, pop the cookies into the fridge or freezer to help the chocolate set without melting too much into the cookie.
How to Serve Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up their festive appearance, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or finely chopped nuts around the cookie edges just after adding the chocolate kiss. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a snowy effect that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy hot chocolate for dipping. For adults, a cup of rich coffee or a velvety latte complements the slight espresso hint and sweetness of the cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with parchment paper colored in red or white to highlight their vibrant shade. For parties, place them in mini cupcake liners or stack them with small pieces of parchment and tie with a ribbon for gift-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their soft texture and chocolate center charm for about 3 to 4 days. Avoid stacking too many on top of each other to prevent crushing the chocolate buds.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag to keep that hallmark bloom intact. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to revive that just-baked softness, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will slightly melt the chocolate again and soften the cookie little, like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cake mix for this recipe?
You could experiment, but the unique flavor and color of red velvet cake mix are key to what makes the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe special. Other mixes won’t deliver the same look or taste.
Is the espresso powder necessary?
Not at all! It’s optional but highly recommended as it subtly enhances the cocoa flavor without dominating the cookie’s profile.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s kisses?
Feel free to use any small chocolate candies you love. Mini peanut butter cups or even chocolate chips can be fun alternatives, but the classic kiss shape truly creates that signature blossom effect.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling solidifies the butter slightly and lets the dough set, resulting in cookies that keep their shape better and have a fluffier texture when baked.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Since this recipe relies on boxed cake mix and eggs, modifications would require a gluten-free red velvet mix and egg substitutes. With adjustments, you can adapt the recipe, but results may vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling warm, colorful, chocolate-topped cookies out of the oven. The Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is a charming way to brighten any dessert table or uplift your snack time with its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive flair. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, dive into this delightful baking adventure, and share these sweet blossoms with friends and family—you’ll be savoring smiles all around!
Print
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies, a perfect blend of moist red velvet cake mix turned into soft, chewy cookies topped with a classic Hershey’s kiss. These cookies feature a subtle hint of espresso and a sugar coating that adds a delightful crunch. Quick to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (15.25 oz.)
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 24 Hershey’s kiss candies (or other mini chocolate candy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the red velvet cake mix and optional espresso powder, stirring until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and helping the cookies maintain shape during baking.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½ inch balls. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat thoroughly, which adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the cookie exterior.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie edges start to set, the cookies puff up, and they begin to slightly crinkle on top.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey’s kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolate can set properly.
- Optional Chocolate Set Method: If using Hugs candy kisses, which tend to melt into the cookie, transfer the cookies to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate has set to prevent melting. Standard Hershey’s kisses will set well if left untouched until cooled.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining cookie shape and achieving a soft, chewy texture.
- Espresso powder enhances the red velvet flavor but is optional.
- Using coarse sugar for rolling adds a subtle crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
- Substitute Hershey’s kisses with any mini chocolate candy of your choice.
- Cooling completely is crucial to prevent the chocolate from melting or sliding off.
