Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms – Festive Red Velvet Cookies

If you’re looking for a show-stopping cookie that’s both easy to make and incredibly festive, these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms are just what you need. With their rich red velvet color, sugary sparkle, and classic chocolate kiss center, they’re the perfect addition to holiday trays, Valentine’s parties, and everyday sweet cravings. Plus, they come together quickly with minimal prep, making them a favorite for both new bakers and seasoned pros.

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Why You’ll Love Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

These cookies combine the soft, cakey texture of red velvet with the nostalgic charm of a Hershey’s Kiss on top. You’ll adore them because:

• They require simple ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes.
• Their vibrant color makes them perfect for themed parties or holidays.
• They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for chocolate lovers.
• They’re ideal for gifting or cookie exchanges.

You can even pair them with Peppermint Blossoms or Red Velvet Bundt Cake for a red-and-white dessert display.

Who This Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Recipe Is For

This recipe is ideal for:

• Holiday bakers looking for colorful and fun cookie options
• Fans of red velvet cake and Hershey’s Kisses
• Beginners who want an easy cookie that looks professional
• Parents baking with kids (pressing the Kiss is a fun job!)

Whether you’re planning a party or prepping cookie boxes, these blossoms will be a beautiful highlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
• Red sanding sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Butter: Make sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
• Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the best color without thinning the dough.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that signature red velvet hint of chocolate.
• Sanding Sugar: Optional but adds festive sparkle and crunch.
• Hershey’s Kisses: Milk chocolate is classic, but peppermint or hugs work well too.

You can also make a peanut butter version using the same method, like these Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms for variety.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Red Velvet Blossoms

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla, milk, and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill and Preheat

Chill the dough for 20 minutes to help it firm up. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Shape and Roll

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in red sanding sugar for a sparkly finish.

Step 5: Bake

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops look set.

Step 6: Add the Kiss

Immediately after baking, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms

• Press the kiss gently but firmly so it sticks without melting.
• Chill the dough slightly to prevent excessive spreading.
• Let cookies cool completely before stacking or storing.
• Use gel food coloring for a bold red hue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the chill step, which can cause cookies to spread too thin.
• Using too much food coloring, which can affect flavor.
• Pressing the Kiss too hard, causing the cookie to crack.
• Storing warm cookies – this can melt the chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with Gingerbread Hot Chocolate or alongside a plate of Christmas Cookie Bars for a festive spread. They also make great edible gifts when packaged in cellophane bags with ribbon.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Mix and match Kiss flavors for a colorful tray
• Stack in mason jars with holiday tags
• Use mini cupcake liners to present each cookie individually
• Add white nonpareils for a snowy effect

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Swap regular Kisses for peppermint, cookies & cream, or dark chocolate
• Add white chocolate chips into the dough for double chocolate
• Roll in pink sugar for Valentine’s Day
• Add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough

How to Store and Reheat

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Fridge: Keeps up to 1 week
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies (without Kiss) for up to 2 months

To reheat, microwave a cookie for 5-7 seconds to soften slightly.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make the dough up to 48 hours ahead and chill
• Bake and freeze cookies, then add fresh Kisses before serving
• Roll in sugar and freeze dough balls for quick baking later

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed red velvet cake mix?
Yes! It simplifies the recipe. Just mix with eggs and oil per the box directions, then bake and add Kisses.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did my Kisses melt?
The cookies may have been too hot when you added them. Let them sit 1–2 minutes out of the oven before pressing in.

Can I use buttercream instead of a Kiss?
Yes! Pipe a swirl of frosting in the center once cookies are fully cool.

Final Thoughts: Why Red Velvet Blossoms Are a Must-Bake

With their rich flavor, eye-catching color, and fun chocolate center, these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms will quickly become a go-to for any occasion. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day or filling a Christmas cookie tin, they’re always a hit.

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