Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a delightful twist on classic red velvet flavors combined with a gooey chocolate center. These soft, tender cookies topped with a melted candy make a perfect treat for any occasion or holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 24 Hershey’s Hug candies (unwrapped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Beat the butter on medium speed for 5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the sugar and continue to beat the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Step 5: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
7. Step 7: Slowly pour in the milk while mixing, adding just enough to soften the dough.
8. Step 8: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the dough into balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies puff up and the edges are set.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy into the center of each cookie.
11. Step 11: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The candies may appear melted but will firm up once cooled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moist cookies, use cream cheese instead of butter in equal amounts.
• Substitute Hershey’s Hugs with your favorite chocolate or peppermint candy for a different twist.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies keep their shape better while baking.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to three weeks. You can also freeze cooled cookies, though sudden temperature changes may cause the candy to develop a white bloom, which is harmless but affects appearance. Reheat gently if desired before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy for the center?

Yes, you can substitute Hershey’s Hugs with alternatives like peppermint candies, chocolate kisses, or other unwrapped chocolates. Just be aware the melting properties may vary.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies; remove them as soon as the edges set but the centers still look slightly soft. Storing them in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly festive, combining the rich flavor of cocoa with the classic red velvet taste. Each cookie is topped with a melty Hershey’s Hug candy, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or special treats. Easy to bake with simple ingredients, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of sweetness and cocoa goodness with a charming candy centerpiece.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Topping

• 24 Hershey’s Hug candies, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder thoroughly. Set aside this dry mix for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add sugar and continue beating for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Into the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is even in color.
5. Combine Dough Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, beating until just combined and you have a smooth dough.
6. Adjust Dough Texture: While the mixer is running on low speed, slowly add the tablespoon of milk, just enough to soften the dough to a scoopable consistency without making it sticky.
7. Form Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out heaping tablespoons of dough. Roll lightly into balls if needed and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool and Add Candies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet. Then, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy into the center of each warm cookie.
10. Final Cooling: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The candies will appear melted but will resolidify, retaining their classic shape.
11. Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage. Note that freezing and thawing may cause the candy to bloom, which is harmless but affects appearance.

Notes

• Be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour mixture to avoid dense cookies.
• The red food coloring can be adjusted based on your preferred intensity of color.
• When adding the milk, add gradually to keep dough from becoming too sticky.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before adding the candy to prevent breakage.
• Freezing may cause the Hershey’s Hugs to bloom—this does not affect taste but may alter appearance.

Keywords: red velvet cookies, Hershey hugs cookies, holiday cookies, holiday treats, chocolate cookies, red food coloring cookies, festive cookies