Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies: 5-Irresistible Holiday Treats That Bake Quickly.

Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies have been my go-to holiday tray favorite since I learned to balance big flavors with a busy schedule. As a chef who thrives onEfficiency and warmth, I crafted this recipe to deliver store-yearning visuals and cozy, chewy centers in under 30 minutes. The vibrant red color feels festive for Christmas and Valentine’s Day alike, while the kiss in the center brings a playful moment to the plate. If you’re juggling school runs, deadlines, and dinner prep, this treat comes together quickly, travels well, and still looks like a bakery win. Here’s a step-by-step guide to deliver wow with minimal fuss, every time.

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Why this recipe stands out for busy homes

The look, the taste, the memory

For busy homes, these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies deliver bakery vibes with minimal effort. The red color pops on a platter, and the center kiss turns every bite into a tiny celebration. That soft center paired with a crackly sugar crust is a memory-maker I reach for during crowded weeks.

The look of a thumbprint-style kiss in the middle adds charm without extra steps. I love how the cookies travel well on potluck runs and stay inviting on a weeknight snack tray. It’s proof that great flavor doesn’t need hours in the kitchen.

Why Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies fit holiday seasons

Quick bake time and crowd-pleasing presentation

This recipe isn’t just fast; it brings consistent joy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of red beauties that sparkle with sugar and shine with a melted Hershey’s Kiss at center stage. It’s the kind of treat that makes holiday gatherings feel effortless and warm.

Friends and family instinctively notice the contrast—the vibrant cookie, the glossy kiss, the festive bite. It’s a small, cheerful moment that steadies a busy day and brightens a party table with little effort.

What makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies special

What makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies special is their mix of magic and practicality. I reach for them when deadlines loom and the calendar fills up. The vibrant red color catches the eye, and the kiss in the center delivers a playful moment that kids and adults love. Best of all, they bake in under thirty minutes, so I can swap in a tray of cookies instead of another takeout night. I know how the kitchen fatigue can creep in. These cookies save sanity, not flavor. With a quick mix and a kiss in the middle, everyone smiles. That’s why they’re my go-to for busy weeks.

Why this recipe stands out for busy homes

Between school drop-offs, meetings, and meal planning, I value recipes that deliver big flavor fast. Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies do that, with a simple dough and a sweet, centered finish.

The look, the taste, the memory

First, the red cookie looks like a celebration.

It tastes soft and cocoa-forward, with a bright, festive bite.

That Hershey’s kiss in the middle sparks joy on every tray.

Why Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies fit holiday seasons

Holiday gatherings demand speed and sparkle. These blooms bake fast and look bakery-perfect. The center kiss seals the deal.

Quick bake time and crowd-pleasing presentation

This quick bake time keeps meals on track.

Plus, it presents beautifully on any holiday table.

Ingredients

I keep the ingredient list simple for busy weeks. These core items power Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies. They come together quickly and look bakery-perfect.

Core ingredients (with exact measurements)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 18 Hershey’s Kiss chocolates, unwrapped
• Extra granulated sugar, for rolling

Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing. Print-friendly notes save time. Keep this section handy when you bake.

Optional tweaks and tips

Substitutions (e.g., dairy-free butter, gluten-aware flour)

Substitutions can fit dairy-free or gluten-free needs. Use dairy-free butter and a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The dough still comes together smoothly.

Tips for sourcing Hershey’s Kisses (brand availability, alternatives)

Hershey’s Kisses are widely available, especially around holidays. If you can’t find them, look for unwrapped chocolate drops that fit the kiss diameter. Alternatives include small centered chocolates to preserve the look.

How to Make Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

I love turning quick moments into sweet celebrations. These Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies let me bake bakery vibes in a busy day. I’ll walk you through my streamlined method so you can serve them tonight.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

I start by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This builds the tender crumb we expect. The mixture should look pale and airy after 2–3 minutes of steady beating.

Step 2: Add wet ingredients and color

I beat in the egg, vanilla, and red color until smooth. The batter brightens and becomes evenly tinted. This festive base sets the stage for the red velvet flavor.

Step 3: Fold in dry ingredients to form a soft dough

I fold in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. The dough should pull away from the bowl in a soft mass.

Step 4: Roll and sugar for sparkle

I roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar. The sugar adds sparkle and a subtle crunch. This step gives the signature shine on every bite.

Step 5: Ready for the oven

I space dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet. They’ll spread just enough during baking. This keeps cookies neatly shaped on the tray.

Step 6: Bake and press the kiss

I bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes until set but soft. If needed, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center as soon as they come out. Return to the oven for a few seconds to secure the center if necessary.

Step 7: Cool and store

I let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes. Then I transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Store airtight for up to 3 days for best softness.

Tips for Success

• Chill dough briefly if it’s sticky; a 15-minute rest helps. It firms the butter and makes them roll easier.
• Roll dough in sugar right before baking for sparkle and crunch. The sugar creates a festive crust.
• Press kisses in immediately for a centered, bakery-worthy look. It keeps the center tidy.
• Line with parchment to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Parchment helps cookies release cleanly.
• Do not overbake; centers stay soft for a tender bite. Monitor and pull early if needed.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (two) and an electric mixer, or a sturdy wooden spoon for mixing
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy release
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms
• Optional: small cookie scoop (1-inch) for uniform balls
• Also handy: a silicone spatula for scraping bowls

Variations

• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty note. I love the warmth it adds without overpowering the red velvet base.
• Use dark cocoa for a deeper color and richer cocoa flavor. It intensifies the contrast with the red dough.
• Gluten-free option: use an all-purpose gluten-free blend. Look for blends with xanthan gum for texture.
• Dairy-free: use plant-based butter and dairy-free kisses. This keeps the cookies soft and festive.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips to dough for extra chocolate. Chips melt in pockets for surprise bites.

Why You’ll Love This Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

I reach for this recipe when my calendar screams for a quick win. I love how simple they are yet so impressive.

• Quick to mix, fast to bake, and visually striking
• Soft center with a crisp sugar edge
• Festive red color makes holiday sharing a breeze
• Versatile for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and year-round sweet moments

They spark joy and dessert-time relief in crowded weeks. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

I love how these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies shine on a holiday plate. A little dusting, a sip of something cozy, and the party mood is set.

• Plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and chocolate curls
• Pair with cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk
• Arrange on a platter with other thumbprint cookies for a cohesive holiday display

Elevating Your Holiday Plate: Creative Platter Ideas for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

I treat holiday plating like a mini celebration. The tray should tell a story before anyone bites. A coordinated display makes the cookies feel special, even on a busy week.

• Build a color-coordinated tray with green sprigs, metallic accents, and a mix of red velvet cookies
• Include a small note card with a serving suggestion and a peek behind the recipe
• Stack cookies in tiers on a tiered platter to maximize space and visual appeal
• Add a contrasting bite: white chocolate-dipped pretzels or peppermint sticks for variety
• Offer a mini drizzle: white chocolate or cream cheese glaze on the side for dipping

Try varying cookie heights by using a tiered stand. Fill gaps with greenery or sugared cranberries for a festive frame.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes—dough can be wrapped and refrigerated up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before rolling in sugar and baking for best texture. This makes Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies a time-saver on busy days, perfect for quick drop-ins on school nights or last-minute gatherings.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

The dough freezes well for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 1 month and rewarm nicely, so you can stock your freezer and pull out a tray when guests pop by.

Are there gluten-free or vegan options?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend and dairy-free butter; for vegan cookies, replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer and ensure the Kiss options are vegan, keeping the bright red color and soft centers you love.

How do I store leftovers and keep centers soft?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; rewarm briefly in a 300°F oven to refresh the centers if needed, so the cookies stay chewy and inviting for days.

Final Thoughts

I love how these Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies turn a hectic week into a tiny celebration. In just minutes, I watch a tray of red velvet dreams emerge, crackling sugar crust and a kiss peeking out like a sweet wink. The aroma declares the holidays, while the bite stays cozy and simple. It’s the kind of treat that forgives a rushed dinner and a long to-do list. I’ve served them at potlucks, school nights, and last-minute gatherings, and they never fail to spark a smile.

If you need a baking win that looks store-bought but feels homemade, this recipe delivers. The moment a kiss sinks into the center, everyone relaxes and smiles. That’s why I reach for Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies again and again.

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