Name: Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 24 Hershey’s Hug candies (unwrapped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 23 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that brings vibrant color, rich flavor, and a touch of nostalgia all rolled into one, the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These delightful treats blend the classic charm of red velvet with the playful surprise of a melting Hershey’s Hug candy in the center, creating a cookie experience that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies never fail to impress with their tender crumb and that irresistible chocolatey kiss right in the heart of each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls and white dishes containing baking ingredients. There are two large clear bowls, one filled with white flour and the other with red and silver wrapped candies. A smaller clear bowl holds brown cocoa powder, while another contains white granulated sugar. There is a small measuring cup with white liquid, a white dish with white baking soda and salt, a whole white egg, a stick of yellow butter wrapped in paper, a small white square dish holding a dark brown liquid, and a small bottle of red food coloring. The items are neatly arranged with no overlaps photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature red velvet look. They are simple, pantry-friendly essentials that come together wonderfully to form these show-stopping cookies.

1 ¾ cups flour: Provides the cookie’s structure and makes for that tender, soft crumb we all love.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect puff without overspreading.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate flavors, keeping the taste balanced.
¼ cup cocoa powder: Adds the rich chocolate depth essential to red velvet’s signature flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature: Gives the cookies richness and a lovely buttery softness.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture, creating a chewy yet tender bite.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, comforting aroma that complements the chocolate beautifully.
1 tablespoon milk: Lightens the dough slightly, making it easier to shape into perfect balls.
1 tablespoon red food coloring: Creates the striking, vibrant red hue that makes these cookies stand out.
24 Hershey’s Hug candies (unwrapped): The star of the show, these creamy candies melt to form a luscious center in each cookie.

How to Make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and slide off the sheet without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa. This blend sets the foundation for your cookies’ flavor and texture, so give it a good mix until it’s uniform and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about five minutes until creamy. Add the sugar and keep beating for another 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for that perfect cookie texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter-sugar mix. Beat everything together until it’s beautifully combined, rich in color, and smooth in texture. This is where your batter starts getting that iconic red velvet look.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, beating just until combined so you don’t overwork the dough. As the mixer runs, slowly drizzle in milk, just enough to soften the dough and make it easy to scoop without being sticky.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out heaping portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about an inch apart to allow room for baking without sticking.

Step 7: Bake and Add the Hug

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are puffed up and the edges are lightly set. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before gently pressing an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug candy into the center of each cookie—the candy will melt slightly but will firm up again as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the candies solidify perfectly, holding that gorgeous blossomed look right in the heart of your cookies.

How to Serve Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with a cracked texture, each topped with a single white chocolate piece that has dark brown stripes. The cookies are bright red and have a soft, slightly crumbly surface. The white chocolate pieces are placed in the center of the cookies, slightly pressed down so they sit partly in the dough. The cookies are arranged in rows on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or finely chopped white chocolate flakes over the cookies once the kisses have set. This adds a festive sparkle that makes your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Serving them alongside fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream can enhance the experience, balancing their sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, arrange your cookies in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper or place each one in mini cupcake liners for easy handling. You can even string a ribbon around a stack to create a charming edible gift bundle everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their softness and prevents the candies from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. After they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Keep in mind that sudden temperature changes may cause the candy to bloom, which is harmless but alters the appearance slightly.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and gently melt the chocolate center for an indulgent treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Hershey’s Hug candies with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Hugs are classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other chocolates like peppermint kisses or white chocolate chunks. Just make sure they’re individually wrapped and melt well to keep that signature “blossom” center.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

The red food coloring is what gives these cookies their distinctive red velvet appeal, but if you prefer a more natural approach, you can use beet juice or powder. The color might be subtler, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Why do the candies sometimes bloom after freezing?

Candy bloom occurs when temperature fluctuations cause cocoa butter in the chocolate to separate and rise to the surface. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect taste or safety.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe isn’t naturally vegan or dairy-free, but you can try substituting butter with vegan margarine, using a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and selecting dairy-free chocolate candies. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about a week at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend freshness for up to three weeks, though it might slightly change the texture.

Final Thoughts

Making the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little celebration into your kitchen. With their vibrant color, rich chocolate flavor, and that fun, melting candy center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion or just to brighten up an ordinary day. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a whirl—once you do, these blossoms might just become your new favorite cookie to bake and share!