Few cookies are as eye-catching and irresistible as Red Velvet Blossoms. With their vibrant red color, soft cocoa-infused cookie base, and iconic chocolate kiss pressed right into the center, these cookies are a true showstopper. Perfectly tender on the inside with a light sugar crunch on the outside, Red Velvet Blossoms combine everything dessert lovers adore in one bite.
This easy recipe takes the classic chocolate blossom cookie and gives it a festive red velvet twist that’s perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas cookie trays, or anytime you want a family-favorite homemade dessert. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, Red Velvet Blossoms are ideal for busy bakers who still want bakery-quality results. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving something sweet, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly cookie recipe with simple steps
- Quick dessert ready in under 30 minutes
- No-fail recipe with consistent results
- Family-approved and kid-friendly
- Budget-friendly using pantry staples
- Crowd-pleaser for holidays and parties
About the Ingredients
These Red Velvet Blossoms use classic cookie ingredients with a few special touches that create their signature look and flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and creates a soft, tender cookie texture.
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar – Provide sweetness, moisture, and light chewiness.
- Egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making it cakey.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the cocoa and chocolate flavors.
- Red food coloring gel – Gives the cookies their iconic red velvet appearance without altering texture.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cookies.
- Cocoa powder – Adds subtle chocolate flavor characteristic of red velvet.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly while staying soft.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Red sanding sugar – Adds sparkle, color, and a light crunch.
- Hershey’s chocolate kisses – The classic centerpiece that melts slightly into the warm cookies.
These best baking ingredients work together to create a cookie that looks stunning and tastes amazing.
Tips & Tricks
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the dough
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender
- Roll dough balls evenly for uniform baking
- Unwrap chocolate kisses before baking for quick placement
- Press the kiss gently to avoid cracking the cookie
These baking tips and easy kitchen hacks help guarantee dessert success.
Pro Tips
- Chill dough briefly if your kitchen is warm
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies
- Bake just until edges are set for soft centers
- Let cookies rest before moving to prevent breakage
- Store kisses in the fridge before baking to hold their shape
Step-by-Step Instructions
This easy step-by-step recipe makes baking smooth and stress-free.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Scoop dough into 18 equal portions. Roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in red sanding sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
These simple cooking instructions ensure perfect cookie preparation every time.
Variations
These Red Velvet Blossoms are easy to customize for different tastes and occasions.
- White chocolate blossoms – Use white chocolate kisses
- Gluten-free option – Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Peppermint twist – Use peppermint kisses for holiday flair
- Darker chocolate flavor – Increase cocoa powder slightly
- Valentine’s version – Use heart-shaped chocolates
These recipe variations make these cookies one of the most customizable desserts you can bake.
How to Store Red Velvet Blossoms
Proper storage keeps these cookies soft and delicious.
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Refrigerate – Extend freshness up to 7 days
- Freeze – Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Make-ahead dessert – Freeze dough balls and bake when needed
These dessert storage tips make Red Velvet Blossoms ideal for holidays and gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Red Velvet Blossoms ahead of time?
Yes. Bake and store them, or freeze dough balls for fresh baking later.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make them healthier?
You can reduce sugar slightly or use darker chocolate kisses.
What substitutions can I use?
Butter substitutes and different chocolate centers work well.
Are Red Velvet Blossoms good for gifting?
Absolutely. Their color and shape make them perfect for cookie boxes.
Red Velvet Blossoms
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear—do not overmix.
- Scoop the dough into 18 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then roll in red sanding sugar to coat.
- Place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie as they come out of the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
