Name: Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 24–30 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or flavored); Optional: powdered sugar for rolling

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Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are a festive, rich, and chocolatey treat with a soft red velvet cookie base and a signature Hershey’s Kiss on top. I love how they combine the bold cocoa flavor of red velvet with the sweetness of a milk chocolate center. They’re perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, cookie swaps, or anytime I want a fun and colorful dessert that’s super simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like these cookies because they’re soft, chewy, and eye-catching with their deep red color and candy center. They look impressive but come together quickly using everyday ingredients. I don’t need any special tools, and they’re great for baking with kids or putting together a last-minute batch for a party. Plus, they’re always the first to disappear from the cookie tray.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or special edition)
Optional: powdered sugar for rolling or dusting

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth and vibrant.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
I scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If I want, I roll them in powdered sugar for a crinkle effect.
I bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, just until the tops are set but still soft.
Immediately after baking, I press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
I let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies and takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for quick holiday baking or when I need a crowd-pleasing dessert fast.

Variations

Sometimes I use white chocolate Kisses or peppermint Kisses for a fun twist. I’ve also added mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness. If I want an even deeper red color, I add a bit more food coloring. For a slightly tangy flavor like traditional red velvet cake, I sometimes mix in a teaspoon of white vinegar and a splash of buttermilk.

Storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—both the baked cookies and the raw dough. To freeze baked cookies, I layer them with parchment in a container. For the dough, I freeze the rolled balls and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.

FAQs

Can I use a red velvet cake mix for these cookies?

Yes, I’ve made them with red velvet cake mix for an easy shortcut. I just mix the cake mix with eggs and oil to form a dough, then roll and bake as usual.

Do the Hershey’s Kisses melt?

They soften but hold their shape. I avoid moving the cookies right after placing the Kisses so they don’t get smudged.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. I bring it to room temperature before baking or bake straight from frozen.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

I use unsweetened natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed works too, but it gives a slightly different flavor and color.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, the red color is optional. Without it, they’ll just be soft chocolate blossom cookies—and still delicious.

Conclusion

Easy Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are one of my favorite ways to dress up a classic treat with just a little extra flair. I love how festive and fun they are, and how quickly they come together with ingredients I usually already have. Whether I’m baking for a celebration or just for fun, these cookies always bring a smile to everyone’s face.