Introduction
Have you ever wondered why certain treats become instant legends at every family gathering while others just fade into the background? It is a question I have asked myself many times while standing in my kitchen surrounded by flour and measuring spoons. When it comes to the perfect holiday treat the Red Velvet Blossom Cookies stand in a league of their own because they balance striking visual appeal with a flavor profile that everyone loves. I still remember the first time I made these with my wife Emily and our kids. The kitchen was filled with the scent of cocoa and the kids were eagerly waiting to press the chocolate hearts into the warm dough. It was not just about the baking but about the connection we felt in that moment.
The Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a beautiful twist on a classic favorite. By combining the rich mahogany hue of red velvet with the iconic silhouette of a blossom cookie you create something truly special. This recipe is incredibly approachable for home cooks and busy parents who want to bring a bit of magic to the table without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you are preparing for a school bake sale or a cozy night by the fire these cookies are designed to bring joy and a touch of indulgence to your day. They are soft chewy and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe and I am thrilled to share my favorites with you!
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color against the dark chocolate center makes these cookies look like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are purposefully crafted to be soft and fudgy on the inside with a slight crunch on the edges.
- Kid Friendly Fun: This is a wonderful recipe for involving children. Adams and Jana love the job of unwrapping the chocolate kisses and pressing them into the cookies.
- Versatile for Holidays: While they are a staple for Christmas the red color makes them a perfect valentines red velvet sugar cookies recipe guide option for your sweetheart.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the pantry staples needed to whip these up right now.
- Great for Gifting: They hold their shape well and stay fresh making them the ideal candidate for holiday cookie tins or neighbor gifts.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
To get started you will need a few simple ingredients that work together to create that signature red velvet flavor. If you are looking for other festive ideas you might also enjoy making valentines day meringue kisses recipe alongside these.
- 1 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring liquid or gel
- 24 to 30 milk chocolate kisses unwrapped
Substitutions: You can use a gluten free 1 to 1 baking flour if needed. If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor try using dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate.
How to Make Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so your cookies do not stick.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour cocoa powder baking soda and salt. Make sure there are no large lumps of cocoa left in the mix.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer beat the softened butter and the 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together on medium high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg milk vanilla extract and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined. You will see that beautiful deep red color emerge right away!
- Combine Mixtures: Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the cookies tough.
- Roll the Dough: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a 1 inch ball between your palms. Roll each ball in a small bowl of extra granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should look slightly puffed and set at the edges but still soft in the center.
- The Blossom Moment: As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This will cause the edges to crack slightly which is the signature look of a blossom cookie.
- Cooling: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the bottom of the chocolate kiss which helps it stick.
Pro Tips & Variations
To ensure your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every single time keep these tips in mind!
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies keep cooking on the hot pan after you take them out. If you wait until they look hard in the oven they will be too crunchy once cooled.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are truly at room temperature. This helps the emulsion process and results in a much smoother dough.
- Chill the Kisses: If your kitchen is very warm you can pop the chocolate kisses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pressing them into the cookies. This prevents them from melting too much and losing their shape.
- White Chocolate Variation: For a striking contrast try using white chocolate kisses or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting in the center instead. You can find inspiration for similar flavors in this red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting guide.
- Add Some Sparkle: Use red or silver sanding sugar instead of regular granulated sugar for the rolling step to give them a festive holiday glitter.
Serving Suggestions
Serving these cookies is all about the presentation! Here are a few ways I like to share them:
- With a Glass of Cold Milk: The classic pairing that never fails to please both kids and adults.
- Hot Cocoa Station: Serve these alongside a mug of steaming hot chocolate for a decadent winter treat.
- Dessert Board: Include them on a valentines sweets charcuterie board recipe featuring various berries and small chocolates.
- Coffee Break: These cookies have enough cocoa flavor to stand up beautifully to a strong cup of dark roast coffee.
Storage & Reheating for Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Storing your treats properly ensures they stay just as delicious as the day you baked them.
Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to stack them place a piece of parchment paper between the layers so the chocolate kisses do not get crushed.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking! Just roll them in sugar right before you pop them in the oven and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: If you love that warm cookie feel you can microwave a cookie for about 5 to 7 seconds. Be careful as the chocolate kiss will soften very quickly!
FAQ about Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes! You will have a delicious chocolate blossom cookie. It will lack the bright red hue but the flavor will still be wonderful. You could also try natural beet powder as a substitute.
How do I keep the chocolate from falling off?
The key is to press the chocolate in immediately after the cookies come out of the oven. The residual heat creates a slight bond between the chocolate and the dough.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely. Peanut butter cups or chocolate caramel squares also work beautifully as the center piece for these cookies. For more chocolate inspiration check out the Sally’s Baking Addiction version for classic tips.
Final Thoughts on Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Baking is truly about making people happy and these Red Velvet Blossom Cookies do exactly that. They bring a pop of color to your kitchen and a smile to anyone who takes a bite. I hope this recipe becomes a new tradition in your home just as it has in mine with Emily and the kids. Grab your apron and let us get started on this delicious journey together!
If you loved this recipe please save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it later! I would love to hear how your cookies turned out so leave a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more home cooking inspiration from Mister Recipes.
