Description
Delightfully soft and festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies feature a moist red velvet cake mix base, rolled in sugar for a slight crunch, and topped with a classic Hershey’s kiss candy. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a tender, chocolaty treat with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (15.25 oz.)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup regular or coarse sugar (for rolling)
- 24 Hershey’s kiss candies or other mini chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the red velvet cake mix and optional espresso powder, stirring until the mixture forms a consistent dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step firm ups the dough for easier shaping.
- Form and sugar-coat balls: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1½-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the sugar to coat thoroughly, giving the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set, cookies puff up, and slight crinkling begins.
- Add the chocolate kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a Hershey’s kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can set.
- Optional cooling tips: If using Hugs candy kisses, they may melt slightly into the cookie. To prevent this, refrigerate or freeze the cookies until the chocolate sets firmly. Regular Hershey’s kisses will hold their shape when left until fully set at room temperature.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Using coarse sugar for rolling adds a crunchy texture on the outside.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape and makes rolling easier.
- Let cookies cool fully before storing to keep the chocolate kiss intact.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a festive touch, use colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain sugar.
