Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a pop of color and sweetness to any gathering, look no further than these irresistible Red Velvet Blossom Cookies! With their rich, velvety texture and the enchanting surprise of a gooey Hershey’s Kiss atop each one, these cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, they offer a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow guide and make some delicious memories in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for those delightful cookies.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will serve as the backbone of your cookie dough.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, releasing a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined to achieve that signature red velvet color.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough is just combined. This helps to keep your cookies tender!
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough and roll them into smooth spheres, then coat each one with powdered sugar for that sweet, snowy finish.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, creating that deliciously melty chocolate heart.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and set.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, you can try replacing the almond extract with more vanilla or even a hint of peppermint for a festive twist. Always make sure your butter is softened for the best creaming results, ensuring a light and airy cookie. If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze beautifully—just store them in an airtight container!
Cooking Techniques
Understanding the creaming method is essential in baking. This technique involves beating butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates air pockets in the batter and results in a tender, light cookie. When adding your dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to combine everything without developing gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate Kisses for a unique flavor twist.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your Red Velvet Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months for a delicious surprise later on!
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a joy to bake and an even greater pleasure to share. With their striking appearance and the delightful fusion of textures and tastes, they are sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the sweet moments that come with creating these festive treats. Happy baking!