Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a charming twist on classic red velvet flavor, combined with a rich chocolate center. These festive treats are perfect for sharing during holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 36 Dove Chocolate Hearts (1 package, 8.87 ounces)
• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chocolate hearts in the freezer for at least one hour to prevent melting when baked.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just blended.
5. Step 5: Using a tablespoon, scoop 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in red sprinkling sugar or sprinkles, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
6. Step 6: Press one frozen chocolate heart gently into the center of each dough ball to create the blossom center.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense red color, increase the red food coloring slightly or use gel food coloring.
• You can substitute the Dove Chocolate Hearts with any bite-sized milk or dark chocolate pieces.
• Try rolling the dough balls in finely crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles for a minty twist.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the chocolate centers from melting, avoid storing in a warm place. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can skip the red food coloring for a subtle cocoa cookie, though the classic red velvet look will be missing.

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 74 reviews

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat featuring soft, cocoa-infused red velvet dough adorned with sparkling red sugar and crowned with a whole Dove chocolate heart. These festive cookies combine the richness of cocoa with the vibrant color and sweetness of classic red velvet, making them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a comforting and visually appealing dessert.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate

• 36 Dove Chocolate Hearts (1 package, 8.87 ounces)

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Decoration

• Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles for rolling

Instructions

1. Freeze the Chocolate Hearts: Place the 36 Dove chocolate hearts into the freezer for at least one hour. This ensures they remain solid and do not melt quickly when placed on the warm cookies later.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, red food coloring, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter has a uniform red color.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This helps distribute the leavening and cocoa evenly.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, beating just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.
7. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in red sprinkling sugar or sprinkles to coat the exterior for a festive look.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
10. Add Chocolate Hearts: Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, press one frozen Dove chocolate heart gently into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere without losing its shape.
11. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for several minutes until the chocolate sets and cookies firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Freezing the chocolate hearts prior to baking helps them retain their shape when placed on hot cookies.
• Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
• Rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles enhances the festive appearance and adds a slight crunch.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Chocolate Blossom Cookies, Valentine Cookies, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cookies