Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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