Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with a bright red hue, perfect for any festive occasion. Topped with a chilled Dove Chocolate Heart, they offer a delightful surprise in every bite. Easy to make and sure to impress, they’re a great addition to your cookie collection.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles (for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chocolate hearts into the freezer for at least one hour to prevent melting when added to the warm cookies.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, then mix until well blended.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating just until combined.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a 1-inch ball. Roll the balls in red sugar or sprinkles, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately after removing from the oven, press a frozen chocolate heart into the center of each cookie. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, substitute the milk with buttermilk or add a teaspoon of vinegar to react with the baking soda for a tangier flavor.
- Use different colored sprinkles for other holidays or celebrations.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the chocolate hearts from melting, avoid stacking cookies or store them with parchment between layers. Reheat slightly in a warm oven if you prefer the chocolate softened, but be careful not to melt it completely.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the center?
Yes, you can substitute with Hershey’s Kisses or any small, individually-wrapped chocolate. Just ensure they are chilled beforehand to minimize melting.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can omit the red food coloring for a more subtle cocoa cookie or try using natural alternatives like beet juice, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and color.
Print
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 38 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies, featuring a tender red velvet dough rolled in colorful sugar and crowned with a luscious Dove Chocolate Heart. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, these cookies combine classic flavors with a charming presentation.
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 36 Dove Chocolate Hearts (1 package, 8.87 ounces)
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Coating
- Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
- Freeze Chocolate Hearts: Place the Dove Chocolate Hearts into the freezer for at least one hour to prevent melting during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and form 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet spaced adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Add Chocolate Center: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a frozen Dove Chocolate Heart into the center of each cookie to create the blossom effect.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies carefully from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool completely and allow the chocolate to set without melting.
Notes
- Freezing the chocolate hearts is crucial to prevent them from melting too quickly on the warm cookies.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft, tender cookie centers that contrast nicely with the crisp edges and chocolate.
- Rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking adds festive texture and sparkle.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Blossom Cookies, Dove Chocolate Hearts, Holiday Cookies, Festive Treats, Valentine’s Day Cookies, Red Food Coloring Cookies
