🎯 What Are Red Velvet Blossom Cookies?

These irresistible red velvet blossom cookies are the perfect fusion of the classic peanut butter blossom cookie concept with the beloved flavors of red velvet cake. Each batch yields 24 gorgeous crimson cookies, each crowned with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss that creates that signature “blossom” appearance. The best part? This easy red velvet blossom cookies recipe requires only 6 simple ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes.

Unlike traditional Hershey’s red velvet blossom cookies that require making dough from scratch, this recipe uses a clever shortcut: red velvet cake mix. This approach guarantees consistent results every time while delivering that authentic red velvet experience – a subtle cocoa flavor with hints of vanilla and that gorgeous deep red color that makes these cookies absolutely showstopping for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any special occasion.

The origin of “blossom cookies” traces back to the 1950s when home bakers began pressing Hershey’s Kisses into peanut butter cookie dough. The technique creates cookies that resemble flowers in bloom, with the chocolate kiss acting as the center. This red velvet variation takes that beloved concept and transforms it into something even more special – a cookie that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this the best red velvet blossom cookies recipe you’ll find? Several factors work together:

• Cake mix base provides perfect texture and foolproof flavor
• Melted butter creates a chewy, fudgy interior
• Sugar coating adds sparkle and subtle crunch
• Proper chilling ensures cookies hold their shape
• Optional espresso powder deepens the chocolate notes without adding coffee flavor

🔬 The Science Behind Perfect Blossom Cookies

Understanding the science behind cookie baking transforms you from a recipe follower into a confident baker who can troubleshoot any issue. Let’s explore why each technique in this recipe matters.

The Maillard Reaction: Why 350°F Is the Sweet Spot

The Maillard reaction – that magical browning process that creates complex flavors – begins around 280°F and accelerates significantly above 300°F. Baking these red velvet cookies at 350°F represents the perfect balance:

• Too low (325°F): Cookies spread too much before setting, resulting in flat, pale cookies with less flavor development
• Just right (350°F): Edges set quickly while centers stay soft, creating that ideal chewy texture with beautiful crinkles
• Too high (375°F): Outer edges over-brown before centers cook through, potentially burning the delicate red color

Fat Temperature Effect on Cookie Spread

This recipe calls for melted butter rather than softened butter, and here’s why it matters for blossom cookies. When butter is melted, it incorporates into the dough differently than creamed butter. The result is:

• A denser, fudgier texture perfect for supporting the weight of a chocolate kiss
• Less air incorporation, which means cookies puff up rather than spread out
• A chewier final product that stays soft for days

However, melted butter also means the dough needs chilling. Without cold rest time, the fat would be too warm, causing excessive spread in the oven.

Why Cookie Dough Cold Resting Matters

The 30-minute chill time isn’t optional – it’s essential for several reasons:

1. Fat solidification: Cold butter takes longer to melt in the oven, giving the cookie structure time to set before spreading
2. Gluten relaxation: Mixing develops some gluten; resting allows it to relax, preventing tough cookies
3. Flavor development: Even a short rest allows flavors to meld and intensify
4. Workability: Cold dough is much easier to roll into uniform balls

For even better results, consider the freezer dough ball method (a best-kept secret among professional bakers): roll your dough balls, freeze them on a sheet pan, then bake directly from frozen. Add 1-2 minutes to bake time. This technique produces the tallest, chewiest cookies possible.

Sugar Ratio: The Chewy vs. Crispy Science

The cake mix in this recipe already contains a balanced sugar ratio optimized for chewy results. Rolling the dough balls in additional sugar serves multiple purposes:

• Creates a sparkly appearance that catches light beautifully
• Forms a thin crispy shell that contrasts with the chewy interior
• Helps create the signature crinkle pattern as the cookie expands

Using coarse sugar instead of regular granulated sugar creates even more visual impact, as the larger crystals don’t dissolve completely during baking.

Understanding Red Velvet Flavor

Authentic red velvet flavor comes from a specific combination: cocoa + vanilla + tang + color. Traditional recipes achieve this with buttermilk and vinegar, but cake mix accomplishes the same thing through carefully balanced ingredients. The optional espresso powder in this recipe enhances the cocoa notes without adding any perceptible coffee flavor – it simply makes the chocolate taste more “chocolatey.”

📝 Ingredients for Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

One of the best things about this kiss cookies recipe is the short ingredient list. Here’s everything you need, plus helpful notes on each component:

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Red Velvet Cake Mix

Any brand works well – Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury all produce excellent results. The cake mix provides the cocoa, color, leavening, and balanced dry ingredients. Make sure to use a standard 15.25 oz box; larger “family size” boxes will require recipe adjustments.

Butter vs. Oil

While some cake mix cookie recipes call for oil, butter is essential for blossom cookies. It provides:

• Better flavor than neutral oil
• Firmer texture that supports the chocolate kiss
• A dough that holds its shape during baking

Egg Considerations

Use room temperature eggs for best incorporation. For egg-free versions, try 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes) – note that texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Chocolate Kiss Varieties

The classic choice is milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, but you can customize with:

• Hershey’s Hugs: Creates a beautiful white and brown striped center (note: they melt more; refrigerate to set)
• Dark chocolate Kisses: More intense chocolate flavor
• White chocolate Kisses (Cookies ‘n’ Creme): Stunning visual contrast
• Cherry cordial Kisses: Perfect for Valentine’s Day
• Candy cane Kisses: Ideal for Christmas cookies

If you love experimenting with cookie recipes, you might also enjoy our Special Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Made in 20 Minutes which uses similar quick techniques for amazing results.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly frothy. The mixture should be smooth with no visible egg streaks.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the entire box of red velvet cake mix to the wet ingredients. If using espresso powder, add it now. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and no dry pockets remain.

The dough will be thick and slightly sticky – this is exactly what you want. Resist the urge to add more flour; the cake mix has the perfect ratio already.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls without sticking excessively to your hands.

If you’re short on time, you can place the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes instead. For even better results, chill for up to 2 hours – the cookies will spread less and have a more pronounced crinkle pattern.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place the 1 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl for coating.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1½-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in the sugar to coat completely.

Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. You should fit 12 cookies per standard sheet pan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to set and the cookies are puffed and barely beginning to crinkle. The centers will look slightly underdone – this is correct! They’ll continue cooking on the hot sheet.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kisses

This step is time-sensitive! Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately (within 30 seconds) gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Press firmly enough that the kiss anchors into the soft cookie but not so hard that you flatten the cookie.

The residual heat will slightly soften the bottom of the kiss, helping it adhere to the cookie as everything cools.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely (about 20-30 minutes) before handling or stacking.

The chocolate kisses need time to firm up. Regular milk chocolate kisses will set at room temperature within 30 minutes. Touching them too soon will result in fingerprint marks or the kiss pulling away from the cookie.

⚡ Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Tips for Success

• Room temperature eggs: Cold eggs don’t incorporate as smoothly into melted butter
• Don’t skip chilling: Warm dough spreads too much, creating flat cookies that can’t support a kiss
• Unwrap kisses in advance: You need to work quickly once cookies come out of the oven
• Use parchment paper: Ensures easy release and even browning on the bottom
• Watch for visual cues: Cookies should be puffed with just-set edges; centers will look soft

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Problem: Cookies spread too flat

Cause: Dough wasn’t chilled enough, or oven temperature was too low

Solution: Chill dough longer (up to 2 hours) and verify oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Most home ovens run 25-50°F off from the displayed temperature.

Problem: Chocolate kiss slides off or won’t stick

Cause: Cookies cooled too much before adding kisses, or kisses were added too soon (cookie still puffy)

Solution: Add kisses within 30 seconds of removing from oven, but wait until cookies have deflated slightly from their maximum puff.

Problem: Cookies are too cakey/puffy

Cause: Overmeasured cake mix or used extra-large eggs

Solution: Measure cake mix by weight (432g for a 15.25 oz box) and use standard large eggs only.

Problem: Cookies don’t have crinkle pattern

Cause: Dough was too warm, or sugar coating was too thin

Solution: Ensure dough is properly chilled and roll generously in sugar – the sugar coating is what creates the signature crackle appearance.

Problem: Red color faded after baking

Cause: Overbaking or oven too hot

Solution: Reduce bake time by 1-2 minutes and double-check oven temperature. Red dyes can fade with extended heat exposure.

Altitude Adjustments

If you’re baking at high altitude (above 3,500 feet), make these modifications:

• Increase oven temperature by 15-25°F
• Reduce bake time by 1-2 minutes
• Add 1-2 tablespoons extra flour to the dough
• The lower air pressure at altitude causes cookies to spread more, so extra chilling is especially important

Humidity Considerations

High humidity affects cookie baking in several ways:

• Dough may feel stickier – chill longer or add 1 tablespoon flour
• Sugar coating may clump – keep sugar in a sealed container until ready to use
• Cooled cookies may become soft faster – store in airtight container with a silica gel packet

🔧 Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make perfect red velvet blossom cookies, but having the right tools makes the process easier:

Essential Equipment

• Large mixing bowl: At least 3-quart capacity
• Whisk: For combining wet ingredients
• Sturdy spatula or wooden spoon: For mixing in cake mix
• Baking sheets: Two standard half-sheet pans (18×13 inches)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking
• Shallow bowl: For the sugar coating
• Cooling rack: Essential for proper cooling and preventing soggy bottoms

Helpful (But Optional)

• Cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size): Creates perfectly uniform cookies
• Kitchen scale: For precise measurements and consistent results
• Oven thermometer: Verify your oven’s actual temperature
• Timer: Don’t rely on guessing – these cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly

For more insights on proper baking techniques and equipment, the experts at King Arthur Baking offer excellent resources for bakers of all skill levels.

🔄 Variations & Flavor Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basic red velvet blossom cookies recipe, try these creative variations:

Sugar-Roll vs. Powdered-Sugar Crinkle Style

There are two main approaches to coating blossom cookies, each creating a different final look:

Traditional Sugar-Roll (This Recipe)

• Creates sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior
• Sugar caramelizes slightly during baking
• More pronounced crinkle pattern
• Classic blossom cookie appearance

Powdered-Sugar Crinkle Style

• Creates dramatic white crackle pattern against red
• Softer exterior texture
• More visual contrast
• Similar to red velvet crinkle cookies

To try the crinkle style: Roll dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar just before baking. The double coating creates the most dramatic crackle effect.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix (Betty Crocker makes one). The recipe works identically – just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace butter with dairy-free butter alternative (like Earth Balance). Use dairy-free chocolate kisses or alternative chocolate drops. Results will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Egg-Free Version

Replace 2 eggs with one of these options:

• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce + ½ tsp baking powder
• Commercial egg replacer following package directions

If you enjoy cookies without peanut butter (great for those with allergies), this recipe proves you can make amazing Hershey kiss cookies without peanut butter that everyone can enjoy!

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

These red velvet blossom cookies are perfect for advance preparation, making them ideal for holidays, parties, and gift-giving.

Storing Baked Cookies

The Freezer Dough Ball Method (Best Kept Secret!)

This is the ultimate make-ahead strategy for always having fresh-baked cookies ready:

1. Prepare dough and roll into balls as directed
2. Roll each ball in sugar and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan
3. Freeze for 2 hours until solid
4. Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or container
5. Label with date and baking instructions
6. Freeze for up to 3 months

Baking from Frozen

Place frozen dough balls directly on prepared baking sheet – no thawing needed! Add 1-2 minutes to standard bake time and watch for the same visual cues (puffed, just-set edges).

Scaling for Events

Gift Packaging Tips

Red velvet blossom cookies make stunning edible gifts:

• Wait until chocolate kisses are fully set (at least 2 hours at room temperature)
• Use cellophane bags tied with ribbon for individual servings
• Layer in decorative tins with parchment between layers
• Include a small card with storage instructions
• For shipping, wrap individual cookies and add cushioning material

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🍽️ Related Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this red velvet blossom cookies recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these other amazing cookie recipes from our collection:

• Special Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Made in 20 Minutes – Another quick and easy cookie that delivers bakery-quality results
• Peanut Butter M&M Cookies Recipe – 7 Ingredients Only – A colorful twist on classic peanut butter cookies
• Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes – When you want that perfect chewy texture

Looking for something beyond cookies? Try our Classic Turtle Cheesecake – A Decadent Dessert Delight Recipe for a show-stopping dessert, or our Southwest Ranch Sauce Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat Recipe for your next game day spread.

📚 Learn More About Baking

Want to deepen your baking knowledge? These trusted resources offer excellent guidance:

• King Arthur Baking Learn Center – Comprehensive guides on baking techniques, troubleshooting, and ingredient science
• Serious Eats Desserts – In-depth recipes with scientific explanations for why techniques work