These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They are soft and chewy with a lovely red color and topped with a sweet chocolate kiss. Yum!
Every bite feels like a little party! I love making these for gatherings or just as a cozy snack at home. Plus, they’re super easy to bake—what’s not to love? 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is the star of the show! You can use any brand you prefer, or if you’re adventurous, make a homemade version using cocoa powder and red food coloring. Gluten-free cake mixes are also available for those needing a gluten-free option.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil helps keep the cookies moist. You can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil. The latter adds a hint of coconut flavor, which can be delightful!
Chocolate Kisses: While I love the classic milk chocolate kisses, using semi-sweet or white chocolate kisses can change the flavor profile. For a fun twist, you could even use peanut butter or caramel-filled kisses if you want something different!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The key to chewy cookies is understanding how to avoid overbaking. Here are a few tips to keep them soft:
- Set a timer for the minimum baking time. Check the cookies around 8 minutes; they should be slightly soft in the center.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the structure without making them hard.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (about 16 oz)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
For Topping:
- About 40 chocolate kisses (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate as preferred)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling on the sheet, so you can expect to have fresh, delicious Red Velvet Blossom Cookies ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, grab your red velvet cake mix and add in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until a soft, smooth dough forms. It should be thick but pliable.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoons of the dough and roll each piece into a ball between your hands. This dough will make your cookies delightfully chewy!
4. Roll in Sugar:
After rolling the dough into balls, coat each one lightly in granulated sugar. This gives them a lovely sweet crust and helps to create that classic look! Once coated, place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the tops to be set and slightly cracked—the cookies might look a little underdone, but that’s perfect for a soft texture!
6. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
When the cookies come out of the oven, quickly press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will melt the chocolate just enough for it to stick.
7. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them. Use a spatula to move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to keep their lovely shape!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, it’s time to dig in! Serve your soft and festive Red Velvet Blossom Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, and enjoy the delightful combination of rich chocolate and soft red velvet. These cookies are perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Another Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can substitute the red velvet cake mix with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla if you want to try something different. Just keep in mind that the color and flavor will change accordingly!
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Cookie Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for about 1-2 hours until frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be baked from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Chocolate Kisses?
If you don’t have chocolate kisses, you can top the cookies with chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Get creative! Just make sure whatever topping you choose complements the red velvet flavor.
