Red Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a festive twist on the classic red velvet flavor, featuring a soft cocoa dough rolled in sparkling sugar and topped with a melted chocolate heart. These delightful treats are perfect for holidays or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness.
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
- Step 1: Place the chocolate hearts into the freezer for at least an hour to prevent them from melting quickly on the warm cookies.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking 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. Then add the egg, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until blended.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a 1-inch ball. Roll the balls in red sprinkling sugar or sprinkles, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies until set, then immediately press a frozen chocolate heart into the center of each cookie so it softens slightly without melting completely.
- Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring.
- Substitute the Dove Chocolate Hearts with another favorite chocolate or candy for a fun twist.
- Rolling the dough balls in colored sugar adds extra sparkle and texture to the cookie edges.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle and to reduce spreading during baking.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the chocolate hearts firm, avoid refrigerating. If desired, warm them slightly before serving to soften the chocolate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Dove Chocolate Hearts?
Yes, you can substitute with any small chocolate pieces or candy hearts that you prefer. Just make sure they are frozen prior to baking to prevent them from melting too quickly.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can omit the food coloring or use natural alternatives like beet juice, but the traditional red velvet color will be less vibrant.
PrintRed Velvet Blossom Cookies Recipe
These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a festive and delightful treat featuring a soft red velvet cookie dough rolled in colorful sugar or sprinkles and topped with a rich Dove Chocolate Heart. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these cookies combine classic red velvet flavors with a playful chocolate center, creating a beautifully festive and delicious dessert.
- 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
Chocolate Hearts
- 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
Toppings
- Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles (for rolling)
Instructions
- Freeze the Chocolate Hearts: Place the Dove Chocolate Hearts into the freezer for at least one hour to ensure they won’t melt quickly when placed on the warm cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or vigorous hand mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, red food coloring, and pure vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, beating just until blended and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out the dough and roll into 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 onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Add Chocolate Hearts: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one frozen Dove Chocolate Heart into the center of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to set the chocolate.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Freezing the chocolate hearts before baking prevents them from melting too much on the cookies.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain softness.
- You can substitute the Dove Chocolate Hearts with any small, individually wrapped chocolate pieces if desired.
- Handle the dough gently when rolling and placing on the sheet to keep the texture tender.
- For more vivid color, adjust the amount of red food coloring to your preference.
Keywords: Red velvet cookies, chocolate blossom cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate heart cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies
