Introduction
Warm up your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies. These charming treats are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Each soft and chewy cookie features a stunning crimson hue, topped with a sweet chocolate kiss that adds a burst of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe will help you create an eye-catching dessert that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- 20 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside, allowing the flavors to blend.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a delightful texture.
- Next, add in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix until everything is well combined and the vibrant color is evenly distributed.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies to remain tender.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls with your hands.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly domed.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For best results, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature to make mixing easier.
- You can adjust the amount of red gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week, if they last that long!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving perfectly soft cookies lies in not overbaking them. When you remove them from the oven, they should look slightly underbaked in the center; the residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture, leading to even chewier cookies!
FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just roll the dough into balls and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
What substitutions can I make?
If you want to make these cookies chocolate-flavored, consider adding a bit more cocoa powder and omitting the red food coloring. For a fun variation, try adding nuts or crushed candies!
Conclusion
With their rich flavor, beautiful color, and the perfect sweet touch from the chocolate kisses, these Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies will quickly become a favorite among friends and family. Enjoy baking and sharing these lovely cookies, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!