Red Velvet Kiss Cookies: Perfect Holiday Treat
There’s something magical about baking red velvet kiss cookies during the holidays the soft, chewy texture, rich cocoa aroma, and that iconic chocolate center make every bite feel like a warm hug. These red velvet kiss cookies aren’t just treats; they’re edible joy with a festive flair, perfect for anyone craving a nostalgic blend of decadence and comfort. Whether you’re planning your holiday baking recipes list or simply want to surprise someone with a sweet homemade gift, this recipe brings the celebration straight from your oven to your heart.
When I was a kid, the scent of cookies baking in the oven meant togetherness. My grandmother and I would hum along to carols while rolling dough in sparkly red sugar, waiting eagerly by the kitchen window as the snow fell outside. She always added a chocolate kiss in the center her secret touch that made our red velvet crinkle kiss cookies feel extra special. Now, every time I make them, I’m transported back to that tiny kitchen filled with laughter, flour-dusted noses, and warm memories.
Searching for that perfect sweet treat to complement your baking plans? You might love these red velvet pancakes for a delightful breakfast or brunch idea. And if you’re looking for other festive cookie inspiration, be sure to check out peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies they have a similar charm!
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Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 43 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the magic of red velvet kiss cookies with their soft, chewy texture and iconic chocolate center, perfect for holiday baking joy.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 14 tablespoons, softened
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Flour: 2 cups
- Cocoa Powder: 1 cup unsweetened
- Baking Soda: 3/4 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Red Liquid Food Coloring: 1 tablespoon
- Sanding Sugar: 3/4 cup (gold, red, or clear)
- Hershey’s Kiss Chocolates: 36, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring to creamed mixture; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough, roll in sanding sugar, and chill for 20 minutes.
- Bake on cookie sheet for 11–13 minutes.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie and cool on wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough to help maintain shape and texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Try different types of Hershey’s Kisses.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 13 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: red velvet kiss cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Kiss Cookies
- Easy to Make: These cookies involve simple steps and no fancy tools, ensuring anyone can bake them without stress.
- Flexible Recipe: Easily adapt the ingredients to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences, making it perfect for everyone’s enjoyment.
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect for busy days, family events, or impressing guests with a festive treat.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Red Velvet Kiss Cookies
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand Mixer
- Cookie Sheet
- Wire Rack
- Measuring Cups
- 1-Tablespoon Cookie Scoop
Step 1: Preparation for the Red Velvet Kiss Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: 14 tablespoons, softened
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Flour: 2 cups
- Cocoa Powder: 1 cup unsweetened
- Baking Soda: 3/4 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Red Liquid Food Coloring: 1 tablespoon
- Sanding Sugar: 3/4 cup (gold, red, or clear)
- Hershey’s Kiss Chocolates: 36, unwrapped
Step 2: Cooking the Red Velvet thumbprint Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 1–2 minutes. Meanwhile, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the creamed mixture, mixing for about 15 seconds. Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough, rolling each piece in sanding sugar. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Place the chilled dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes in the preheated oven. Upon removing the cookies from the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each.
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for that perfect holiday treat feel.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Every Time
- Chill the Dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape and adds to the chewy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is soft for easy mixing.
- Experiment with Different Kisses: Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for variations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to a tougher texture.
- Skipping the Chill Step: This may cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Not Pressing the Kiss Immediately: The kiss won’t adhere properly if the cookie has cooled too much.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Swap Sanding Sugar: Use different colors to match the occasion.
- Add a Drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate for extra decoration.
- Include Nuts: Mix crushed nuts into the dough for added texture.
Occasions Perfect for This Recipe
- Christmas Parties: These festive cookies are a holiday favorite.
- Valentine’s Day: Surprise a loved one with a homemade delight.
- Bake Sales: Their eye-catching appearance makes them a hit.
FAQs About Red Velvet Kiss Cookies
To ensure your red velvet kiss cookies are soft, always use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. Ensuring the butter is soft and creaming it thoroughly with sugar helps make the cookies tender.
Traditional milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are a great choice. However, you can experiment with other flavors like dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to not chilling the cookie dough. Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing excessive spread during baking.
The secret lies in balancing the cocoa powder and food coloring to achieve that classic red velvet flavor and look, while the immediate placement of the Hershey’s Kiss ensures it adheres perfectly without melting.
Conclusion: Enjoying Every Bite
Embrace the joy of holiday baking with this red velvet kiss cookies recipe. It’s not just about following a recipe it’s about creating memories, sharing sweet moments, and enjoying delicious results. With their perfect balance of cocoa flavor and holiday charm, these cookies are sure to become a cherished family favorite.
If you’re looking for more festive inspiration, check out our delightful peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies recipe for more baking fun!
We’d love to hear about your baking adventures. Feel free to comment, let us know how your cookies turned out, or save this recipe for your next holiday gathering!
