If you’re looking for a cookie that’s festive, eye-catching, and ridiculously easy to make, Easy Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are here to save the day. These little gems are soft and chewy with that signature red velvet flavor, all dressed up in sparkly red sugar and crowned with a chocolate kiss.

They’re perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, or honestly, whenever you want to impress someone with minimal effort. No fancy ingredients, no mixer drama—just you, some butter, a mixing bowl, and the promise of glorious red cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Let me give you the quick rundown:

They look like you spent all day baking… but you didn’t.
Soft, buttery texture with a hint of cocoa and vanilla.
Hershey’s Kiss in the middle? Always a win.
Great for cookie swaps, kids’ parties, or your own snack stash.
One bowl, one baking sheet, zero stress.

Plus, these are small-batch friendly, which means you won’t end up with 47 cookies (unless you want to—no judgment).

Close-up of red sugar blossom cookies with Hershey’s Kisses on a white scalloped plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make about 18 cookies:

7 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup red sanding sugar (or granulated sugar)
18 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

That’s it. Simple pantry ingredients, nothing fussy.

How to Make Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Step 1: Get That Oven Hot

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. No sticking, no mess.

Step 2: Cream It All Together

In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix until that red is bold and bright.

Step 3: Add the Dry Stuff

Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be thick but not crumbly.

Step 4: Shape and Sugar

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in your red sanding sugar (or granulated sugar), and place them on your baking sheet with about 2 inches of space in between.

Step 5: Bake and Press

Bake for 9–10 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Boom. That’s it.

Want to make sure your cookies look like they belong on a holiday card? Here’s what helps:

Red gel food coloring gives the brightest color without making the dough wet.
Sanding sugar adds sparkle, but granulated sugar works just fine too.
Press those chocolate kisses in while the cookies are still warm so they stick without melting completely.
Let the cookies cool completely if you’re packing them in a tin—no melted kisses!

Storage Instructions

These cookies stay fresh and tasty:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the fridge: They’ll last about a week.
To freeze: You can freeze the cookie dough (before baking) or the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Perfect for make-ahead baking during busy seasons.

Flavor Profile

These cookies are all about balance:

Buttery and soft
Hints of cocoa and vanilla
Sweet without being overpowering
That Hershey’s Kiss in the middle? It’s like a tiny surprise every time.

They go great with coffee, tea, or late-night scrolling through dessert boards on Pinterest.

Overhead view of red sparkly blossom cookies with chocolate Kisses arranged in neat rows.

Fun Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here’s how you can switch things up:

Use green sanding sugar for a Grinch-approved Christmas twist.
Swap the chocolate kiss for a white chocolate version or even a peanut butter cup.
Add a touch of peppermint extract for a cool, wintery vibe.
Want more texture? Toss in some mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

Make it yours. You’re the boss here.

Common Questions

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you chill the dough for about 20 minutes if you’re making a bigger batch—it helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.

Do I have to use sanding sugar?
Nope. Regular granulated sugar works just fine. The sanding sugar is mostly for that sparkly finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Pair It With

Want to really bring out the best in these red velvet blossoms? Pair them with:

Red velvet cake-inspired desserts for a themed spread.
Simple sugar cookie recipes for festive baking, so there’s something for everyone.
Holiday cookie ideas for Christmas and Valentine’s Day to round out your dessert table.
Classic chocolate chip cookie recipes if someone in the family won’t try “red stuff.”

Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Soft, Sweet & Perfect for Every Celebration

Best Jam Cookies: A Classic Homemade Treat You’ll Crave

Final Thoughts

Easy Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. They’re festive, delicious, and ridiculously easy to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re baking for someone you love, hosting a cookie swap, or just in the mood for something cozy and cute, these cookies get the job done—without making a mess in your kitchen.

Easy Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need