Luscious Red Velvet Kiss Cookies
These Luscious Red Velvet Kiss Cookies are a perfect treat, with a rich red velvet flavor and a melty chocolate kiss on top. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Shallow bowl
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 3 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped Approximately 3 dozen
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Unwrap all Hershey's Kisses.
Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cookies
- Place extra granulated sugar in a shallow bowl; scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and coat evenly with sugar.
- Place sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Immediately press one unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red hue than liquid food coloring. Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Ensure the Hershey's Kisses are unwrapped before you start, as you'll need to press them into the cookies immediately after baking.