Hershey kiss red velvet cookies sparkle with red sugar and crown chocolate kisses on buttery red velvet bases. Small batch perfection in just 25 minutes.
Since you’re here, make sure to check out these related recipes:
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Best Smores Cookies Recipe (Campfire Magic)
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies
Why This Hershey Kiss Red Velvet Cookies Recipe Works
Honestly, I stumbled onto this recipe while trying to use up leftover red gel coloring from cake decorating. Now my friends specifically request these for every Valentine’s party.
Looking for cookies that wow without hours of work? Here’s why these deliver:
- Small batch yields 18 cookies so you’re not drowning in leftovers
- Red sanding sugar coating creates that gorgeous sparkle Instagram loves
- Cocoa and vanilla combo delivers authentic red velvet flavor
- Kid-friendly activity because pressing chocolate kisses is oddly satisfying
Ingredients
Ready to whip up these stunning hershey kiss red velvet cookies? You’ll need simple ingredients that create major impact.
For the cookies:
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
- 18 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Key ingredient breakdown
Brown and white sugar combo creates chewy centers with slightly crisp edges. Using only one type of sugar doesn’t give you that perfect texture.
Egg yolk only makes cookies tender without spreading too thin. Whole eggs would make these cakey instead of chewy.
Red gel coloring creates vibrant color without adding liquid that throws off ratios. Liquid food coloring makes dough too wet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy and pale.
3. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring until dough turns uniformly red throughout.
4. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on low just until flour disappears. Don’t overmix.
6. Scoop dough using a 1-tablespoon measure to create 18 equal portions. Roll each into smooth balls between your palms.
7. Pour red sanding sugar into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in sugar until completely coated.
8. Place sugar-coated balls on prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. They spread slightly during baking.
9. Bake for exactly 10 minutes. Cookies should look set around edges but still soft in centers.
10. Press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie center immediately after removing from oven. Work fast before cookies cool.
11. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes so kisses set properly, then transfer to wire rack.
Essential Equipment
1-tablespoon cookie scoop
A cookie scoop creates 18 perfectly sized cookies that bake evenly. Eyeballing sizes leads to some burnt, some raw cookies.
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Creaming butter and sugar properly aerates dough for the right texture. Hand mixing won’t incorporate enough air for fluffy cookies.
Parchment paper (PREMIUM)
Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. These cookies are delicate when hot, so parchment keeps them from breaking during transfer.
What to Serve with Hershey Kiss Red Velvet Cookies
Planning a Valentine’s cookie platter? These hershey kiss red velvet cookies pair beautifully with other festive treats.
Serve them alongside Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a pink and red color scheme. Add Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for texture variety.
For holiday parties, include Peppermint Chocolate Blossom Cookies. Hot cocoa or milk makes the perfect beverage pairing.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Refrigerator storage
Store hershey kiss red velvet cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and delicious without refrigeration.
Freezer storage
Freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 1 week. They taste freshly baked after thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Serving instructions
Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving for best flavor. You can warm for 5-10 seconds in microwave if desired.
Hershey Kiss Red Velvet Cookies Recipe Variations
Want to switch up these classic hershey kiss red velvet cookies? Try these creative twists that keep the wow factor.
White chocolate kisses create elegant contrast with red cookie bases. Swap regular kisses for white chocolate or candy cane varieties during Christmas.
Different sugar colors transform these for any holiday. Use green for Christmas, pink for Easter, black for Halloween, or gold for New Year’s.
Peanut butter kiss version swaps cocoa powder for peanut butter powder. Use 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder instead of cocoa for completely different flavor.
Pro Tips & Tricks
Want your hershey kiss red velvet cookies to turn out perfect every single time? These tricks guarantee success.
Unwrap kisses before baking so you can work quickly when cookies come out. Hot cookies need kisses pressed in immediately or they won’t stick.
Don’t overbake or cookies will be hard instead of chewy. Ten minutes is perfect—they look underdone but continue cooking on the hot pan.
Press kisses gently into hot cookies without pushing all the way through. Light pressure is enough for them to sink in and stick.
Chill dough briefly if too sticky to roll. Fifteen minutes in the fridge makes dough much easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make hershey kiss red velvet cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake up to 3 days ahead and store at room temperature, or freeze for up to a week. They’re perfect for stress-free party prep.
Why did my cookies spread too flat?
Your butter was too soft or you didn’t measure flour correctly. Butter should be softened but still hold its shape when pressed.
Can you use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring works best because liquid adds too much moisture. If using liquid, reduce amount by half and expect lighter color.
What can you use instead of red sanding sugar?
Regular granulated sugar works fine but won’t be as sparkly. You can also use different colored sanding sugars for various holidays.
Do hershey kiss red velvet cookies need refrigeration?
No, store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They taste best at room temperature anyway.
Can you freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready to become everyone’s favorite cookie baker? These hershey kiss red velvet cookies combine stunning looks with buttery, chocolatey flavor everyone craves.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any celebration needing gorgeous treats. Your friends will think you spent hours on these beauties.
Make a batch this weekend and watch them disappear in minutes.
📌 Save this hershey kiss red velvet cookies recipe for Valentine’s Day – they’re guaranteed to steal the show at every party!
