Name: Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497726H48M57S
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/4 cup (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 Tablespoon milk (preferably buttermilk); 1/2 teaspoon gel red food coloring (or alternative such as beet powder); 32–36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g) or confectioners’ sugar (60g) for coating

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving something irresistibly festive and deliciously soft, the Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together the deep, chocolatey richness of red velvet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the delightful surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center. Perfect for celebrations, gift-giving, or just treating yourself, these cookies are easy to make but impressively stunning, with that vibrant red hue and sparkling sugar coating inviting you in for more. Each bite melts effortlessly, blending the subtle cocoa undertones with the creamy, sweet kiss on top, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a red chocolate cookie with a dark chocolate kiss on top, placed on a black cooling rack. The cookie has a rough, sugary red surface texture, and the chocolate kiss is smooth and shiny. Part of the cookie is broken, showing the moist and soft inside. More similar cookies with dark chocolate kisses are blurred in the background, all resting on the black rack. The background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic red velvet color. Each one has its role, from the rich cocoa powder to the buttery softness, ensuring your cookies come out just right.

All-purpose flour (1 and ¾ cups): Provides the perfect structure without weighing down the cookies.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Adds a subtle chocolate note, essential for the red velvet taste.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
Light or dark brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup for coating): Adds sweetness and creates a delightful sugar crust.
Large egg (1, at room temperature): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
Milk or buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Keeps the dough soft and adds a subtle tang.
Gel red food coloring (½ teaspoon): Gives those gorgeous, festive red velvet tones; optional but highly recommended.
Hershey’s Kisses (32–36, unwrapped): The star of the show for that luscious chocolate center.

How to Make Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, natural unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa, which will give your cookies that characteristic red velvet flavor and soft texture. Set this bowl aside because the magic starts once these dry ingredients meet your luscious wet ones.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown and granulated sugars. Do this on medium speed until the mixture looks creamy and light, about 3 minutes. This process is crucial because it traps air and ensures your cookies turn out perfectly tender and fluffy. If creaming butter and sugar is new to you, there are some great tutorials to guide you along the way.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are creamy, add in the large egg and pure vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until everything is well combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed to avoid lumps. This combination is what will add moisture and a warm undertone, elevating your Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe to irresistible heights.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, then add the tablespoon of milk and your gel red food coloring. Mix everything together just until combined. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly what you want to achieve that soft, rich texture. If you desire an even bolder red color, feel free to add more gel color a little bit at a time. Cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to three days. Just remember to let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before you start rolling it out if it's been in the fridge for a long time.

Step 5: Roll, Coat, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll each ball in the granulated sugar coating. This creates a sparkly, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. Place the dough balls around three inches apart on your baking sheet to give them room to spread. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, looking for edges that are set but centers still looking soft.

Step 6: Set the Kiss

Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each warm cookie. Use a thin spatula to carefully transfer them to a plate and pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes. This quick chill will firmly set the chocolate, leaving you with cookies that are deliciously soft and perfectly decorated. Then, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe

A close-up of many red cookies with a rough sugar-coated texture, each topped with a smooth dark chocolate piece shaped like a small cone in the center. The cookies lie layered closely on a wooden board, with some wrapped foil chocolate hearts in purple, red, green, and silver colors scattered among them. The rich red color of the cookies contrasts with the dark chocolate centers and the shiny foil hearts, all on a rustic brown wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies look stunning on their own, you can add a little extra pizzazz by sprinkling a tiny pinch of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. For a seasonal twist, crushed peppermint or tiny heart-shaped sprinkles are perfect companions that make these cookies even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic indulgence that’s hard to beat. For adults, a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot cocoa compliments the slight cocoa flavor beautifully, enhancing the overall experience with each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate by arranging these cookies in a vibrant red tin or wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon. They make fantastic gifts or party favors! You can also stack them in layers separated by parchment paper on a decorative cookie tray for a gorgeous display that invites guests to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Red Velvet Kiss Cookies keep wonderfully fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This means you can bake a batch ahead of time, and they’ll still taste soft and fabulous when you’re ready to snack again.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies even further in advance, both the baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze exceptionally well for up to three months. For unbaked dough, freeze the scooped balls without the sugar coating to avoid clumping; then coat them in sugar right before baking. This makes your Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe perfect for holiday prep or spontaneous cookie cravings.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked warmth, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and refreshes the kiss, giving you that just-baked feeling with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, you can swap them out for mini peanut butter cups, Rolos, or even small chocolate hearts. Each variation adds a unique twist and flavor, so feel free to get creative with your favorite chocolates.

Is the red food coloring necessary?

The red coloring is mainly for show and that signature red velvet look. If you prefer, you can skip it and still have a delicious chocolate cookie. For a natural alternative, beet powder works beautifully to create a subtle red tint without artificial dyes.

Why does the dough need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and firms it up, making it easier to roll and shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in that soft but perfectly shaped cookie you’re aiming for.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural?

For the best flavor and texture in this recipe, natural unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended because it reacts with baking soda to create the perfect rise and flavor profile. Dutch-processed cocoa can make the cookies denser and affect the color.

How do I make these cookies without using dairy?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of regular milk. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still end up with delightful cookies!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Red Velvet Kiss Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-have in your baking repertoire. Its vibrant color, tender crumb, and gooey chocolate center create a sensory experience that’s pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and happy hearts. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking these little bundles of happiness today—you won’t regret it!