Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Large Egg: 1
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Red Food Coloring (gel): 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Hershey's Kisses (unwrapped): 30 pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, the red food coloring (and a dash of alcohol-free vanilla extract, if desired) until the mixture is uniform and intensely colored.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed only until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. If the dough seems too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes; the cookies should look set on the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- Step 5: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently but firmly press one unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to set and cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; use parchment paper between layers to protect the soft chocolate Kisses from sticking.
- If the chocolate Kisses have hardened, microwave the cooled cookie for 8–10 seconds to restore a just-baked softness and melt the chocolate slightly.
- Serve these vibrant cookies with a cold glass of milk or a small scoop of classic cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent presentation.
- To ensure your red velvet color is intensely vibrant without overworking the final dough, make certain the gel food coloring is fully mixed into the butter and sugar mixture before incorporating the dry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American