Introducing a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms. Imagine the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake swirled into a perfectly soft cookie, crowned with creamy peanut butter perfection. These little gems are quick to make, surprisingly healthier than you might think (thanks to smart ingredient choices), and bursting with flavor that will leave you craving more. As a busy parent, I know the struggle of wanting to bake something special without spending hours in the kitchen; these Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms are my go-to solution for a sweet treat that everyone loves.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother’s baking was legendary. Her peanut butter blossoms were always the star of every holiday gathering. When she passed away, I wanted to find a way to keep her memory alive and create something just as special. I wanted to create a twist that would reflect a love for red velvet cake and my love for my grandmother. I tinkered with her recipe, adding that deep red velvet flavor and color, and the Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms were born. Every time I make them, I'm reminded of her warmth and love, and I hope they bring that same joy to your family.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- 36 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped (or similar peanut butter blossoms)
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Red Velvet Magic: In a small bowl, combine vinegar, red food coloring, and buttermilk.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. (This helps prevent spreading!)
- Shape & Roll: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Add Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms!
Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar, red food coloring, and buttermilk.1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. (This helps prevent spreading!)
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.Granulated sugar, for rolling
- Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms!