If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both festive and downright irresistible, you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe. These cookies are that perfect little treat where the classic red velvet flavor meets a gooey, melty chocolate heart nestled right in the center. I absolutely love how these turn out every single time—soft, tender, with just the right balance of cocoa and sweetness. Stick with me because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your batch is as delicious as mine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Melty Center: The frozen chocolate heart melts just right, giving each cookie a luscious surprise.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and moist red velvet dough with a slight cocoa kick that feels like a hug in cookie form.
- Customizable Fun: Rolling the dough balls in red sugar or sprinkles adds festive flair and crunch.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and just one chocolate candy per cookie for a fuss-free baking session.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe is in how simple ingredients come together for an unforgettable treat. Using good-quality ingredients really makes a difference here—especially when it comes to the chocolate hearts and cocoa powder.

- Dove Chocolate Hearts: I love using these because they’re just the right size to tuck inside without overpowering the cookie.
- Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the dough just the right sweetness and helps with texture.
- Large Egg: Adds richness and binds everything together.
- Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the dough tender.
- Red Food Coloring: For that classic red velvet look—use a gel-based one if possible for vivid color without extra liquid.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cookie’s structure; measuring properly is key here.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the subtle chocolate undertone that’s signature to red velvet.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just perfectly.
- Kosher Salt: Balances out sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Red Sprinkling Sugar or Sprinkles: Adds festive color and a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Variations
I love playing around with this Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe to make it my own or to suit any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a twist or baking for someone with dietary restrictions, there’s a way to adapt it and keep that magic.
- White Chocolate Hearts: I once swapped out the Dove hearts for white chocolate, and the contrast against the red velvet dough was stunning and delicious!
- Sprinkles Mix: Use pastel or holiday-themed sprinkles for birthdays or Christmas to give these cookies a festive glow.
- Gluten-Free Flour: I’ve tried a gluten-free blend with good results—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use a flax egg; they turned out wonderfully moist when I gave it a shot.
How to Make Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Freeze Those Chocolate Hearts
Start by placing your chocolate hearts in the freezer for at least an hour. I discovered this trick when I first tried to bake these cookies—the hearts melted too soon and lost their shape. Freezing them means they hold their form better, giving you that perfect “blossom” effect after baking.
Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, I always make a fresh sheet for every batch.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for lovely soft cookies, so don’t rush it! I usually use my stand mixer here, but a hand mixer works just as well.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until everything’s well combined. The dough will start looking delightfully vibrant, and the vanilla truly enhances the overall flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended. Overmixing here is your enemy; it can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle! I always remind myself that a few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 6: Shape and Roll Cookie Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon, scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough. Roll them in red sprinkling sugar or sprinkles to give each cookie a festive, sparkly finish. One thing I learned the hard way: let your dough warm to room temperature before rolling; chilled dough makes the sprinkles stick poorly.
Step 7: Bake and Add Chocolate Hearts
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until just set. Right after taking them out of the oven, press a frozen chocolate heart into the center of each cookie. They’ll sink in just enough and start to melt slightly as they cool, creating that lovely blossom look we’re after.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the chocolate set again and lets the cookies finish baking with residual heat. I find that this is the hardest part because they smell so good warm—try to be patient!
Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Freeze the Chocolate: Always freeze the chocolate hearts ahead of time to prevent them from melting too early in the oven.
- Room Temperature Dough for Sprinkles: Let your dough warm up slightly before rolling in sugar or sprinkles to ensure they stick well.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing dry ingredients just until combined keeps your cookies tender and soft.
- Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup easier and helps cookies bake evenly without sticking.
How to Serve Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I often keep things simple and let the sprinkles themselves do the garnishing, but for special occasions, I’ve dusted the finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar or added a few white chocolate drizzle lines for extra pizzazz. They’re so pretty that minimal garnishing is really all you need!
Side Dishes
I love pairing these cookies with a classic glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea—something that balances the sweetness perfectly. They’re also a hit alongside a fruit platter for a more balanced dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve gifted these cookies on pretty trays lined with red or white parchment paper for Valentine’s Day or birthday parties. Wrapping them individually in cellophane bags with a colorful ribbon makes them feel extra special. A cupcake stand also works surprisingly well for cookie displays at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for about 3-4 days, which means you can enjoy them throughout the week without worrying about drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, the dough freezes beautifully! Just shape the dough balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen — add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Leftover cookies are lovely warmed up for a few seconds in the microwave or in a low-heat oven. It revives that melty chocolate center and makes the cookie taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of chocolate for the blossom?
Absolutely! While I recommend Dove Chocolate Hearts for their perfect size and melting quality, you can substitute with Hershey’s Chocolate Hearts or even mini chocolate chips if you prefer. Just keep in mind that larger chocolates may upset the cookie balance, and mini chips won’t create the signature blossom effect.
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Why do the chocolate hearts need to be frozen?
Freezing the chocolate hearts before placing them on warm cookies prevents them from melting too quickly in the oven, helping them hold their shape and create that pretty blossom look instead of turning into a gooey mess.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg or other egg replacer instead of a regular egg. The cookies will still be soft and flavorful, though the texture might be slightly different. The key is ensuring your butter substitute is solid and your egg substitute binds well.
- How do I store leftover Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe is one of those treats that instantly makes any day feel special. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that looks as good as it tastes—and that gooey chocolate center just steals the show every time. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll be coming back to bake them over and over, whether it’s for holidays, parties, or just because. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and treat yourself to these amazing cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Red Velvet Chocolate Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Blossom Cookies are a festive and delightful treat featuring a soft, red velvet cookie base topped with a chilled Dove Chocolate Heart. Rolled in vibrant red sprinkles, these cookies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and vanilla with a fun, romantic presentation perfect for special occasions or holiday gifting.
Ingredients
Chocolate Hearts
- 36 Dove Chocolate Hearts (1 8.87 ounces package)
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
- Freeze Chocolate Hearts: Place the Dove Chocolate Hearts into the freezer for at least one hour. This step helps prevent the chocolate from melting quickly when placed onto the warm cookies.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, red food coloring, and pure vanilla extract until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly colored.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain a soft crumb.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Using a tablespoon, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in red sprinkling sugar and/or sprinkles until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft.
- Add Chocolate Hearts: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press one frozen Dove Chocolate Heart into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly soften the cookie, helping the chocolate adhere without melting it completely.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies carefully from the baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow them to cool fully so the cookies firm up and the chocolate sets properly.
Notes
- Dove Chocolate Hearts are preferred due to their smaller size and better ratio of chocolate to cookie, but Hershey’s Chocolate Hearts can be used if preferred.
- For easier handling, it may help to chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about an hour before shaping; however, the sprinkles may not adhere as well when the dough is cold. Rolling at room temperature may yield better sprinkle coverage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg

