Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
Discover a festive twist with our Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe, perfect for holiday treats bursting with flavor and charm. These delightful cookies combine the classic richness of red velvet with a refreshing peppermint crunch, finished with a soft, melty chocolate center that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party or cozying up at home, this recipe spreads warmth and joy in every blossom-shaped bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor Fusion: Combines red velvet’s smooth cocoa taste with bright peppermint for a holiday-perfect treat.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each blossom cookie has a tender bite with a gooey chocolate center that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appearance: The vibrant red dough and white peppermint topping create visually stunning cookies.
- Simple and Accessible Ingredients: Uses common baking staples with just a hint of peppermint to keep things easy yet special.
- Perfect for Gifting: These charming cookies are ideal for sharing and sending with love during the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe calls for simple, essential ingredients that work together to provide flavor, texture, and that signature red velvet color. Each item plays a vital role in creating these festive delights.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds the classic chocolate note without overpowering the peppermint.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly and develop the right texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the right chewiness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for soft cookies.
- Buttermilk or Milk: Adds moisture and enhances the red velvet flavor depth.
- Vanilla Extract: Balances flavors with subtle warmth.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives the dough its iconic festive red hue.
- Mini Chocolate Candies or Hershey’s Kisses: The peppermint or chocolate center that melts to create the “blossom.”
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Sprinkled on top for a refreshing crunch and festive look.
Variations for Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
Feel free to personalize this Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs—these simple swaps and additions make it very adaptable.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a chewy, allergy-friendly treat.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and plant-based milk to make it vegan-friendly.
- White Chocolate Center: Swap peppermint chocolates for white chocolate chips or candies for a creamier middle.
- Spiced Up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra holiday warmth.
- Extra Minty: Mix peppermint extract into the dough or frosting for a stronger mint flavor.
How to Make Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Setting this mixture aside ensures an even distribution of the raising agents and cocoa, so your cookies bake uniformly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air for soft, tender cookies and forms the foundation of your dough’s texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the buttermilk and red food coloring. Stir until the color is fully blended, creating that vibrant red base characteristic of red velvet treats.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough. A soft, slightly sticky dough is ideal for these cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up so that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Blossoms
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cookies just start to set on the edges but remain soft in the center.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Centers
Immediately press a peppermint chocolate candy or Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The candy will gently melt, creating the signature “blossom” effect.
Step 8: Garnish with Peppermint
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the cookies while the chocolate is still soft, so it sticks well. Let cookies cool completely before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough well to help retain the cookie’s shape and softness during baking.
- Use Softened Butter: Makes creaming with sugar easier, resulting in a better texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix dry and wet ingredients only until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Press Candies Gently: Add the peppermint chocolates right after baking so they soften without melting completely.
- Crush Peppermint Freshly: Freshly crushed peppermint candy provides the best texture and aroma.
How to Serve Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a snowy effect. These touches add visual interest and complement the peppermint flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a mug of rich hot cocoa or creamy eggnog for a cozy holiday treat. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or warm mulled cider, enhancing the festive peppermint notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms on decorative trays layered with holiday-themed napkins or festive cupcake liners. Consider stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon to create a charming edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them covered ensures they stay soft and fresh without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies separately. For dough, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container for up to three months. Bake frozen dough directly, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate center.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought peppermint candies instead of chocolates?
Yes, store-bought peppermint candies can be used, but keep in mind they may not melt the same way as peppermint chocolates, so the “blossom” effect might differ.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cocoa and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the best results.
How do I get the perfect red color without using artificial dye?
You can use natural alternatives like beet juice powder or a small amount of pomegranate juice, but the color might be less vibrant than traditional food coloring.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, which actually enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candy for topping?
Place peppermint candy in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor on a low pulse to get small, even pieces perfect for sprinkling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that brings vibrant color, festive flavor, and heartwarming freshness to your holiday gatherings, the Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe is an absolute must-try. Simple, delightful, and irresistibly charming, these cookies brighten any occasion and are sure to become a new seasonal favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bake some holiday magic!
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Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms – Recipe
Peppermint Red Velvet Blossoms are festive holiday cookies that blend the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with a refreshing peppermint crunch and a melty chocolate center. These soft, chewy blossom-shaped treats are perfect for gifting, parties, or cozy winter moments, featuring vibrant red dough topped with crushed peppermint candy for an eye-catching and delicious seasonal delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
Toppings
- 24 mini peppermint chocolate candies or Hershey’s Kisses
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa for uniform baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the dough, giving the cookies a soft, tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, then add the buttermilk and red food coloring. Stir until the dough is evenly colored a vibrant red.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until combined to avoid overworking the dough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Shape and Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the Blossoms: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, place them spaced on a baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Add Chocolate Centers: Immediately after removing from the oven, press one mini peppermint chocolate candy or Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The candy will soften and create the signature blossom effect.
- Garnish with Peppermint: While the chocolate centers are still soft, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the top so it adheres well. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chill the dough well to help cookies maintain shape and softness.
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients only until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Press chocolates gently after baking to soften without fully melting.
- Crush peppermint candy freshly for best texture and aroma.
- For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan adaptation includes dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and plant-based milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peppermint, red velvet, holiday cookies, peppermint blossoms, Christmas treats, festive cookies, chewy cookies, chocolate center, peppermint candies
