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Red Velvet Kiss Cookies with a Hershey's Kiss on top and powdered sugar dusting

Lemon Zest Red Velvet Kiss Cookies

These Lemon Zest Red Velvet Kiss Cookies are a perfect treat, featuring a soft, crimson cookie with a delicate lemon flavor, topped with a melted Hershey's Kiss. They are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a delightful dessert.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • lemon zest of 1 large lemon
For Rolling and Topping
  • Powdered sugar for rolling
  • 4 dozen Hershey's Kisses unwrapped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the Hershey's Kisses and set them aside.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then set this mixture aside.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, red food coloring, and lemon zest.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, ensuring to begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Chilling Dough
  1. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Forming and Baking Cookies
  1. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each thoroughly in powdered sugar. Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  2. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set while the centers remain soft.
Adding Kisses and Cooling
  1. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Ensure Hershey's Kisses are unwrapped before you start baking for quick placement onto hot cookies.