When most people think of Valentine’s Day, they think of candlelit dinners, a dozen roses, and romance. Well, for me, I’m more excited about the boxes of chocolates and festive desserts that are so popular for Valentine’s Day. There will be plenty of time for romance later, so right now I’m more focused on food than getting a boyfriend before Feb. 14. With that said, here is a recipe for Red Velvet Blossoms that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The recipe below is for three dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups unbleached all  purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon liquid red food color
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 36 Hershey’s Hugs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment (wax) paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.  Set aside.
3. Using a hand-held mixer, combine oil, brown sugar, and white sugar. Make sure that no lumps remain. Then add in the egg and mix it until it is smooth and creamy. Mix in food color, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Add flour mixture and mix it until smooth.
5. Roll the dough into small balls, and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12 minutes, or until they are puffed up.
7. After removing the cookies from the oven, place a Hershey’s Hug into the center of the cookie. Move cookies to a rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy!