Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a head-turning, heart-stealing treat, say hello to Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies! These luscious chocolatey squares take everything you love about classic red velvet and infuse them with a rich, fudgy texture, a pop of vibrant color, and, of course, a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into every single bite. They’re easy enough for a weeknight sweet tooth and special enough to make your Valentine swoon. Get ready for a bake that delivers joy one gooey square at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies comes from a handful of key staples—each chosen for maximum indulgence. Every ingredient plays its part, whether it’s giving you that signature deep red color, tender crumb, or irresistible pockets of chocolate. Here’s the rundown on what and why.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter gives your brownies that crave-worthy fudgy center and richness in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the deal and helps create those beautifully crackly tops.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, ensuring the final bars are sturdy yet soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings out all the other flavors, rounding out the chocolate and the hint of tang.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): This is what gives Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies their signature romantic hue—don’t skip it!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Just enough for a chocolatey kick without overpowering the gentle tang of red velvet.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances sweetness and deepens those cocoa notes.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The structure of your brownies—a little goes a long way to keep them dense and fudgy.
- White vinegar (1/2 teaspoon): A sneaky signature ingredient in red velvet, it reacts with the cocoa for that subtle tang and helps keep things tender.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For delightful chocolatey bursts throughout every square.
- Hershey’s Kisses (12–16, unwrapped): The finishing touch that makes every brownie a little love note.
How to Make Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper (for easy lifting later), or lightly grease it if that’s your go-to. This step is all about making sure the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies pop out beautifully for serving—no sticking allowed!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. This step is key for a glossy top and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until each one disappears. Now, stir in the vanilla extract and that generous spoonful of red food coloring. You want a deep, vivid color here—the more dramatic, the better!
Step 3: Bring on the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Stir just until combined—you want to avoid over-mixing so your brownies stay plush and fudgy. Once the batter is even and thick, add in the white vinegar (trust the process—it keeps things tender) and gently fold in the chocolate chips for those chocolatey pockets.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the decadent batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. When a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not totally clean!), they’re ready for their finishing touch.
Step 5: Finish with Kisses
As soon as the pan emerges, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the surface of each soon-to-be brownie square while the pan is still warm. The warmth helps nestle each chocolate perfectly and lets it melt just enough to be dreamy. Let your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing for picture-perfect squares.
How to Serve Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Garnishes
Give your brownies a little extra love! Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar, add a swirl of cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling decadent, or top each Kiss with a pinch of edible glitter for celebratory sparkle. Those pops of color and flavor turn your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies into a party on a platter.
Side Dishes
While these brownies really are the showstopper, they play well with others too! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold dessert experience or serve alongside a handful of fresh strawberries for a sweet-and-tart contrast. A cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk completes the treat for anytime snacking.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies into heart shapes with a cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day or arrange them on a tiered tray for a fancy dessert table. You can also stack them as brownie towers tied with a ribbon for gift giving—because dessert should always feel like a present!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The chocolate Kiss on top stays soft but won’t turn messy, and the fudgy interior actually gets even more flavorful after a day or two!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these brownies—just pop cooled, whole or pre-sliced squares into a freezer-safe bag with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, making it super easy to have Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies on hand for whenever craving strikes.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, microwave a brownie (unwrapped, of course!) for 10-15 seconds. The Kiss will get slightly gooey and the brownie softens right up. Or, let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature and enjoy them as is—they’re just as delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in caramel-filled, dark chocolate, or almond Hershey’s Kisses to put your own spin on the classic Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies. It’s a fun way to play with flavors and surprise everyone with each bite.
What can I do if I don’t have red food coloring?
Red food coloring gives red velvet its signature look, but you can still enjoy these brownies without it—the flavor will be just as rich, though the color will be more chocolatey. For a natural alternative, try beetroot powder, though the hue will be subtler.
How do I make these brownies gluten-free?
Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour and double-check your other ingredients for any hidden gluten. The result: equally fudgy, chocolatey Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies that everyone will love!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredient amounts and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time closely; it may need a few extra minutes. Just test with a toothpick until you see those moist crumbs on the tester.
Should the brownies be cooled completely before cutting?
Letting the brownies cool in the pan ensures clean slices and perfect presentation. If you cut them too soon, you risk gooey centers and melted Kisses sliding around. Patience is rewarded with beautiful, neat bars!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a loved one, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, these Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies are a guaranteed hit. Their vibrant color, melty surprise, and chocolatey decadence win hearts every single time. Don’t wait for a special occasion—your next favorite dessert is right here, ready to bake!
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Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion. Rich, chocolatey, and topped with a surprise Hershey’s Kiss, these red velvet brownies will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Additions:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12–16 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and red food coloring.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa, salt, and flour until just combined. Mix in the vinegar and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, bake for 25–28 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each brownie while warm.
- Cool and Serve: Cool brownies in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use holiday-themed Hershey’s Kisses.
- If not using Hershey’s Kisses, top with cream cheese frosting for a delicious variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
