Get ready to fall head over heels for Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies. This recipe is one of those rare gems that combines irresistible fudgy texture, vivid color, and a surprise chocolatey center in each decadent square. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to bake a batch of love for any day of the week, these beauties deliver everything you crave: deep cocoa flavor, eye-catching red velvet appeal, and a charming Hershey’s Kiss that takes them totally over the top. If you’ve been searching for a wow-worthy dessert that’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for the fanciest of occasions, you’re absolutely in the right place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies all starts with a handful of staple ingredients, each one playing a vital role in taste, texture, and that signature red color. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be amazed at how every component brings this crowd-pleasing treat to life.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives these brownies a rich, moist foundation and helps the chocolate and red notes shine.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and plays a crucial part in creating that shiny, crinkly top everyone loves.
- Large eggs (2): Add structure and chewiness—don’t skip them!
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic background that completes the red velvet magic.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Delivers that iconic, eye-catching hue—gel food coloring works beautifully here.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives the brownies their subtle chocolate undertone without overpowering.
- White vinegar (3/4 teaspoon): Reacts with the cocoa for the classic tang of red velvet, plus deepens the color vibrancy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The right amount for tender-yet-fudgy brownies—measure carefully for best results.
- Hershey’s Kisses (12, unwrapped): The sweetest surprise! Pop one in each square for a creamy, melty chocolate center.
How to Make Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s ready for baking. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this helps your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies lift out easily and keeps every square picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your melted butter and sugar until they’re smooth and well combined. This step gives your brownies that signature sheen and melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Red Food Coloring
Whisk in both eggs, the vanilla extract, and the vibrant red food coloring. Keep whisking until your batter is velvety-smooth and evenly colored. This is where the magic really starts to happen, and you’ll see that gorgeous red base coming to life.
Step 4: Incorporate Cocoa, Vinegar, and Salt
Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, white vinegar, and salt until everything is fully mixed. The vinegar might seem unusual, but it makes all the difference for that authentic red velvet flavor.
Step 5: Gently Fold in the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over your wet mixture and gently fold it in just until you don’t see any more streaks. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 6: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—perfect for ultra-fudgy brownies.
Step 7: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
As soon as you pull the brownies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each square while still warm and soft. Allow the pan to cool completely so the chocolate sets and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white or dark chocolate, or a scattering of red and pink sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. A fresh strawberry or a few raspberries alongside each brownie adds that extra touch of elegance and color.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate dessert plate, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of fresh berries or even a warm berry compote can complement the fudgy chocolate and bring everything together.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Stack the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies on a tiered stand, arrange them in heart-shaped boxes for gifts, or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. For parties, try wrapping each brownie in parchment and tying with baker’s twine for a sweet, bakery-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To help them stay extra moist, tuck a small piece of bread or a slice of apple in the container (just don’t let it touch the brownies directly).
Freezing
If you’d like to make your brownies ahead or save some for later, they freeze beautifully. Place cooled, cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Defrost at room temperature whenever your next craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked warmth, microwave individual brownies on low for 10-15 seconds. If reheating a larger batch, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes—this brings back that gooey texture and even helps the Hershey’s Kisses soften up just like day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, feel free to swap in mini peanut butter cups, truffles, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. Just keep the size similar for best results.
Why is there vinegar in the recipe?
Vinegar is a signature ingredient in red velvet desserts, helping to intensify the red color and react with the cocoa for that slightly tangy, old-fashioned bakery flavor. You won’t taste the vinegar itself in the finished brownies.
Can I double the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies recipe for a party?
Yes—just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time; check for doneness with a toothpick as you would in the original recipe.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Chill the baked brownies in the refrigerator before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This trick helps you achieve beautiful, bakery-style squares—even with the gooey Hershey’s Kiss in the center.
Do these Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies need to be refrigerated?
No need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is especially warm or humid. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for several days, just make sure they’re well-covered.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a batch of homemade Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies—especially when every bite is loaded with love and chocolate. Give this recipe a try, and I promise your kitchen will be filled with sweet smiles and even sweeter treats!
Print
Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of these Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies, a perfect treat for any occasion. Rich red velvet flavor paired with a sweet surprise in the form of a hidden Hershey’s Kiss in each square.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Topping:
- 12 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Whisk melted butter and sugar in a large bowl until combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Blend Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, vinegar, and salt until fully mixed.
- Combine Flour: Gently fold in flour until no streaks remain.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 20-25 minutes. Press a Hershey’s Kiss into each brownie while warm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, chill brownies before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
