Strawberry Kiss Cookies: 1 Amazing Recipe

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are such a delightful treat, and I’ve been making them for years! There’s something magical about their soft, rosy-pink hue and that sweet chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for something pretty and simple to make for a bake sale, and honestly, they were an instant hit. The buttery cookie dough, infused with just a hint of strawberry, melts in your mouth, and the slight crunch from the chocolate kiss is pure perfection. These are truly some of the most easy Strawberry Kiss Cookies you’ll ever whip up. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookie Recipe

You’ll adore these cookies for so many reasons:

• They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners.
• The sweet strawberry flavor is wonderfully balanced with buttery cookie.
• Their festive pink color makes them a showstopper for any occasion.
• These Homemade Strawberry Kiss Cookies taste so much better than store-bought.
• They’re wonderfully soft and tender, truly melt-in-your-mouth.
• The chocolate kiss adds a delightful little surprise in every bite.
• You’ll find these are the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies for holidays and parties alike.
• They come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking needs.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients

Gather these simple Strawberry Kiss Cookies ingredients to create these delightful treats:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened – makes the cookies rich and tender
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
• 1 large egg, at room temperature – helps bind everything together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – adds a lovely subtle depth
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (about 280 g) all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie dough
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a slight lift
• ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix – this is where the magic strawberry flavor and pink color comes from!
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting – adds a pretty finish
• 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped – the signature center of our cookies

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Follow these simple steps for the most delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies. I find that paying attention to a few key details really makes a difference in achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautiful pink hue, making these some of the best cookies you can bake.

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy. This creaming step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
2. Step 2: Add the 1 large egg, at room temperature, along with the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and optional ½ teaspoon almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat again until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Step 3: Now, mix in the 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix. Stir until the dough takes on a lovely, soft pink color and the gelatin is evenly incorporated. This gives our cookies their signature flavor and pretty shade.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (about 280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed for consistent results.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until a soft pink dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix! If the dough seems too soft or sticky to handle, add another tablespoon or two of flour – this is one of my key Strawberry Kiss Cookie baking tips.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, using about 1 tablespoon of dough for each. Place these dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: For the best results and to ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies hold their shape beautifully, it’s essential to chill the dough balls. Cover the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even overnight.
8. Step 8: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and lightly golden, but the centers should still look a little soft.
10. Step 10: Once they come out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Then, gently but firmly press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
11. Step 11: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly.
12. Step 12: Once fully cooled, dust them lightly with ¼ cup powdered sugar for that classic, pretty finish.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

The magic starts with creaming the butter and sugar. This process incorporates air into the dough, which is what gives these cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best fluffy results. For more on baking science, check out this guide to ingredient properties.

Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s best to add the dry mixture to the wet in stages. Mix only until the dough just comes together. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher cookies, which is something we want to avoid. You can learn more about baking tips for cookies to ensure success.

Chilling and Shaping the Dough

Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll into balls and preventing your cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This is key to getting that classic, pretty shape for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Proper chilling is a fundamental part of many cookie recipes.

Baking and Adding the Kiss

Bake until the edges are just set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet. Gently pressing the chocolate kiss into the warm cookie ensures it melts just enough to adhere perfectly without sinking too deep and becoming lost.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies

I’ve learned a few things over the years that really elevate these cookies, ensuring they’re perfectly soft with that signature kiss. These Strawberry Kiss Cookie baking tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

• For the most vibrant pink color and intense flavor, consider using a bit of natural strawberry powder in addition to the gelatin mix.
• If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by about a minute. For soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies, bake just until the edges are set.
• Make sure your chocolate kisses are unwrapped and ready to go right after the cookies come out of the oven; they adhere best when the cookies are still warm.
• Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they have a lovely, rounded shape.

What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

The secret to perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in not overmixing the dough once the flour is added and ensuring the dough is well-chilled before baking. This combination prevents toughness and spreading.

Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily make the dough balls and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to prep ahead for parties. For more on food storage, you can check out our privacy policy which touches on handling information.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

The most common mistake is cookies spreading too much. This is usually due to not chilling the dough long enough or using butter that’s too soft. Also, be careful not to overbake, as they’ll become dry instead of soft.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies

These charming cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for so many occasions. They truly shine when presented as part of a dessert spread, making them ideal for Strawberry Kiss Cookies for parties, baby showers, or even just a special afternoon tea. For a festive touch, consider a few simple Strawberry Kiss Cookie decorating ideas: a light dusting of edible glitter over the powdered sugar can add a touch of sparkle, or you could even tie a small, delicate ribbon around the cookie before serving.

Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a light fruit-infused water. Their delicate strawberry flavor and buttery texture also make them a wonderful accompaniment to a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to bring smiles!

Strawberry Kiss Cookie Variations You Can Try

While the classic recipe is absolutely divine, I love experimenting with different twists on these delightful cookies. Exploring these Strawberry Kiss Cookie variations is so much fun, and they can cater to different tastes and dietary needs. You can easily adjust the Strawberry Kiss Cookie flavor profile with a few simple swaps.

• Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
• White Chocolate Kiss Swap: For a different sweet note, try using white chocolate kisses instead of the traditional milk chocolate ones. The creamy sweetness complements the strawberry beautifully.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Add the zest of one small lemon to the dough along with the wet ingredients. This adds a wonderful bright citrus note that pairs surprisingly well with strawberry.
• Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan version, use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and vegan chocolate kisses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Kiss Cookies

What are Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are charming, buttery cookies with a distinct rosy-pink hue, thanks to the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix. They are characterized by a sweet chocolate kiss pressed into the center of each baked cookie, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. They are a popular choice for holidays and special occasions.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

While the strawberry flavor is what gives these cookies their signature taste and color, you can certainly experiment with other fruit-flavored gelatin mixes! Raspberry or cherry would give a similar lovely color and a complementary fruity taste. The key to maintaining the desired texture is to use the same amount of gelatin powder. This is a fun way to explore different Strawberry Kiss Cookie flavor profiles. For more information on ingredient substitutions, you can consult our about page which might offer insights.

What can I use instead of chocolate kisses?

If you don’t have chocolate kisses on hand, or if you’re looking for a different twist, you have a few options! You could use small chocolate chips, a dollop of jam (like raspberry or strawberry jam, which would tie into the cookie’s flavor), or even a small candy like a caramel bite. Just be sure to press them gently into the warm cookie so they adhere well.

Why are my Strawberry Kiss Cookies spreading too much?

Cookie spread is usually due to a few factors. First, ensure your butter is softened but not too soft or melted, as this can make the dough too greasy. Second, and perhaps most importantly, make sure you chill the dough balls for at least an hour, or even longer. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking. This is one of the most important Strawberry Kiss Cookie baking tips. For more baking advice, consider our terms of use which may contain helpful guidelines.

Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per cookie:

• Calories: ~94
• Fat: ~2 g
• Saturated Fat: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~16 g
• Sugar: ~7 g
• Protein: ~2 g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, including the type of chocolate kiss and any optional additions. For data privacy, please refer to our GDPR information.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies: 1 Amazing Recipe

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are charming, rosy-pink, buttery cookies with a sweet chocolate kiss in the center and a dusting of powdered sugar. They are perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a fun and pretty baked treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (about 280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
• 24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
3. Mix in the strawberry gelatin powder until evenly incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft pink dough forms. Add 1-2 tablespoons more flour if the dough is too soft or sticky.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Chill the dough balls for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to help them hold their shape.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Space the chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
10. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers will be slightly soft.
11. Let the cookies sit for 2 minutes after baking, then gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Notes

• For a deeper pink color, add a drop of food coloring or use natural strawberry powder.
• Accurate flour measurement and sufficient chilling time are key to preventing cookies from spreading.
• The almond extract adds a warm hint, but it can be omitted for a pure strawberry-vanilla flavor.
• You can dust with powdered sugar before or after placing the chocolate kiss for different looks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: ~94
• Sugar: ~7 g
• Fat: ~2 g
• Saturated Fat: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~16 g
• Protein: ~2 g

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