Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional); 2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix; 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting; 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: September 3, 2025

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Introduction to Strawberry Kiss Cookies

As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up something sweet that truly delights the family. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These little gems not only boast the vibrant taste of strawberries but also offer the comforting richness of chocolate. They’re simple to make, and the combination of flavors is sure to kick up your dessert game! Whether it’s a quick snack after school or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, these cookies will put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies

You’ll adore these Strawberry Kiss Cookies for their delightful flavor and easy preparation. In just a little over an hour, you can bake a batch of cookies that seamlessly combine sweet strawberry and rich chocolate. Plus, your kids will love helping out in the kitchen, making it a fun activity for busy weekends. These treats are perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without taking up all your time!

Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a soft, buttery texture.
Granulated sugar: You’ll need this for sweetness; it helps the cookies brown and crisp a bit.
Egg: It binds everything together, giving the cookies their lovely structure.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor profile, making the cookies even more delicious.
Almond extract (optional): For those who love a hint of nuttiness, this is a tasty addition.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it the right texture.
Baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cookies puff up beautifully.
Salt: A pinch elevates the sweetness and balances the flavor.
Strawberry-flavored gelatin mix: This is the superstar ingredient, adding a burst of delicious strawberry flavor and that pretty pink color.
Powdered sugar: For dusting, it gives a lovely finishing touch that looks beautiful.
Chocolate kiss candies: The perfect chocolatey center that melts in your mouth!

You can find most of these ingredients right in your pantry, and they are widely available at your local grocery store. If you’re curious about more specific quantities for each item, don’t worry! Just check the bottom of the article for a handy print-friendly version.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Prepare the Dough

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Start by placing softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in your egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of almond extract. Beat until everything is well-combined. Now for the star of the show! Carefully mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin until it’s fully incorporated. You’ll love the vibrant pink color that emerges. This step sets the delicious strawberry flavor foundation for your cookies. Trust me; it’s worth taking the time to ensure everything is combined perfectly!

Shape & Chill the Cookies

Now it’s time to bring your dough to life! Scoop about one tablespoon of the pink dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. It’s like creating little strawberry orbs of happiness! Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space. After that, it’s crucial to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step prevents excess spreading during baking, helping ensure that your cookies maintain their lovely shape. If you’re not baking right away, you can chill them overnight for even better results!

Bake

Once your dough is chilled, it’s time to bake these beauties. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them about 2 inches of space apart. Do NOT press down on the balls, as this will cause them to spread too much. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The centers may seem soft, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them; those edges are a telltale sign of a perfect cookie!

Add the Chocolate Kisses

The moment has arrived! When the cookies come out of the oven, let them sit for about 2 minutes. This short wait prevents burns and allows the cookie structure to settle. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will help the chocolate stick perfectly, creating that mouthwatering combination of strawberry and chocolate goodness.

Cool Completely

Once your chocolates are nestled in, it’s important to let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period allows the cookies to set up beautifully, ensuring the texture is just right. Trust me; letting them cool will not only deepen the flavors but will also ensure the chocolate kisses maintain their shape, making your cookies wonderfully inviting. You can already imagine how scrumptious they’ll be once they’re ready!

Dust with Powdered Sugar

To add that finishing touch, it’s time to dust with powdered sugar. It’s best to do this after the cookies are cool. If you dust before adding the chocolate kisses, the sugar might get on the chocolate, and we want those kisses to shine! Grab a fine mesh sieve and lightly sprinkle the powdered sugar over the cookies for that beautiful, snowy finish. It’s a simple step that elevates your Strawberry Kiss Cookies to a whole new level!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Chill the dough to avoid spreading and achieve perfect shapes.
If the dough feels too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Experiment with flavors by adding different extracts or using white chocolate kisses!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl: A large bowl works best; just grab any size you have handy.
Electric mixer: If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do!
Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet or any flat surface will work.
Parchment paper: Use aluminum foil if that’s what you’ve got; it helps prevent sticking.
Wire rack: A cooling rack is ideal, but you can use a plate if necessary.

Variations of Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
Vegan Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg for a plant-based treat.
Use Different Flavor Gelatin: Experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry gelatin to create a variety of colorful cookies.
Stuffed Cookies: Add a small dollop of strawberry jam before placing the chocolate kiss for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutty Surprise: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to give your cookies a crunchy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a tall glass of cold milk for the perfect classic combo.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Arrange cookies on a colorful platter for an eye-catching presentation at gatherings.
Add fresh strawberries as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

FAQs about Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
While fresh strawberries can add a lovely flavor, they can affect the texture of the cookie. Gelatin provides a concentrated strawberry flavor and helps maintain the structure, so I recommend sticking with the strawberry-flavored gelatin for this recipe.

How should I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it into balls for baking.

What can I use instead of chocolate kisses?
If you’re looking for a fun twist, you can use white chocolate chips or even flavored chocolate melts! These alternatives create a unique flavor that complements the strawberry beautifully.

Is it possible to turn these into a larger cookie?
Sure! You can form larger cookie dough balls and increase the baking time by a couple of minutes. Just make sure to check for doneness, so they’re perfectly baked through!

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Kiss Cookies

There’s something truly magical about baking Strawberry Kiss Cookies. The joy they bring, from the vibrant pink dough to the melty chocolate on top, is unparalleled. Each bite captures the delightful essence of strawberry and chocolate, creating a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!

Sharing these cookies with the family not only satisfies sweet cravings but also creates warm moments together in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make memories! Trust me, these cookies are not just treats; they’re a little slice of happiness that will brighten anyone’s day.