Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Embrace of Flavor
There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, conjuring memories of afternoons spent in Grandma’s kitchen, flour dust dancing in the sunlight. As Valentine’s Day approaches, what could be sweeter than bright, pink Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the rich goodness of chocolate kisses on top creates a delightful treat that’s as charming as it is delicious. This cookie recipe captures that sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
With their vibrant color and delightful strawberry flavor, these cookies are sure to create a buzz at any gathering. Whether you’re aiming for the sweetest surprise for your loved ones or looking to fill your cookie jar with something extraordinary, these charming bites are your answer. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delightful cookies ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for baking with little hands eager to help in the kitchen.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberry and chocolate provides a sweet yet slightly tart experience that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a great way to show love to family, friends, and neighbors—ideal for holidays or just because!
- Beautifully Unique: The soft, pink dough and chocolate kisses create an eye-catching dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
To dive into this delicious adventure, gather the following 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
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Let’s roll up our sleeves and make these delightful cookies together!
-
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
-
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
-
Shape & Chill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results). This crucial step helps in preventing spreading.
-
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking—this will cause excess spreading.
-
Final Touches: Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The cookies may look soft in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
-
Add the Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before adding the kisses. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing the residual heat to help it stick without melting too much.
-
Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
-
Dust with Powdered Sugar: To add a touch of elegance, dust the cookies with powdered sugar FIRST, before pressing in the kisses. This keeps the sugar from getting on the chocolate!
Fun Ways to Customize It
Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Here are some creative twists for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
- Zesty Lemon: Substitute half of the strawberry gelatin with lemon gelatin for a tangy twist that’s refreshing and bright.
- Nutty Almond Crunch: Add chopped almonds into the dough for a delightful crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookie base.
- Layer of Jam: Place a spoonful of strawberry jam on top of each cookie before adding the chocolate kisses for a double berry experience.
- Sprinkling of Coconut: Add unsweetened shredded coconut to the tops of the cookies before baking for a tropical flair.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance, roll into balls, and store in the refrigerator. Just bake when you’re ready for warm cookies!
- Ingredient Swaps: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter as a butter replacement and ensure your chocolate kisses are dairy-free.
- Storage Suggestions: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for maximum freshness.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze shaped dough balls for a quick baking option! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen dough.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in advance, or shape the cookies and freeze them!
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the strawberry gelatin for your favorite flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These cookies are best enjoyed within a week, but they can be frozen for up to three months!
A Cozy Closing Note
As you gather with loved ones or cozy up with a good book, let these Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring warmth and sweetness into your home. They encapsulate the essence of love and comfort, making each bite a little moment of joy. Save this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe to your sweets board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Let’s spread that sweetness, one delicious cookie at a time!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp 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 pieces chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined.
- Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
Shape & Chill the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results).
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm.
Final Touches
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before adding the kisses.
- While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before pressing in the kisses.
