Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a whimsical, fruity twist on the classic thumbprint cookie, delivering a delightful burst of flavor and charm. These soft, buttery cookies are infused with a sweet, vibrant strawberry flavor and crowned with a rich, chocolatey kiss in the center. The combination of fruity sweetness and creamy chocolate makes them a treat that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. With their cheerful pink hue and adorable design, they’re perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or simply brightening up an everyday moment.

The first time I baked these cookies, I was enchanted by how easy they were to make and how quickly they became a favorite. Mixing up the dough, shaping the cookies, and pressing in the chocolate kisses felt like a fun, hands-on project. The aroma of strawberries and warm chocolate filling the kitchen was absolutely heavenly, and when I saw the bright, festive cookies cooling on the rack, I knew they’d be a hit.

What I love most about Strawberry Kiss Cookies is how versatile they are. You can customize them with different types of chocolate kisses—white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled—to suit your preference. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift, packaged in a pretty box or jar. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a sweet snack with a cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to any occasion.

Perfect for:

Valentine’s Day treats
Cookie exchanges
Holiday desserts
Afternoon tea
Strawberry and chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Kiss Cookies will be your new favorite sweet treat:

Delightful Flavor Combination: The pairing of strawberry-flavored cookies and rich chocolate kisses is a match made in heaven.
Eye-Catching Appearance: Their vibrant pink color and elegant chocolate topping make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Quick and Easy to Make: These cookies come together in under an hour, perfect for busy days or last-minute baking.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids and a great addition to school lunches or snacks.
Customizable: Swap out the chocolate kisses for other toppings to create your own unique twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 110-130 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (e.g., Jell-O)
24 chocolate kisses (e.g., Hershey’s Kisses), unwrapped
Pink or red sanding sugar for rolling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Strawberry Gelatin Mix: Provides the cookies with their signature strawberry flavor and pink hue.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender cookie base.
Chocolate Kisses: Add a decadent chocolate center that pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
Sanding Sugar: Optional, but rolling the dough in sanding sugar adds sparkle and a slight crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin mix.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape and Roll:

Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
Roll in Sanding Sugar (Optional): If desired, roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar for extra color and texture.

Bake the Cookies:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bake Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Add the Kisses:

Press in Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Festive Platter: Arrange them on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Paired with Tea or Coffee: Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Dessert Board: Add the cookies to a dessert charcuterie board with chocolate-covered strawberries, mini cupcakes, and candies.
Gift Box: Package the cookies in a beautiful box or tin lined with parchment paper as a sweet gift.
With Ice Cream: Serve the cookies as a topping or side for a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Drizzled with Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies before serving for extra indulgence.
Layered in a Parfait: Crumble cookies into layers of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and yogurt or mousse for a unique dessert.
Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange them in a circular pattern like a wreath for festive occasions, garnished with edible glitter or sprinkles.
Paired with Milk: Serve them with small glasses of chilled milk for a classic, family-friendly snack.
In a Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies in a pyramid shape and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a show-stopping presentation.

Additional Tips

Work Quickly with the Kisses: Add the chocolate kisses as soon as the cookies come out of the oven, so they stick without melting completely.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Customize the Colors: For other occasions, experiment with different gelatin flavors and sanding sugar colors.
Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Recipe Variations

Raspberry Kiss Cookies: Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry-flavored gelatin.
Lemon Kiss Cookies: Use lemon-flavored gelatin for a zesty twist.
Vanilla Cream Cookies: Replace the chocolate kisses with white chocolate or caramel-filled candies.
Chocolate Strawberry Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Heart-Shaped Cookies: Shape the dough into hearts before baking for a festive look.
Double Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Use chocolate-flavored gelatin and chocolate kisses for a rich chocolate version.
Sprinkled Cookies: Roll the dough in colorful sprinkles instead of sanding sugar.
Mint Kiss Cookies: Use mint-flavored chocolate kisses for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Strawberry Cookies: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty undertone.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Mixing Bowls: Use a medium and large bowl for mixing the cookie dough and dry ingredients.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar efficiently.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookie dough balls for consistent baking.
Baking Sheets: Nonstick or parchment-lined sheets provide a smooth surface for baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
Spatula: A silicone or metal spatula is perfect for transferring cookies without breaking them.
Rolling Pin (optional): Useful if you need to roll the dough for a particular shape.
Piping Bag with Tip (optional): For decorative drizzles or adding designs with chocolate or glaze.
Cookie Storage Container: Keeps the cookies fresh and safe from crumbling once they’re cooled.

FAQ

Can I use natural strawberry flavoring instead of gelatin? Yes, substitute the gelatin with 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract and add a drop or two of red food coloring for the pink hue.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of chocolate kisses? Try mini peanut butter cups, chocolate squares, or even a dollop of jam for a fruity alternative.
Can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much? Make sure to measure your flour accurately and chill the dough if it feels too soft.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are as delightful as they are delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and irresistible chocolatey center, these cookies are a showstopper. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, gifting them to someone special, or indulging in a little self-care treat, these vibrant cookies add a pop of color and flavor to any dessert spread.

Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a joy to bake and share. Swap out the chocolate kiss for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a dollop of frosting to make them uniquely yours. Their bright, cheerful hue and sweet aroma make them an instant favorite in any recipe collection.

I can’t wait to see your Strawberry Kiss Cookie creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your spin on this sweet treat. Don’t forget to share your creative twists in the comments. Happy baking!