Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines fruity zest with a rich chocolate touch, look no further than the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies feature a soft, pink strawberry-flavored dough that melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a luscious chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. They bring a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive holiday dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in turning simple pantry staples into an extraordinary cookie experience. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the dough, to the strawberry gelatin powder delivering that vibrant pink hue and signature fruity flavor, each element builds up the magic of these cookies.

• Butter (1 cup softened): Provides a tender, rich base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor depth with warm, aromatic notes.
• Almond extract (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle nutty background that complements strawberry wonderfully.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp): Builds structure while ensuring softness; extra flour might be needed if dough is sticky.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Provides a gentle lift to keep the cookies light and airy.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavors.
• Strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (1 package, 3 oz): The star ingredient delivering that signature pink color and fruity essence.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for dusting): Adds a delicate finish and light sweetness.
• Chocolate kiss candies (24-30, unwrapped): The perfect soft, chocolatey crown on each cookie.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by beating the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—this step is essential to create a tender crumb. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you choose to use it, mixing until everything is well combined. Next, stir in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder. This will magically color and flavor your dough. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on a low-speed setting until a soft pink dough forms. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape & Chill the Cookies

Take about one tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms until you have a smooth ball. Place these dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Now, the chilling step is key—pop the tray into your refrigerator for at least one hour, or even overnight if you can wait that long. This chilling firm ups the dough so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking, giving you those perfect, round shapes.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about 2 inches of space apart. Resist the urge to press an indentation before baking because that will cause the dough to spread too much. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes, watching for slightly firm edges. Even if the centers look soft, don’t worry—they’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you that soft, tender bite.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kisses

Right after the cookies come out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for about two minutes. While they’re still warm, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie. The residual warmth is just enough to help the chocolate stick without melting it completely, keeping that signature ‘kiss’ shape intact.

Step 5: Cool Completely and Dust

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool down fully, letting both the dough and chocolate set nicely. Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish. To keep the sugar from dusting your chocolate kisses, it’s best to sprinkle the powdered sugar before pressing in the chocolate candies.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar elevates these cookies with a snowy touch, but for an extra sprinkle of fun, try adding some finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate. These small touches provide more bursts of strawberry flavor and an elegant look that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pairing these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe delights with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea is a classic choice that balances sweetness with creaminess. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside fresh strawberries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to turn your treat into a mini dessert feast.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies are colorful and eye-catching on their own, but presenting them on a pretty platter lined with strawberry leaves or atop a tiered dessert tray makes them look like an irresistible centerpiece. Another fun idea is to package them in clear gift boxes tied with pink ribbon—perfect for gifting or party favors that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making it easy to satisfy cravings even a few days later. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to maintain softness and prevent the chocolate kisses from getting too warm.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough balls, chill them, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you want that freshly-baked taste and softness, warm your cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This light reheating refreshes the texture without melting the chocolate kisses too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies chewy and the chocolate gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin instead of strawberry?

Definitely! While strawberry gelatin is what gives this recipe its iconic color and flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry. Just keep in mind that each will alter the cookie’s color and taste slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling firms up the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape and preventing excessive spreading in the oven. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld and the butter to solidify, giving you a better texture.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum included. The texture may be a bit different but still wonderful. Just be sure to check that the gelatin powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate from melting too much?

Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies when they’re warm but not piping hot—about two minutes out of the oven. This way, they stick nicely without losing their shape or melting excessively.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just mix in larger bowls and bake the cookies in batches, ensuring you have enough space for each cookie on your baking sheets for even baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyful about baking and sharing the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe—they are charming, bursting with fruity sweetness, and crowned with chocolate perfection. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these cookies promise big smiles and warm compliments. I encourage you to try them soon; I bet they’ll become one of your favorite homemade treats!

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