Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly combines fruity sweetness with a touch of chocolate, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. These cookies bring together soft, tender dough infused with vibrant strawberry flavor and the irresistible charm of a melting Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Every bite feels like a sweet, berry-filled hug that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply indulging yourself. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies have a way of making moments feel just a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is key to nailing that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays a unique role, making the baking process straightforward yet rewarding.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that keeps your cookies soft yet sturdy enough to hold the Kiss.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps your cookies rise gently, creating a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for the softest texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and assists in a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the strawberry flavor.
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O): Infuses a bright, summery strawberry taste and a beautiful rosy hue.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For an extra burst of creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with strawberry.
- 20-24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped: The iconic candy crowning each cookie with melty chocolate goodness.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds fun colors and a festive feel when decorating.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder until combined. This mix gives your cookies the signature strawberry flavor and delicate texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about three minutes. This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat the egg and vanilla extract into your creamy butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, which adds richness and depth of flavor to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. At this point, fold in white chocolate chips if you’re using them—they add a lovely creamy sweetness that complements the strawberry notes.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto your prepared baking sheet with about two inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for golden edges and centers that have set but remain soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so careful not to overbake!
Step 8: Press in the Hershey’s Kisses
The magic happens as soon as the cookies come out of the oven—gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each warm cookie. The chocolate will soften to melt perfectly inside.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles while still warm if you want to add that extra festive pizazz.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of festive sprinkles can brighten them up for parties or gifts. Adding a tiny mint leaf next to the Hershey’s Kiss is a lovely touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these strawberry-flavored treats with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or a creamy vanilla latte. Their softness and sweetness also complement fresh fruit bowls or light whipped cream-based desserts beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pastel-colored platter to highlight their rosy hue or tie them in a clear cellophane bag with a pink ribbon for a charming gift. For holiday gatherings, cluster them around a centerpiece for a colorful, edible decoration that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed container. Frozen dough lasts about 3 months, so you can have the joy of freshly baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies anytime you want.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm after storage, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Reheating revives that melty kiss feeling and freshly baked softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular gelatin powder for strawberry gelatin in this recipe?
While plain gelatin won’t add the signature strawberry flavor or color, you could substitute with strawberry-flavored Jell-O mix or use freeze-dried strawberry powder to keep that vibrant taste intact.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to an airtight container. They thaw beautifully without losing their soft texture.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and substitute the white chocolate chips with a vegan alternative or omit them altogether. The strawberry flavor remains deliciously intact.
Why do I add the Hershey’s Kiss after baking and not before?
Adding the Kiss immediately after baking allows it to soften without melting completely, preserving its shape while creating a gooey center that’s irresistible.
What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
If you want to switch up the classic, try using mini chocolate truffles, chunks of your favorite chocolate bar, or even strawberry-flavored candies for an extra burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe that makes it a favorite in my kitchen. The way the luscious strawberry flavor mingles with the soft cookie and melting chocolate Kiss is pure magic. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet moments. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own delicious tradition!
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful, soft cookies infused with strawberry gelatin powder for a subtle fruity flavor and topped with iconic Hershey’s Kisses. Perfect for a festive treat or a sweet snack, they combine the creaminess of white chocolate chips with a strawberry twist and the classic chocolate kiss center.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ons
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra flavor)
- 20–24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Set aside to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and flavor.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, incorporating moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the white chocolate chips now.
- Shape the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This step ensures the kiss slightly melts and adheres to the cookie.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps set the shape.
- Optional decoration: While the kisses and cookies are still warm, sprinkle with sprinkles for a festive look, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center for a tender bite.
- White chocolate chips are optional, but they complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Substitute Hershey’s Kisses with any chocolate or candy of choice for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American