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
Scale
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
