There’s a special kind of joy that comes from a kitchen filled with sweet scents, and today, it’s all about those delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Remember the first time you tasted a cookie that seemed to hold an entire season in its flavors? That’s the magic of these little gems: a lovely blend of buttery sweetness and a burst of strawberry goodness, topped with a rich chocolate kiss that melts in your mouth.
After a long week, I found myself craving something cheerful—something that would not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also carry with it a touch of nostalgia. As I pulled out the ingredients from my pantry, I remembered how much I adored cookies that made everyone smile. The best part? These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are as easy to make as they are to devour! Whether you’re planning for a family gathering or just treating yourself on a Sunday afternoon, their vibrant flavor and soft texture will brighten anyone’s day. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced chefs.
- With a delightful combination of buttery sweetness and fruity strawberry flavor, they are sure to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
- Their beautiful appearance, featuring a chocolate kiss center, makes them visually appealing and a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Whether you're hosting a party or simply want to enjoy a sweet snack at home, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will impress everyone.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delicious cookies with this handy list!
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – softening this key ingredient brings rich flavor to your Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps create that perfect, fluffy texture.
- Large egg – brings moisture and binds the ingredients perfectly together.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile for a delightful aroma.
- Almond extract (optional) – a subtle touch that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour – serves as the main structure for these soft, chewy delights.
- Baking powder – ensures your cookies rise perfectly, keeping them light and tender.
- Salt – balances the sweetness for a more complex flavor.
For the Strawberry Flavor
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin mix – adds that signature fruity burst, making each cookie a delightful bite!
For Finishing Touch
- Powdered sugar – perfect for a light dusting that adds a charming finishing touch.
- Chocolate kiss candies – the star center of each cookie that brings joy with its delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture.
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Add the Egg and Extracts: Crack in the egg, then pour in the vanilla and optional almond extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined, infusing the batter with warm flavors.
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Blend in Strawberry Gelatin: Gradually blend in the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix until it’s fully incorporated and your mixture takes on a lovely pink hue.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent.
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Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
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Adjust Consistency: If your dough feels sticky, add an additional 1–2 tablespoons of flour and mix until it reaches a manageable consistency.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, making sure they're spaced evenly.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the baking sheet and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your cookies.
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Bake the Cookies: Once chilled, arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.
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Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after pulling them from the oven—this helps them hold together beautifully.
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Press in Chocolate Kisses: While the cookies are still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie for that perfect surprise.
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Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before enjoying their deliciousness.
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Optional Dusting: Optional: Once cooled, feel free to dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a wonderful choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps of the recipe. After forming the cookie balls, simply chill them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. When you're ready to bake, no need to wait—just preheat your oven and bake them directly from the fridge for delicious results. If you'd like, the baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, ensuring they stay just as delightful and chewy.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Freeze individual cookies in a single layer for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Reheating: To rejuvenate chilled or frozen cookies, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Enjoy the delightful strawberry kiss flavors again!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
There’s nothing quite like pairing these delightful cookies with complements that elevate every bite to something extraordinary.
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Fresh Berries: The juicy burst of fresh strawberries or raspberries enhances the fruity notes in the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts exquisitely alongside warm, freshly baked cookies for a divine dessert experience.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing mint notes in herbal tea cleanse the palate beautifully, making each cookie taste even sweeter and more delightful.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy cloud of texture, perfect for stacking with the Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
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Chocolate Milk: A classic combination that pairs perfectly with these cookies, the rich flavors of chocolate milk harmonize wonderfully with the strawberry and chocolate kiss.
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Lemonade: The tartness of homemade lemonade balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a refreshing drink that evokes sunny afternoons.
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Cheesecake Dip: A rich, creamy dip infused with a hint of lemon zest gives an unexpected yet scrumptious pairing, perfect for dipping your cookies in.
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Fruit Smoothies: Blending bananas and berries into a smoothie creates a vibrant drink option that complements the flavors of the cookies while being nutritious.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a rich espresso serves as a perfect companion, enhancing the overall enjoyment with its bold flavors against the sweet cookies.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own by trying out these exciting variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute 2 cups of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free delight. These cookies will still be rich and indulgent!
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Different Jell-O Flavors: Swap out the strawberry gelatin for raspberry, cherry, or even peach for a fun twist. Each fruity flavor brings a new burst of sweetness to enjoy!
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Chocolate Dough: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty version. Pairing chocolate kisses with a chocolate base is pure bliss!
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Nutty Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. The nuts will provide a wonderful crunch in every bite.
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Minty Freshness: Drop a few mint chocolate chips into the dough for a refreshing twist. The mint will add a cool freshness that pairs beautifully with chocolate kisses.
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Spiced Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough to warm up the flavors. These spices can create a cozy cookie perfect for any season!
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Caramel Center: Instead of chocolate kisses, try pressing a soft caramel candy into the center for a gooey, sweet surprise. The caramel melts beautifully into the cookie, making each bite unforgettable.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly, always start with room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and egg, as this creates a smoother dough.
- Be careful not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- If your dough becomes too sticky while shaping, don't hesitate to incorporate a bit more flour, but add in small increments to maintain softness.
- Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; since every oven is different, check for doneness around the lower end of the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe strawberries?
Absolutely! When picking strawberries, look for those that are vibrant red, plump, and firm. Avoid berries that have dark spots or a dull appearance, as these may be overripe or past their prime. If you’re using strawberry-flavored gelatin mix, it doesn’t need to be fresh strawberries—but if you do choose to use fresh, make sure they’re perfectly ripe for the best flavor!
How should I store my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
To maintain the delightful freshness of your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to get that lovely melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You bet! Freezing Strawberry Kiss Cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. First, place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. After they're firm, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, making sure to label it with the date. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delightful as the day you made them!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very common! If you find your dough is too sticky to work with, don’t worry. Just sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of extra all-purpose flour and mix gently until you achieve a softer consistency. It’s essential to add flour gradually to avoid making your cookies too dry, but a little adjustment will keep them chewy and delicious!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Strawberry Kiss Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This way, you can enjoy these tasty treats without any gluten concerns. Just ensure that the other ingredients, especially the gelatin mix and chocolate kisses, are gluten-free as well to keep your cookies safe for those with dietary restrictions.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Crack in the egg, then pour in the vanilla and optional almond extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually blend in the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix until it’s fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- If your dough feels sticky, add an additional 1–2 tablespoons of flour and mix.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Cover the baking sheet and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
- Once chilled, arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- While the cookies are 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.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
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