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The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
I love making Strawberry Kiss Cookies because they always feel fun, sweet, and a little special. I enjoy serving them when I want something cute and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, or any moment when I’m craving a fruity treat with chocolate on top. They also make great gifts because they look bright, pretty, and instantly grab attention.
The soft strawberry-flavored cookie pairs beautifully with the smooth chocolate kiss. You’ll love how simple they are to make while still tasting like something from a bakery.
Quick Recipe Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Calories (per cookie) | ~120–140 |
| Protein | Low |
| Carbs | Moderate |
| Gluten-Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Contains Dairy | Yes |
| Contains Eggs | Yes |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, fruity, chocolatey |
| Texture | Soft, tender, slightly chewy |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• The cookies have a bright strawberry flavor that feels playful and nostalgic.
• The chocolate kiss on top adds the perfect creamy contrast to the fruity cookie.
• The dough is easy to mix, shape, and chill, making the recipe beginner-friendly.
• The cookies keep their color and shape beautifully, so they always look impressive.
• You can make them for holidays, parties, or gift boxes, and they always get compliments.
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
I love that these cookies use simple pantry items but still taste bakery-fresh. Each ingredient adds something important to the flavor, texture, or color of the cookies.
Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226g)
The butter gives the cookies a soft and creamy base that bakes up tender. Softened butter also makes it easier to whip air into the dough.
Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g)
Sugar sweetens the cookie dough and helps the butter whip into a fluffy mixture. It also helps the cookies form a smooth surface after baking.
Large egg – 1, room temperature
The egg keeps the dough moist and helps bind all the ingredients. Using it at room temperature helps it blend in without creating lumps.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the fruity flavor. It brings warmth and makes the overall taste smoother.
Almond extract – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
This gives a soft nutty aroma that lifts the strawberry flavor nicely. It’s optional, but it makes the cookies smell amazing.
All-purpose flour – 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (280g)
Flour forms the structure of the cookies so they hold their shape. The small extra amount helps the dough stay firm while baking.
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
This helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them from becoming dense. It adds a light, soft bite to the texture.
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Salt keeps the sweetness balanced so the cookies don’t taste overly sugary. It also boosts the flavor of the vanilla and chocolate.
Strawberry gelatin mix – 1 package (3 oz)
This gives the cookies their bright pink color and sweet strawberry taste. It blends easily into the dough without changing the texture.
Powdered sugar – 1/4 cup for dusting
This adds a light, pretty coating on top of the cookies. It gives extra sweetness without making the cookies heavy.
Chocolate kiss candies – 24 to 30 pieces
These create the classic center that melts slightly into the warm cookie. They add a smooth chocolate contrast to the fruity base.
Steps to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies come together quickly, and chilling the dough helps them bake into perfect round shapes. Each step ensures they stay soft and hold the chocolate kiss beautifully.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whipping the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks pale and airy. Mix in the egg along with the vanilla, almond extract, and the strawberry gelatin until everything turns evenly pink.
In another bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, and salt together before slowly adding them to the wet mixture. Blend everything on low speed just until a soft dough forms, and sprinkle in a little extra flour only if the dough feels sticky.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Roll small portions of dough between your hands to form smooth, round balls. Set them on a baking sheet and place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up for at least an hour.
Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. You can leave them overnight if you want the centers to stay extra puffy.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the chilled dough balls on the tray without flattening them.
Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges look set but the centers still appear soft. The cookies will finish firming up as they cool on the tray.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kiss
Let the cookies rest for a couple of minutes after they come out of the oven. Press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie.
The warmth helps the chocolate settle and stay in place without melting into a puddle. This gives each cookie its classic candy-topped look.
Step 5: Cool and Dust
Move the cookies to a rack so they can cool completely and the chocolate can firm up. Avoid stacking them until the chocolate is fully set.
If you want a powdered sugar finish, dust the cookies before placing the chocolate kisses. This keeps the sugar from clinging to the chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for moments when you want something sweet but light. I love serving them with a warm drink like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate because the flavors pair beautifully.
They also look great on holiday dessert tables since the pink color stands out nicely. You can place them in gift boxes or cookie tins because they hold their shape well and travel without crumbling.
If you want to make them part of a larger dessert spread, serve them alongside chocolate-based treats for contrast. They also make a fun addition to kids’ parties because the bright color and chocolate center always catch attention.
For a more elegant touch, you can place each cookie in a mini cupcake liner. This makes them look even more polished and keeps them easy to grab.
Can We Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies in Advance?
These cookies are great for preparing ahead because the dough stores well. You can make the dough a day earlier and let it chill overnight to get even rounder, puffier cookies.
If you want to freeze the dough, roll it into balls first and freeze them on a tray until solid. Once frozen, move them to a bag and bake them straight from the freezer whenever you need fresh cookies.
You can also bake the cookies fully and store them for a few days without losing softness. They hold their shape and stay tender as long as you keep them in an airtight container.
For holiday prep, I like baking the cookies a week in advance and freezing the finished cookies without the kisses. Then I warm them slightly and press in the chocolate right before serving so they taste freshly made.
Tips and Tricks
Chilling the dough is the secret to keeping these cookies perfectly round. I always chill them for at least an hour so they don’t spread too much while baking.
Make sure your butter is softened and not melted because melted butter will make the dough greasy. Softened butter blends smoothly and helps the cookies stay tender.
If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour. This keeps the dough easy to roll without affecting the final texture.
Press the chocolate kiss gently into the cookie while it’s still warm. The heat will help the candy sit perfectly in the center without melting too much.
Use parchment paper instead of greasing the pan to avoid overly browned bottoms. This helps the cookies bake evenly and stay soft.
Variations of Strawberry Kiss Cookies
You can swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry gelatin if you want a different fruity flavor. The cookies will still have a bright color and the same soft texture.
For a richer taste, try using dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate. The deeper flavor pairs nicely with the sweet cookie base.
If you want something fun for holidays, add colored sprinkles to the dough before baking. This gives the cookies a festive look without changing the texture.
A white chocolate kiss also works beautifully with this cookie. It adds a sweet, creamy topping that blends smoothly with the strawberry flavor.
You can even roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This makes the surface slightly crisp while keeping the inside soft.
Storage Instructions
These cookies stay soft for several days when stored properly. I like keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their tender texture.
If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week without losing their flavor.
You can also freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag or container. Just place a sheet of parchment between layers so the kisses don’t stick together.
When thawing, let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms back up. This keeps the texture smooth and prevents condensation from forming.
Recipe FAQs
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour so the cookies keep their shape.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty flavor. The cookies will still turn out soft and delicious.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, it’s optional and the cookies will still have a strong strawberry flavor. The extract just adds an extra layer of aroma.
Why do the cookies look soft when I take them out of the oven?
They finish setting as they cool. This is what keeps them soft and tender instead of dry.
Can I use a different type of chocolate candy?
Yes, you can use any small chocolate piece that doesn’t melt too easily. Just avoid candies that turn runny when warm.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that always feels comforting. I love how easy they are to make while still looking beautiful enough for any celebration.
Their fruity flavor, soft texture, and chocolate center make them a favorite for both kids and adults. With simple ingredients and dependable steps, they’re a recipe you can return to again and again.
You can bake them ahead, freeze them, reheat them, or customize them with different chocolates. These cookies are a sweet little treat that never disappoints and always brings a smile.
