Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and charming treat that combines soft, buttery cookies with a burst of fruity strawberry flavor right at the center. These little delights have a…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and charming treat that combines soft, buttery cookies with a burst of fruity strawberry flavor right at the center. These little delights have a tender crumb and a sprinkle of sugar on top that gives just the right touch of crunch and sparkle. The best part? Each cookie is crowned with a shiny, red strawberry kiss candy that looks as delightful as it tastes.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple to whip up but still feel special. The strawberry kiss in the middle adds a little surprise that everyone always smiles about when they bite in. One tip I’ve picked up is to press the candy into the cookie right after baking, so it softens slightly and sticks perfectly without melting too much. It makes these cookies look festive and fun for parties or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Whenever I bake Strawberry Kiss Cookies, it brings back sweet memories of baking with family and sharing laughs in the kitchen. They’re perfect for gifting, too, as they show a bit of love in every bite. If you’re looking for a simple cookie that’s full of charm and a little fruity pop, this recipe is definitely a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in the cookies. If you’re out, margarine can work, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This gives the cookies their lovely pink color and fruity taste. If you can’t find it, try raspberry gelatin or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a similar effect.
Strawberry Kiss Candies: These are a fun topping that melts slightly on warm cookies. You can swap them for milk chocolate kisses or any red candy if strawberry ones aren’t available.
Powdered Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar adds a pretty crackled look to the cookies.
How Do You Keep Strawberry Kisses From Melting Too Much?
The strawberry kiss candies need careful handling so they don’t fully melt or lose their shape when pressed on hot cookies.
- Remove cookies from the oven when just set but still soft in the center.
- Gently press a kiss candy into each cookie right away. The residual heat softens the candy just enough to stick.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them. This helps the candy firm up a bit.
- If your kitchen is very warm, try chilling kisses briefly before using to slow melting.
This simple timing tip keeps the candy kisses looking neat and keeps that pretty glossy top you want for these charming cookies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things neat.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar smooth and easy.
- Baking sheets – Flat and roomy to space out the cookies so they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts to get the right cookie texture.
- Cooling rack – Lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin powder for raspberry or cherry for a different berry twist.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note that brightens the flavor.
- Mix in white chocolate chips before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Replace strawberry kisses with milk chocolate or dark chocolate kisses for a classic chocolate finish.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
For Rolling and Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Strawberry-flavored red kisses candies or strawberry-shaped wrapped chocolates (about 24)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus 5 minutes cooling time on the baking sheet. So, you can expect just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
3. Shape and Bake:
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until well coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers still feel soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kisses:
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each cookie. This softens the candy just enough so it sticks but keeps its shape. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your soft, sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a fun burst of strawberry flavor in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure the dough mixes evenly and the cookies have the right texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry gelatin powder, raspberry or cherry gelatin can work as a tasty substitute. For a natural option, you might try adding a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder, but this might change the cookie color slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the kisses) for up to 1 month and add fresh kisses after thawing and warming briefly.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just roll, bake, and press the kisses on fresh out of the oven for the best look and taste.