Imagine a batch of soft, pink cookies infused with strawberry flavor and topped with a chocolate kiss. Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a whimsical dessert that not only looks festive but tastes like pure joy. These cookies are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or simply when you want to brighten someone’s day.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to cookie-making, this recipe is approachable, fun, and endlessly delightful. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these irresistible cookies.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Kiss Cookies
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and chocolate, and these cookies capture that magic in every bite. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Visually stunning: Their bright pink hue makes them an instant hit at parties or celebrations.
- Simple yet impressive: With a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have professional-looking cookies that taste amazing.
- Customizable: You can switch up the flavor, topping, or presentation to suit any occasion.
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is fun for kids to help with, especially when placing the chocolate kisses on top!
Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.
Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (226g) | Softened to room temperature for easy mixing. |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Provides sweetness and structure. |
| Large egg | 1 | Use at room temperature for better consistency. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances the strawberry flavor. |
| Almond extract (optional) | ½ tsp | Adds a nutty, aromatic touch. |
Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250g) | The base of the cookie dough. |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Ensures the cookies rise slightly. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness. |
| Strawberry gelatin mix | 1 (3 oz) package | Adds the signature strawberry flavor and pink color. |
For Finishing
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | Dust over cookies for a festive appearance. |
| Chocolate kiss candies | 24-30, unwrapped | Adds a chocolatey finish to each cookie. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), then beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated, creating a vibrant pink dough.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball using your hands.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
4. Create the Indentation
- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press the center of each dough ball to create a shallow indentation. This step will make room for the chocolate kiss.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still slightly soft with faint cracks around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before proceeding.
6. Add the Chocolate Kisses
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it stick without melting completely.
7. Cool and Decorate
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This step allows the chocolate kisses to set.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive and elegant look.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~140 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Note: Values may vary based on the brand of ingredients used.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and a room-temperature egg will help the dough mix smoothly.
- Avoid overbaking: To keep the cookies soft, bake them just until they’re set with slightly cracked edges.
- Press kisses gently: Don’t push the chocolate too far into the cookies; a light press will do.
- Store properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Get creative with flavors: Swap the strawberry gelatin for other flavors like cherry or orange for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry kiss cookies are versatile and perfect for various occasions. Here’s how you can serve them:
- Holiday platters: Include them in a festive cookie tray with other seasonal favorites.
- Gift boxes: Wrap them in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Party snacks: Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for birthdays or baby showers.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate-flavored gelatin mix and top with dark chocolate kisses.
- Lemon twist: Swap the strawberry gelatin for lemon gelatin and use white chocolate kisses for a citrusy variation.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.
2. What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin mix?
You can use another gelatin flavor, like cherry or raspberry, or skip it for a less vibrant but still delicious cookie.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from cracking too much?
Cracks are normal, but chilling the dough for 15 minutes before shaping can minimize excessive cracking.
5. Can I use colored sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Yes! Colored sugar adds a sparkly, festive touch that’s perfect for holidays.
6. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
Final Thoughts: Bake Strawberry Kiss Cookies Today!
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and instructions, it’s time to bring your strawberry kiss cookies to life. These sweet, pretty treats are not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will brighten your day and your dessert table. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking begin!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe: A Sweet and Pretty Treat for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 cookies
Description
Soft, pink, and bursting with strawberry flavor, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Topped with a chocolate kiss and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or as a sweet everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup
- Large egg, 1 (room temperature)
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Almond extract (optional), ½ teaspoon
- Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon
- Strawberry gelatin mix, 1 (3 oz) package
- For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar, ¼ cup
- Chocolate kiss candies, 24-30 (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in the strawberry gelatin powder until fully incorporated, creating a vibrant pink dough.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Create Indentations:
- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press the center of each ball to create a shallow indentation.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until set but still slightly soft with faint cracks around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Chocolate Kisses:
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
- Decorate:
- Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better consistency in the dough.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Work quickly to press the chocolate kisses into the warm cookies before they cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American