why make this recipe
This recipe gives you soft, sweet cookies with a pink strawberry taste and a chocolate kiss in the center. They look nice for snacks, parties, or a simple treat. The cookies use a common boxed strawberry gelatin for color and flavor, so they are easy and fun to make.
introduction
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are simple and bright. The dough is soft and holds its shape well after chilling. You get a small powdered sugar dusting and a warm chocolate kiss pushed into the center right after baking. If you want another fruity cookie idea, try this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe for a different twist.
how to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Follow the steps below to make the dough, chill the balls, bake, and add the kisses.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Directions :
- PREPARE THE DOUGH: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until mixed. Stir in the strawberry gelatin powder until the dough is evenly pink.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mix slowly to the wet mix and mix on low until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour.
- SHAPE & CHILL THE COOKIES: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a smooth ball. Place balls on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- BAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm.
- REMOVE AND DUST: Take the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Dust the warm cookies lightly with powdered sugar.
- ADD THE CHOCOLATE KISSES: After dusting, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- COOL COMPLETELY: Move cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully.
For a nut-free thumbprint idea or if you want a different center candy, see this almond flour thumbprint cookies for inspiration.
how to serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Serve these cookies at room temperature. They go well with milk, coffee, or tea. Arrange them on a plate or a box for gifts. They also look good on a cookie tray with other simple cookies.
how to store Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Add paper towels in the container to absorb extra moisture. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Use room temperature butter and egg so the dough mixes smooth.
- Chill dough balls well; chilled dough keeps the shape and prevents spreading.
- Dust with powdered sugar while cookies are warm so the sugar sticks.
- Press the chocolate kiss gently so it does not melt too fast.
- If dough is sticky, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour, but do not add too much.
For another cookie idea that pairs well on a tray, check these black forest cookies.
variation (if any)
- Use white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter look.
- Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry for a different flavor and color.
- Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a brighter pink color if desired.
- Press a small jam dollop into the center instead of a chocolate kiss for a jam-filled thumbprint cookie.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can chill the dough balls overnight. This can help the flavor and keep the shape.
Q: Do I have to use the almond extract?
A: No. The almond extract is optional. The vanilla and strawberry gelatin give most of the flavor.
Q: Can I use a different candy in the center?
A: Yes. Use chocolate chips, mint kisses, or jam if you prefer.
Q: How do I stop cookies from spreading?
A: Chill the dough balls and do not over-soften the butter. Measure flour correctly.
Q: Can I bake larger cookies?
A: Yes. Increase bake time a few minutes and watch the edges for doneness.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are easy and pretty for any simple treat. For the original recipe and more notes, you can read Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Mama Needs Cake®.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until mixed.
- Stir in the strawberry gelatin powder until the dough is evenly pink.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry mix slowly to the wet mix and mix on low until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a smooth ball. Place balls on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm.
- Take the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
- Dust the warm cookies lightly with powdered sugar.
- After dusting, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- Move cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully.