Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and cheerful treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a soft, tender texture. These delightful cookies are topped with a shiny, pink strawberry kiss…
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and cheerful treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a soft, tender texture. These delightful cookies are topped with a shiny, pink strawberry kiss candy that adds a little extra fun and a pop of color. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a fruity twist on classic cookies.
I love making these cookies especially when strawberries are in season because that fresh flavor really shines through. One of my favorite parts is how simple and quick they are to put together—plus, kids always get excited about the colorful kiss on top. I find that chilling the dough a little before baking helps keep them soft and gives the perfect chewy bite.
These cookies make a lovely addition to any gathering, whether it’s a casual afternoon with friends or a holiday party. I like to serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea, and they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re also a great way to brighten up a cookie tray with their cheerful pink hue!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry gelatin powder: This is what gives the cookies a lovely pink color and that sweet strawberry flavor. If you can’t find it, you can try using freeze-dried strawberry powder or a bit of strawberry extract instead, but the color won’t be quite the same.
Strawberry kisses: These candies add a shiny, fruity topping that’s fun and tasty. If you don’t have strawberry-flavored kisses, raspberry or cherry kisses can work well too. Or swap for white chocolate kisses with a drop of strawberry jam!
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. Make sure it’s softened (not melted) for easy mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, try a stick-style vegan butter substitute.
Flour blend: All-purpose flour works best here for structure. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix, but the texture may be slightly different—cookies may be more crumbly.
How Do I Get Perfectly Soft and Cracked Tops on Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
The key to soft, tender cookies with those pretty cracks on top is how you bake and handle the dough:
- Make sure the butter and sugar are well creamed until light and fluffy; this helps with texture.
- When scooping dough, roll balls firmly to avoid too much flat spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies at 350°F for just 10-12 minutes; watch for cracks starting to form on top before pulling them out.
- Press the kiss candy into the cookie right after removing from the oven when cookies are warm but not too hot; this melts the candy slightly without losing shape.
- Let cookies cool fully on the baking sheet to set the shape and keep them soft inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – I like using heavy-duty ones to ensure even baking without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – these keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – having a large bowl for wet and a separate one for dry ingredients helps keep things neat.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measuring is key for perfect cookie texture.
- Scoop or spoon – for evenly sized cookie dough balls so they bake uniformly.
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly and stay crisp on the outside but soft inside.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin with raspberry or cherry for a different berry twist; they add a fresh, fruity flavor.
- Try white chocolate kisses instead of strawberry for a sweet, creamy topping that pairs well with the berry base.
- Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry pieces to boost strawberry flavor and add a pop of texture.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (such as Jell-O strawberry)
- Red or pink strawberry-flavored kiss candies (about 24 pieces)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and baking these cookies will take about 20 minutes, plus cooling time. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes mixing and shaping the dough, then about 10-12 minutes baking. Cooling helps the cookies set, so plan for at least 15 minutes of rest time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so the cookies won’t stick and cleanup stays easy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a big bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mix looks light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they blend well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until combined. The dough will have a delicate pink color from the strawberry mix.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a spoon or scoop to form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and the tops show pretty cracks. Right after taking them out, gently press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each cookie so it melts slightly and sticks nicely.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cool, serve with a glass of milk or a cup of tea and enjoy the sweet strawberry delight!
Can I Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
Yes! You can substitute freeze-dried strawberry powder for the gelatin, but the cookies may not turn out as pink or as sweet. You might want to add a little extra sugar or a drop of strawberry extract to boost flavor.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before scooping and baking to get the best texture and even baking.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Kiss Candies?
No worries! You can use other fruit-flavored kisses like raspberry or cherry, or even substitute with small dollops of strawberry jam or a white chocolate kiss for a different but tasty twist.
