Get ready to fall in love with Strawberry Kiss Cookies! These delightful treats are a sweet blend of buttery, soft cookies infused with a burst of strawberry flavor, topped with a rich chocolate kiss. The soft, pink dough combined with the glossy chocolate centers creates an irresistible visual treat that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a special snack to brighten your day.

Each bite of these cookies is a wonderful sensory experience. You’ll savor the sweetness of strawberry, the richness of chocolate, and the tender texture that melts in your mouth. In this article, we’ll take you through the simple steps to create these lovely cookies, offer tips on serving and storing, and suggest delightful variations. Let’s dive into the sweet world of Strawberry Kiss Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Uses simple and fresh ingredients, ensuring great flavor.
Ease of Preparation: The recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
Nutrition: With the addition of strawberries, these cookies offer a fruity twist.
Versatility: Great for any occasion, from everyday treats to special events.
Presentation: Visually appealing with pink dough and chocolate kisses on top.

With all these great reasons, you won’t be able to resist making these cookies!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 11-13 minutes
Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

How To Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing 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), beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
Shape & Chill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results). This step is essential for preventing spreading.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking—this will cause excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The cookies may look soft in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Add the Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before adding the kisses. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will help the chocolate stick without melting too much.
Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: To avoid getting powdered sugar on the chocolate, dust the cookies FIRST, then press in the kisses.

How to Serve

Presentation: Arrange on a decorative platter for a beautiful display.
Accompaniments: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Portions: Best enjoyed fresh, but can easily be stored for later.
Beverage Pairing: Pair with milk or strawberry lemonade for a perfect combo.

These cookies are a treat that everyone will love!

Additional Tips

Enhance flavor by adding mini chocolate chips to the dough.
Customize with different gelatin flavors, like raspberry or cherry.
Serve with fresh strawberries on the side for extra fruitiness.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Version: Use chocolate-flavored gelatin instead and top with white chocolate kisses.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix to cater to dietary needs.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.
Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Best used within 2-3 months.

Special Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Wire racks
Cookie scoop (optional)

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, just omit the almond extract and check chocolate kiss ingredients.
How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and bake when needed.
Can I substitute the chocolate kisses with another candy?
Absolutely! Try caramel candies or peanut butter cups for a different twist.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures better shape while baking.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful way to bring a bit of joy to your kitchen. With their lovely flavors, appealing looks, and easy preparation, these cookies are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet snack at home. So, grab your ingredients and start baking these scrumptious treats—your taste buds will thank you!
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