If you’re searching for a delightful treat that bursts with fruity sweetness and melts-in-your-mouth charm, you’ve come to the right place. The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is an absolute showstopper, combining the tender crumb of strawberry-infused dough with a luscious Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of soft cookie texture, strawberry flavor from the gelatin powder, and a creamy chocolate surprise that truly feels like a warm hug. Whether for parties, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies bring joy that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet every single one plays a vital role in making these cookies irresistibly delicious and perfectly textured. From the strawberry gelatin powder adding vibrant color and sweet depth to the soft butter that creates that tender crumb, each component works in harmony.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the structural base for the cookies, ensuring just the right chew.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds rich creaminess and makes the dough soft and easy to work with.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Strawberry gelatin powder (1/4 cup): The star ingredient—gives a rich strawberry essence and pretty pink hue.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds extra sweetness and creamy bursts inside the cookie.
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (20-24): The charming centerpiece that melts slightly, making each cookie extra special.
- Sprinkles (optional): For a festive and colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Getting this step right means your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and that magical strawberry gelatin powder. This blend ensures your cookies are infused with strawberry flavor and have a delicate texture, setting the foundation for a great batch.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and a little pale—about three minutes. This step is key for creating those irresistibly tender cookies that melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. These binders bring the dough together and add subtle richness that complements the strawberry notes beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet until the dough just comes together. If you want a lovely surprise in every bite, fold in the white chocolate chips here—they’re optional but highly recommended!
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart to leave room for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookie tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges while the centers remain set but soft. Remember, cookies continue firming up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This step not only adds a gooey chocolate center but also creates the iconic kiss shape.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to set the shape, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles while they’re still warm for a playful pop of color and sparkle.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra sprinkles can turn them into an eye-catching treat perfect for any occasion. Fresh strawberries on the side also amp up the fruity vibe effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of vanilla bean ice cream, or a simple warm tea to complement the sweetness. These pairings bring out the gentle strawberry and chocolate notes splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert platter and sprinkle edible glitter on top for sparkle. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with pink ribbons also makes for charming gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—just shape them, place on a tray, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Or freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and gives you that just-baked feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the strawberry gelatin powder with fresh strawberries?
While fresh strawberries add natural flavor, they won’t provide the same vibrant color or that concentrated strawberry taste that gelatin powder delivers. For the unique look and flavor of the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, gelatin powder is ideal.
What’s the purpose of using both granulated sugar and brown sugar?
Granulated sugar helps with crisp edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, making the cookies tender yet flavorful. The combination creates that perfect cookie texture and taste.
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! If you prefer, use mini chocolate bars, chocolate drops, or even white chocolate pieces. The traditional Hershey’s Kiss melts into the dough beautifully, but feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Is it necessary to add white chocolate chips?
Not at all! White chocolate chips are optional but they add a lovely creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor. You can skip them if you want a simpler cookie.
How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting too much?
Press the Kiss into the cookie immediately after removing from the oven, while the cookie is soft but not overly hot. This allows the kiss to gently melt into the cookie without losing its shape.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe enough—it’s a cheerful, delightful twist on classic cookies that’s perfect for any time you want to spread some sweetness and smiles. These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, so gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of strawberry and chocolate. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to treats for every season.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful, soft sugar cookies infused with strawberry gelatin for a unique fruity flavor, topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies combine sweet, buttery dough with a hint of strawberry, complemented by optional white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra flavor)
- 20–24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and raspberry flavor throughout the dough.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which usually takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, which helps bind the dough and adds flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together evenly. If using, stir in the white chocolate chips to distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This step ensures the chocolate adheres to the warm cookie and melts slightly for a perfect finish.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set the chocolate and stabilize the cookie. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain crisp edges and a tender center.
- Optional decoration: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with decorative sprinkles for a festive appearance and additional texture, if desired.
Notes
- Softened butter at room temperature is key for creaming properly to get the best cookie texture.
- Ensure not to overbake; the cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven as they firm upon cooling.
- Use strawberry gelatin powder for authentic strawberry flavor; raspberry or other gelatin powders will change the flavor profile.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add a lovely contrast to the strawberry flavor.
- Press the Hershey’s Kiss while the cookie is warm to help it stick and slightly melt into the cookie for best results.
