Strawberry Kiss Cookies are cute little treats with a soft, buttery base and a yummy strawberry flavor. Topped with a sweet chocolate kiss, they’re perfect for any occasion!
These cookies are easy to make and the kids love helping to place the chocolate kisses on top. Honestly, who can resist that sweet strawberry and chocolate combo? 🍓🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the taste will be slightly different. I find that butter gives the best flavor!
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This is what gives the cookies their delightful strawberry flavor. If you prefer a natural option, you can use freeze-dried strawberry powder, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity for sweetness.
Hershey’s Kisses: Strawberry-flavored kisses add a sweet surprise on top. You can swap these with chocolate kisses or any other candy you like – peanut butter cups would be a tasty alternative!
All-Purpose Flour: I recommend sticking with all-purpose flour for texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use an all-purpose gluten-free blend, but check the package for measuring specifics.
How Do You Achieve Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Making sure your cookies come out soft and chewy relies on a few key steps:
- Don’t over-mix your dough. Once everything is combined, stop mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Look for a light golden color at the edges when baking—don’t wait until they’re fully brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them set while remaining soft inside.
Following these tips will help you create the ultimate Strawberry Kiss Cookies! Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O strawberry flavor)
For Topping:
- Pink or strawberry-flavored Hershey’s kisses (or similar candies)
- Red and white sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus approximately 10 minutes for baking. You’ll want to allow some cooling time afterward too, making it about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes, and that fluffiness helps create a tender cookie!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix until it’s all well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. This ensures everything is evenly mixed before adding to the wet ingredients.
5. Mix the Dough:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently until you have a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; you just want it to come together!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon and roll it into balls. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while they bake.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should have set edges, but the centers might still look a touch soft—this is perfect for keeping them chewy!
8. Add the Kisses:
As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored kiss onto the center of each cookie. It will start to melt and create that delicious center.
9. Get Creative with Sprinkles:
If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some red and white sprinkles around the kiss while the cookies are still warm. This adds a cute touch!
10. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish setting up and keeps them soft.
Enjoy your sweet, soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies with that delightful strawberry candy center and festive sprinkles! They’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them! 🍓🍪
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Gelatin Powder?
While fresh strawberries won’t provide the same concentrated flavor and color as gelatin powder, you can use strawberry puree for a more natural approach. Just be sure to reduce the liquid slightly in the dough to keep the consistency right!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper before freezing!
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry gelatin powder, you can use a similar amount of strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder for flavor, though adjust the sugar since extract is less sweet than the gelatin.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking to make it easier to scoop and shape.
