Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that combines melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies with the sweet flavor of strawberry and a rich chocolate kiss at the center. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only fun to make but also a hit at parties, holidays, or simply as an indulgent snack. Their vibrant color and delicious taste make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires no special skills—perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of buttery dough, strawberry sweetness, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Visually Appealing: The beautiful pink hue and chocolate kiss topping make these cookies eye-catching and festive.
• Fun to Customize: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding nuts or using different flavored gelatin for unique variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.

Ingredients

These strawberry kiss cookies combine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough with the sweetness of strawberry and a classic chocolate kiss center. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.

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

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

To avoid getting powdered sugar on the chocolate, dust the cookies FIRST, then press in the kisses.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Strawberry kiss cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cookies can be served in creative and fun presentations.

Cookie Platters

• Arrange a colorful platter with strawberry kiss cookies alongside other sweet treats like brownies and bars for a delightful dessert spread.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Tea Parties

• Serve the cookies at a charming tea party, pairing them with herbal teas or fruit-infused drinks for a refreshing experience.

Lunchbox Treats

• Include strawberry kiss cookies in lunchboxes for kids, adding a sweet surprise to their midday meal.

Holiday Celebrations

• Use these cookies as festive treats during holidays, particularly Valentine’s Day or Christmas, by decorating them with themed sprinkles or icing.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

To ensure your strawberry kiss cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain the shape of the cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they’re just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Press kisses gently: When adding chocolate kisses, press them down gently while the cookies are warm to avoid melting too much chocolate.
• Dust after cooling: Wait until the cookies have cooled completely before dusting with powdered sugar to keep it from sticking to the chocolate.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

When serving strawberry kiss cookies, complement them with delightful side dishes that enhance your dessert table. Here are some tasty ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm strawberry kiss cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Provide a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookie halves for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of whipped cream alongside the cookies for an airy contrast to their sweetness.
5. Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the cookie while providing a comforting beverage option.
6. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses that create an interesting contrast to sweet flavors, making your dessert table more diverse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry kiss cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Improperly Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least an hour or overnight for best results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
• Overbaking Cookies: Baking for too long can make your cookies dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are just set around the edges.
• Pressing Kisses Too Early: Adding chocolate kisses immediately after baking can melt them excessively. Let the cookies cool slightly before pressing in the kisses for perfect results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To maintain freshness, layer cookies with parchment paper in between.

Freezing Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

• Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe that might help enhance your baking experience.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?

Using fresh strawberries will change the texture and flavor. The gelatin provides a concentrated strawberry flavor and helps with structure.

How do I customize my Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?

You can add white chocolate chips, nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even swap out chocolate kisses for peanut butter ones!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky after mixing, gradually add more flour—1-2 tablespoons at a time—until it reaches a workable consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously tempting. With their buttery base and sweet chocolate center, they are perfect for any occasion from birthdays to galentine’s parties. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste!