Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

There's nothing more delightful than biting into a soft, buttery cookie topped with a sweet strawberry kiss. These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from Valentine's Day to a cozy weekend baking session. With their vibrant pink color and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

I first made these cookies on a whim, inspired by my love of strawberry-flavored anything. Little did I know, they’d become an instant family favorite. They're quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!

Why You'll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little bite of joy!

First, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry, these cookies come together in no time. Perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert needs.

Their flavor is truly something special. The combination of buttery cookie dough and strawberry essence creates a sweet and fruity base, while the chocolate kiss on top adds a rich and indulgent finish.

And let’s not forget their stunning appearance! These pink cookies with a chocolate center are sure to be the star of any dessert table. They’re ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any day that calls for a little sweetness.

Finally, these cookies are endlessly versatile. Whether you want to experiment with different flavors of kisses or add a sprinkle of sugar on top, the recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in their simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect taste and texture.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for the best creamy texture. The butter gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness and structure. It also helps give the cookies their light and tender crumb.
• Egg: Just one large egg binds the dough together and adds moisture, ensuring your cookies stay soft and chewy.
• Strawberry Gelatin Mix: This is the secret to that vibrant pink color and the delicious strawberry flavor. A small box is all you need to transform the dough.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. Be sure to measure it correctly to avoid dense or dry cookies.
• Chocolate Kisses: The pièce de résistance! Unwrap your kisses before you start baking to make assembly a breeze. Classic milk chocolate kisses are a favorite, but feel free to get creative with flavors.

You’ll also need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a hand or stand mixer, and a cooling rack to make the process smooth and easy.

How To Make These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Baking these cookies is a simple and enjoyable process that anyone can master. Let me guide you through it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Once the mixture is smooth, beat in the egg and the strawberry gelatin mix, blending until fully combined.

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle. If it feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

Scoop small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The cookies will be soft, so resist the urge to overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. The residual heat will slightly melt the base of the kiss, securing it in place. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of stunning, delicious cookies ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead or enjoying over a few days.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the cookies extra soft, place a small slice of bread in the container—it’ll help retain moisture.

If you’d like to freeze the cookies, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

You can also freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Flavorful Kisses: Try different types of chocolate kisses, like white chocolate, caramel-filled, or cookies-and-cream, for a unique twist.
• Alternative Gelatin: Experiment with other gelatin flavors to create cookies in a variety of colors and tastes. Raspberry or lime could be fun options!
• Sprinkled Sugar: Roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar before baking for an extra touch of sparkle.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate for a plant-based version.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

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