These Strawberry Kiss Cookies use strawberry gelatin for flavor and color. The cookie is tender and lightly sweet. If you like fruit flavors in baked goods, you may also enjoy this strawberry puree guide for more ideas.
Why make this recipe
This recipe makes soft, pink cookies with a sweet chocolate center. They look nice and taste fruity and chocolaty. You can make them for parties, holidays, or a simple treat at home.
How to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
You make a soft pink dough, chill it, bake small rounds, then press a chocolate kiss into each warm cookie. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape. Follow the steps in Directions below for best results.
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
Directions :
- 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 Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Serve them on a plate at room temperature. They pair well with milk, tea, or coffee. They make a pretty plate for gifts or parties.
How to store Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Use room temperature butter and egg for even mixing.
- Chill the dough well to stop spreading.
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the baking sheet briefly before baking.
- Press the kisses in after the cookies rest 2 minutes so chocolate does not melt too much.
- For other cookie ideas and textures, see a different cookie recipe like this carrot cake cookies recipe for tips you can adapt.
Variation
- Use white chocolate kisses for a sweeter look.
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry to change flavor.
- Add a drop of red food coloring for a deeper pink color.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the almond extract?
A: Yes. Almond extract is optional. The cookie still tastes good with just vanilla.
Q: Can I use a different chocolate candy?
A: Yes. Use any small chocolate candy that fits the cookie center.
Q: Why chill the dough?
A: Chilling stops the cookies from spreading and gives a thicker shape.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A: Yes. Adjust bake time: less time for small cookies, more time for large ones.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Chill the dough overnight for best flavor and shape.
Conclusion
For another take and photos on Strawberry Kiss Cookies, see this post with a similar recipe and notes: Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Mama Needs Cake®. If you want a quick, small-ingredient version to compare, try this easy guide: Strawberry Kiss Cookie Recipe (4 Ingredients, One Bowl, 30 Minutes).
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for even mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional) Can be skipped.
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Add more if dough is too soft.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
For finishing
- 24-30 pieces chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting Dust after baking.
Instructions
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 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
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
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.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the edges look set. The cookies may appear soft in the center.
Add Chocolate Kisses
- Remove cookies from the oven and let sit for 2 minutes before pressing a kiss into each cookie.
Cool and Dust
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar before adding the kisses.