Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, topped with a luscious chocolate kiss right in the center. That’s exactly what you get with Strawberry Kiss Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their vibrant pink hue, but they also offer an irresistible combination of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate.

Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just because you love strawberries, these cookies are sure to impress. The best part? They come together with simple ingredients, yet taste like a bakery-level treat. With a hint of vanilla, a touch of almond extract for extra depth, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• Incredibly Easy to Make – No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just a simple dough that comes together in minutes.

• Perfectly Soft and Chewy – The combination of butter, sugar, and strawberry-flavored gelatin gives these cookies a tender and chewy texture.

• A Gorgeous Pop of Color – These cookies naturally take on a beautiful pink shade, making them perfect for special occasions.

• Strawberry and Chocolate Pairing – The rich chocolate kiss in the center complements the fruity strawberry flavor beautifully.

• Customizable – You can switch up the flavors with different Hershey’s Kiss varieties or even roll the cookies in sugar for extra sparkle.

• Great for Gifting – These cookies hold up well in decorative tins, making them a fantastic edible gift idea.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

• Yield: About 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 140

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Protein: 1.5g

• Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or dark chocolate), unwrapped

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Unwrap all the Hershey’s Kisses and set them aside in a cool place.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Flavor

Sprinkle in the strawberry-flavored gelatin and continue mixing until fully combined. This gives the cookies their signature strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The dough should become smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kiss

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it stick.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up as the cookies cool.

Ingredient Background

Strawberry Kiss Cookies may seem like a simple treat, but the ingredients play a crucial role in creating their perfect flavor and texture. Let’s break down a few key components.

Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin

The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their vibrant pink hue and fruity taste is strawberry-flavored gelatin. While it may seem unconventional, this ingredient not only provides color but also enhances the cookie’s sweetness and aroma. Gelatin-based flavoring has been a favorite in dessert recipes for decades, offering a convenient way to infuse fruity flavors without using fresh fruit.

Hershey’s Kisses

A signature touch of these cookies is the Hershey’s Kiss in the center. The contrast between the slightly crisp cookie exterior and the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate creates an irresistible combination. Milk chocolate is the classic choice, but dark or even white chocolate Kisses work beautifully as well.

Almond Extract

Although a small ingredient in this recipe, almond extract plays a vital role in enhancing the strawberry flavor. It adds a subtle nutty note that complements the sweetness of the cookie dough. Even though it doesn’t make the cookies taste like almonds, it gives the overall flavor a deeper, more complex profile.

Technique Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Chilling the Dough for Even Baking

While it’s tempting to bake these cookies right away, chilling the dough for about 15-20 minutes before rolling them into balls can help prevent excessive spreading. This ensures that the cookies stay thick and soft rather than turning too flat in the oven.

The Right Time to Press in the Hershey’s Kiss

Adding the chocolate Kiss at just the right time is crucial. If you press the chocolate into the cookies too early, the heat may melt it completely. However, if you wait too long, the cookie will harden, making it difficult to press the chocolate into the center. The best time to do this is within 30 seconds of taking the cookies out of the oven while they’re still warm.

Rolling the Cookies in Sugar for Extra Sparkle

For a touch of added texture and shine, try rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This gives the cookies a slight crispiness on the outside while keeping them soft inside. For a festive look, you can even use colored sugar that complements the strawberry theme.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Drizzle with Chocolate

If you want to enhance the chocolatey goodness of these cookies, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over them. White chocolate or dark chocolate drizzles add a visually appealing touch while adding another layer of flavor.

Heart-Shaped Cookies for Special Occasions

Instead of rolling the dough into balls, shape them into small hearts before baking. This makes them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or bridal showers. After baking, place the Hershey’s Kiss in the center as usual.

Turn Them Into Sandwich Cookies

Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies together with a layer of chocolate ganache or strawberry frosting in between. This makes for a rich, decadent variation that’s perfect for those who love extra sweetness.

Freezing and Storing Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Storing at Room Temperature

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent the chocolates from smudging.

Refrigerating for Longer Freshness

If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to 10 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

Strawberry Kiss Cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Using Whole Wheat Flour for a Nutritional Boost

Replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

Reducing Sugar Without Compromising Flavor

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, try reducing the sugar by ¼ cup. The strawberry gelatin provides enough sweetness, so cutting back on granulated sugar won’t affect the texture too much.

Opting for Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate

Switching to dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses instead of milk chocolate reduces sugar content while adding antioxidants. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberry, making it a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Valentine’s Day Treat

These pink cookies are a showstopper for Valentine’s Day. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or strawberry milk for a festive and romantic dessert.

Bridal and Baby Showers

Since they have a delicate pink hue, they are perfect for girly-themed celebrations like bridal or baby showers. Arrange them on a dessert table alongside cupcakes and fruit tarts for an elegant touch.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

These cookies are ideal for Christmas cookie swaps or holiday platters. Their bright color and chocolate center make them stand out among traditional cookies like sugar cookies or gingerbread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?

Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and can affect the texture of the cookies. If you want a natural strawberry flavor, consider using freeze-dried strawberries ground into a powder.

2. What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can simply omit it, but adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract can help balance the flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the texture.

4. What’s the best way to keep Hershey’s Kisses from melting?

Press them into the cookies after baking, then transfer the cookies to a cool place immediately to help the chocolate set faster.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

6. What other flavors can I try?

Swap out the strawberry gelatin for raspberry, cherry, or even orange-flavored gelatin for a different twist.

7. Can I use white chocolate Kisses?

Absolutely! White chocolate complements strawberry flavors well and adds a smooth, creamy taste.

8. How can I make the cookies extra soft?

Avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

9. Can I use a different shape of chocolate?

Yes, chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered almonds work as fun alternatives.

10. Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love their bright pink color and fun chocolate center, making them a hit at parties.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the indulgence of chocolate. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a celebration, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies never disappoint.

With a soft and chewy texture, a touch of almond extract for depth, and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center, they offer the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, they’re highly customizable, so you can experiment with different chocolate varieties, toppings, and even alternative flours to make them your own.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and bake a batch of these irresistible cookies today. They’re bound to become a new favorite in your dessert lineup!