These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, topped with a smooth, chocolatey kiss in the center. Their blush-pink hue, achieved with strawberry gelatin, makes them not only delicious but also visually stunning perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want to add a little sweetness to your day.
Baking these cookies is both easy and rewarding. From the creamy, rich dough to the indulgent chocolate center, each bite delivers a balance of flavors that complement one another beautifully. Whether you’re making these as a thoughtful gift or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a delightful treat for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
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 (250g) 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, beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: 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.
- Shape & Chill: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Create the Indentation: Lightly press the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a shallow indentation.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and slight cracks form. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
- Add the Chocolate Kiss: While the cookies are still warm, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, lightly dust each cookie with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Kcal: 94 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24-30 cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Perfect Blend of Strawberry and Chocolate
Cookies are one of the most beloved treats around the world, and when you combine the delicate sweetness of strawberries with the richness of chocolate, you get a dessert that is nothing short of magical. Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies, offering a soft, buttery texture, a vibrant pink color, and a smooth chocolate kiss in the center.
These cookies are not just visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The use of strawberry flavored gelatin gives them their signature pink hue and enhances their taste, making them an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion where a touch of sweetness is needed.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these delicious cookies, from their history and variations to expert baking tips and serving suggestions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to become one of your favorite go-to treats.
The Origin of Strawberry Kiss Cookies
While the exact origins of Strawberry Kiss Cookies are unclear, they are a variation of the well-known thumbprint cookie that has been enjoyed for decades. Traditional thumbprint cookies often feature a jam or chocolate filling, but the addition of strawberry gelatin and a chocolate kiss is a more modern adaptation that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Thumbprint cookies date back to Scandinavian and Eastern European baking traditions, where they were often filled with fruit preserves. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different flavors and fillings, leading to the birth of countless variations, including peanut butter blossoms, which also feature a chocolate kiss in the center.
By incorporating strawberry flavors and a chocolate center, Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring together two universally loved ingredients into one delightful bite-sized treat.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
1. Beautiful Appearance
One of the standout features of Strawberry Kiss Cookies is their stunning pink color. The use of strawberry-flavored gelatin naturally tints the dough, creating a visually appealing treat that looks as good as it tastes. If you’re baking for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or birthdays, these cookies will add a festive touch to your dessert table.
2. Perfect Flavor Combination
Strawberries and chocolate have always been a match made in heaven, and these cookies showcase that perfect pairing. The slight tartness of strawberry is beautifully balanced by the rich creaminess of the chocolate kiss, resulting in a cookie that is neither too sweet nor too overpowering.
3. Soft and Buttery Texture
These cookies have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the combination of butter and sugar that is creamed together to create a light and airy dough. Unlike crispy cookies, Strawberry Kiss Cookies remain soft, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more tender bite.
4. Easy to Make
Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and the process of rolling, baking, and adding the chocolate kiss is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, since they require minimal ingredients, they are an excellent choice for a quick and fun baking project.
5. A Great Make-Ahead Treat
If you need a dessert that can be prepared in advance, these cookies are perfect. The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. They also stay fresh for several days, making them a convenient treat for parties or gifting.
Variations to Try
While the classic Strawberry Kiss Cookie recipe is already a winner, you can easily customize it to suit your personal preferences. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
1. White Chocolate Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Instead of using a milk chocolate kiss, try using white chocolate kisses for an even creamier and sweeter contrast to the strawberry flavor. This version is especially beautiful for bridal showers and springtime celebrations.
2. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Kiss Cookies
For those who love the depth of dark chocolate, swap out the regular milk chocolate kiss for a dark chocolate variety. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the strawberry flavor and creates a more sophisticated taste.
3. Strawberry Shortcake Kiss Cookies
For a unique twist, roll the cookie dough balls in crushed graham crackers before baking. This adds a slight crunch and mimics the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake.
4. Double Strawberry Kiss Cookies
If you can’t get enough strawberry flavor, try adding freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough or sprinkling some over the top of the cookies before serving. This intensifies the fruity taste and gives the cookies an even brighter color.
5. Vegan or Gluten-Free Adaptations
Want to make these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
- Use a plant-based butter substitute and an egg replacer for a vegan version.
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to make them gluten-free.
Baking Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies
To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these expert baking tips in mind:
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, keeping them soft and thick.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and a room-temperature egg help create a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
- Make Uniform Cookie Dough Balls – Using a cookie scoop ensures all cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Press the Chocolate Kiss Gently – Add the chocolate kiss right after baking, when the cookies are still warm. This allows the chocolate to slightly melt and stick without fully losing its shape.
- Let the Cookies Cool Completely – Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack so the chocolate kiss can set properly before serving.
How to Serve and Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making them as a holiday treat, a dessert for afternoon tea, or a gift for someone special. Here are a few creative ways to serve them:
- Arrange them on a dessert platter with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a beautiful Valentine’s Day display.
- Pack them in a decorative gift box for a homemade present.
- Serve them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a comforting snack.
Storage Tips
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Can be kept for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop, shape into balls, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly before placing them in the oven.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the best of strawberry sweetness and rich chocolate in a soft, buttery cookie. With their vibrant pink hue, easy preparation, and irresistible taste, they make the perfect dessert for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try a fun variation, these cookies are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, why not bake a batch today and share the love?