There’s just something magical about a cookie that melts in your mouth, isn’t there? And when that cookie is soft, buttery, and bursting with strawberry flavor, topped with a smooth chocolate kiss, it’s downright irresistible. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberry Kiss Cookies—a fun and colorful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookies.
I love making these around Valentine’s Day, but honestly, they’re a hit any time of year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies bring a pop of color and a whole lot of flavor to the table. Plus, they’re easy to make—no fancy techniques required!
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe, and I’ll walk you through each step so your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
The Secret to the Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookie
The secret to these cookies is the strawberry gelatin. It not only gives them that beautiful pink hue but also infuses the dough with a subtle fruity flavor. Paired with the richness of butter and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss on top, these cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients before we get started:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter & Sugar: The base of any great cookie—this combination creates a soft and slightly crisp texture.
- Egg & Vanilla Extract: The egg adds structure, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
- Almond Extract (Optional): Just a tiny bit gives these cookies a light, nutty undertone.
- Flour, Baking Powder & Salt: These ingredients ensure the cookies rise just enough and hold their shape.
- Strawberry Gelatin Powder: The star ingredient that adds color and flavor!
For Rolling & Topping:
- Granulated Sugar: Coating the dough balls in sugar gives them a slight crunch on the outside.
- Chocolate Kisses: The finishing touch—pressed into the cookies while they’re warm for a melty, chocolatey center.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s fully heated by the time your cookies are ready to go in.
Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Making the Cookie Dough
This part is so simple, and your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. If you don’t have a mixer, a good old-fashioned wooden spoon and some elbow grease will work too!
Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar are fully combined, add:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (if using)
Mix until everything is well incorporated. The dough should look smooth and creamy at this point.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
This dry mix is what gives the cookies their light, yet chewy texture. The gelatin powder will also turn the flour mixture a pretty pink color!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough becoming thick and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what we want.
And just like that, your dough is ready!
Step 3: Shape & Coat the Cookies
Roll the Dough into Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll the dough between your palms to form smooth, 1-inch balls. If the dough feels a little sticky, don’t worry—just work quickly, and you’ll be fine!
Coat in Sugar for a Sweet Crunch
In a shallow bowl, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s fully coated. This step gives the cookies a lovely, slightly crisp exterior that pairs perfectly with their soft, buttery inside.
Space Them Out on the Baking Sheet
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. The cookies will puff up slightly as they bake, so giving them some space helps them bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Now, pop your trays into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
How to Know They’re Done
- The cookies should look slightly puffed and set around the edges.
- They’ll still be soft in the center, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- You might notice a slight crinkle on top, which gives them that signature bakery-style look!
Important Tip: Keep an eye on your cookies—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want them to overbake. If they start browning too much, they’re in too long!
Once they’re done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit for about 1 minute before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kiss
This is the finishing touch that makes these cookies extra special!
Press the Chocolate into the Warm Cookie
While the cookies are still warm, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookies will slightly soften the chocolate, allowing it to stick without melting completely.
Let Them Cool Completely
Now, here’s the hardest part—waiting! The cookies need to cool on the baking sheet so the chocolate can set properly. If you move them too soon, the kiss might lose its shape.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is warm, you can speed up the setting process by placing the baking sheets in the fridge for a few minutes.
Perfectly Baked, Perfectly Sweet!
And there you have it—soft, buttery Strawberry Kiss Cookies that are as delicious as they are adorable. The combination of strawberry flavor, a crisp sugar coating, and a smooth chocolate center makes these a treat everyone will love.
FAQ: Your Top Strawberry Kiss Cookie Questions Answered
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking, so it’s easier to work with.
2. Do I have to use strawberry gelatin?
The strawberry gelatin is what gives these cookies their beautiful pink color and signature fruity flavor, but if you prefer a more natural option, you can use freeze-dried strawberry powder instead. Just keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant.
3. My chocolate kisses melted too much—what did I do wrong?
If your chocolate kisses are losing their shape, it’s likely because the cookies were too hot when you added them. Try waiting 1-2 minutes after removing the cookies from the oven before pressing the chocolate in. You can also place the baking sheets in the fridge for a few minutes to help set the chocolate faster.
4. Can I use different flavors of gelatin?
Yes! While strawberry is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even orange for a fun twist. Just swap out the strawberry gelatin with the same amount of your chosen flavor.
5. How should I store these cookies?
Once completely cooled, store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.
6. Can I make these cookies without the chocolate kiss?
Of course! These cookies taste amazing on their own. If you want an alternative topping, try drizzling them with melted white chocolate or dusting them with powdered sugar for a softer, more delicate look.
Final Thoughts: A Cookie Worth Sharing
Whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, a holiday party, or just because you love pink cookies, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
They’re buttery, soft, and full of sweet strawberry flavor, with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center that makes them completely irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make—you don’t need any fancy baking skills to pull them off!
And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your fellow cookie lovers. Happy baking!
