Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that blends buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough with the sweet flavor of strawberry and a classic chocolate kiss center. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack, these cookies stand out with their beautiful pink hue and festive look. The addition of powdered sugar gives them a charming finish that makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile for Occasions: These cookies are suitable for various events, from Valentine’s Day to birthday parties or holiday gatherings.
- Fun Appearance: The bright color and chocolate kiss topping make these cookies visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family; they are sure to impress!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating the butter and sugar to create a light, fluffy dough.
- Mixing bowls: Important for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until combined.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove cookies from the baking sheet.
Ingredients
These strawberry kiss cookies combine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough with the sweetness of strawberry and a classic chocolate kiss center. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
- 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
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Shape & Chill the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Place these dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling is crucial for preventing spreading during baking.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking—this will cause excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges look set and slightly firm. The centers may appear soft but will continue to firm as they cool.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kisses
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before adding kisses. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into each cookie’s center. The residual heat helps stick without excessive melting.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing chocolate kisses to set properly.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
To avoid getting powdered sugar on the chocolate kisses, dust cookies FIRST with powdered sugar before pressing in kisses.
Enjoy your deliciously sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe!
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful treats that can brighten any occasion. Their sweet, strawberry flavor combined with the richness of chocolate makes them a perfect addition to any dessert table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these cookies.
With Milk
- Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk enhances their creamy texture and balances the sweetness.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for a charming party favor at birthdays or gatherings.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies alongside other treats like brownies and cupcakes for an inviting dessert platter sure to impress guests.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast that complements the cookie’s flavors.
At a Picnic
- These cookies are easy to transport and make for a sweet treat during outdoor picnics or barbecues.
For Holiday Celebrations
- Decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles or themed wrappers for special occasions like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
How to Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and helps create a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough: Chilling prevents spreading and keeps your cookies thick and soft.
- Don’t overbake: Keeping an eye on baking time helps maintain that chewy texture; remove them when they are just set.
- Add extra flour if necessary: If your dough is too sticky, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons more flour for easier handling.
- Press kisses gently: Press the chocolate kisses into warm cookies without excessive force to avoid melting them too much.
- Dust sugar carefully: Dusting with powdered sugar before adding kisses avoids getting sugar on the chocolate, keeping them looking neat.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Strawberry Kiss Cookies can be enhanced with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some delicious options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberry taste.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich cookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add elegance and echo the flavors found in the Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top creates a luxurious finish when served alongside the cookies.
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoying these cookies with tea or coffee brings out their flavor while providing a cozy experience.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness, offering an interesting flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least one hour to maintain shape.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for a better dough consistency.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them light and tender.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement—don’t scoop directly from the bag.
- Pressing kisses into warm cookies: Adding kisses while cookies are too hot can lead to melting. Allow cookies to cool slightly before adding chocolate kisses.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely as they heat quickly.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe that might help you.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
Fresh strawberries will change the texture and flavor. Gelatin provides that sweet strawberry flavor without altering the dough’s consistency.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough is crucial. Ensure you chill it for at least an hour before baking, and don’t skip this step!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for better structure.
What other flavors can I use besides strawberry?
Feel free to experiment with other flavored gelatin mixes like raspberry or cherry for different tastes!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy treat at home, customize them with different flavored jellos or toppings. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every bite!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These soft, buttery cookies are infused with a sweet strawberry essence and topped with a classic chocolate kiss, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With their charming pink hue and festive appearance, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply looking for a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, they are easy to make, even for novice bakers! Enjoy the irresistible combination of strawberry and chocolate with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- 24–30 chocolate kiss candies
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg and extracts.
- Incorporate the strawberry gelatin until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form dough.
- Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake chilled dough balls on parchment-lined sheets for 11-13 minutes.
- Gently press a chocolate kiss into each cookie while warm and allow to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
