Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A Sweet Treat to Brighten Your Day
As the gentle warmth of spring settles in, my kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of cookies baking—a true sign that sweet moments are just around the corner. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that encapsulates the essence of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones: Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These delightful, soft cookies feature a vibrant pink hue from sweet strawberry-flavored gelatin and are crowned with creamy chocolate kisses that make every bite a euphoric experience. The scent of strawberries and chocolate mingling in the air is not just inviting; it’s comforting, like a warm hug for your soul.
Perfect for any occasion—from a simple afternoon snack to an extravagant holiday treat—these cookies are a crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll want to revisit again and again. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip these up in no time! This cozy cookie recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and a great way to involve the whole family.
- Sweet Nostalgia: With the vibrant flavor of strawberry and the indulgence of chocolate, these cookies will take you back to childhood days filled with sweet treats and laughter.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering, packing a picnic, or preparing for the upcoming Holidays, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to impress!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can chill the dough overnight for the ultimate cookie experience, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a deliciously indulgent treat that delights kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need
To create your scrumptious batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, gather these simple 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
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Let’s make these adorable cookies together, shall we? Follow these steps for a fun, easy baking experience:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: To avoid getting powdered sugar on the chocolate, dust the cookies FIRST, then press in the kisses.
Variations & Creative Twists
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some delicious variations to try with your Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
- Zesty Lemon Kiss Cookies: Substitute the strawberry gelatin with lemon gelatin for a refreshing citrus twist. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate kisses.
- Nutty Almond Delight: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds into the dough for a crunchy texture and an indulgent nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Creamy Vanilla Swirl: Replace the chocolate kisses with white chocolate chips for a creamy and decadent combination that’s simply irresistible.
- Fruity Mix-In: Fold in some miniature chocolate chips or dried strawberries for an additional burst of flavor in every bite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare the dough and chill it overnight for an easy bake the next day. Perfect for when unexpected guests arrive!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want less sugar, consider using a sugar substitute in the mix.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delightful!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 30mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and chill it overnight for easy baking later. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Swap out the gelatin flavor for any of your favorites, or use flavored chocolate kisses. -
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. -
How long does it last?
These cookies will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of sweet flavors and cherished moments. Each bite takes you back to carefree days and joyous gatherings, all wrapped up in a tender, creamy package. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth. Save this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe to your cozy treat board so it’s ready when you need a delightful dessert!

Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional) Optional but adds flavor.
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
For Finishing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 pieces chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Chilling the Dough
- 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).
Baking
- 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.
Finishing Touch
- 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.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
- Dust the cookies FIRST with powdered sugar, then press in the kisses to avoid getting sugar on the chocolate.



