Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet, soft, and bursting with strawberry flavor. These cookies have a gentle crumb and a little chocolate kiss right in the center that adds a fun…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet, soft, and bursting with strawberry flavor. These cookies have a gentle crumb and a little chocolate kiss right in the center that adds a fun surprise with every bite. The hints of fresh strawberry make them feel light and perfect for any time you want a cheerful treat.
I love making these cookies when I want something that’s not too heavy but still feels special. The smell of fresh strawberries mixed with sweet cookie dough always brings a smile to my face. Plus, the chocolate kisses in the middle are like a little secret that kids and grown-ups both enjoy. It’s a small twist that makes these cookies stand out.
My favorite way to enjoy Strawberry Kiss Cookies is with a glass of milk or a cup of tea when I’m relaxing in the afternoon. They’re also wonderful to share at parties, packed in lunchboxes, or wrapped up as a sweet gift for friends. I find that these cookies don’t last long once they’re made, which just means they’re a real hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry gelatin powder: This gives the cookies their lovely strawberry flavor and pink tint. If you can’t find it, try strawberry powder or finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a natural flavor boost.
Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for a creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter spreads work nicely too, but flavor may slightly vary.
Sour cream or yogurt: These keep the cookies soft and moist. If you don’t have these, you can substitute with an equal amount of cream cheese or buttermilk for a tender crumb.
Chocolate lips candies: These add a fun, decorative touch. You can swap with regular chocolate kisses, small chocolates shaped like hearts, or even use colored candy melts to pipe lips directly on the cookies.
How to Get Soft and Cracked Strawberry Kiss Cookies Every Time?
The key to these cookies is baking just until the surface cracks but the inside stays soft. Here’s how:
- Use softened butter, not melted, to help the dough hold its shape.
- Don’t overmix once the dry ingredients are added; mix until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Roll dough balls evenly to help them bake uniformly and crack nicely on top.
- Watch the baking time closely—10 to 12 minutes should do it. Remove when edges are set but centers still feel soft.
- Press the chocolate lips into warm cookies gently so they stick without melting completely.
Following these tips ensures your Strawberry Kiss Cookies will have that perfect soft texture and charming look every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Baking sheets – you’ll need a couple, lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get perfect texture.
- Wire cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry for a different fruity twist.
- Add chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips inside cookies for extra sweetness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the strawberry flavor and add freshness.
- Use dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate lips for a richer, slightly bitter contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O strawberry)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for more vibrant color)
For The Topping:
- About 24 chocolate lips candies or similar shaped chocolates
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake, and about 5-10 minutes to cool. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so cookies don’t stick and cleanup is easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Then mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) and a few drops of food coloring if you want your cookies extra pink.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Space them evenly on the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they are lightly cracked on top but still soft in the center.
4. Add the Chocolate Lips:
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press one chocolate lips candy into the center of each warm cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some colorful pink, red, and white sprinkles around the cookies before serving. Enjoy your sweet and fun Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
Frozen strawberries won’t give the same flavor or color as strawberry gelatin powder, but you can use finely pureed and drained strawberries for a natural alternative. You might need to reduce other liquids slightly to keep the dough consistency right.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the chocolate lips intact, avoid stacking cookies on top of each other or refrigerate them briefly if your kitchen is warm.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roll the cookie dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Chocolate Lips Candies?
If you can’t find chocolate lips, use regular chocolate kisses, heart-shaped chocolates, or even melt red candy melts and pipe lips onto the cookies after baking for a similar cute effect.
