Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to combine the nostalgic joy of a classic cookie with a burst of fruity sweetness, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a soft, chewy texture infused with strawberry gelatin that gives a lovely blush of flavor and color, perfectly complemented by a smooth Hershey’s Kiss pressed right into the center. Whether for a festive occasion or an everyday treat, these cookies are simple to make and absolutely irresistible, bursting with delightful strawberry essence and a hint of vanilla that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and eye-catching color. From the all-purpose flour providing structure to the strawberry gelatin offering that unique fruity twist, each element is essential to making your cookies shine both in taste and appearance.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their soft, chewy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right without becoming cakey.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, comforting aroma that complements the strawberry perfectly.
• 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O): The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with sweet strawberry flavor and lovely pink color.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For an extra creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry.
• 20-24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped: The signature touch for that classic “kiss” finish.
• Sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun and festive pop of color on top.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup and perfect bottoms.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. This ensures the strawberry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough and sets the foundation for the flavor profile.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, making your cookies wonderfully tender and soft.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This adds moisture, binds the dough together, and enhances the flavor complexity in every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough forms. If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in now to evenly disperse those creamy pockets of sweetness.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Portion out the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for golden edges and set centers — that tells you they’re perfectly baked but still soft and chewy inside. Remember, they will firm up a bit as they cool.

Step 8: Add the Kiss

The moment your cookies come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss right into the center of each cookie. This melt-in-the-middle touch adds that classic, beloved detail they’re known for.

Step 9: Decorate and Cool

If you want to add a bit of whimsy, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top while the cookies are still warm. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the cookies are beautiful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra sprinkles adds a playful touch, especially for parties or holiday gatherings. Fresh strawberry slices on the side can also enhance the berry theme and create a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort combo. They also go wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, balancing the fruity sweetness with a warm beverage for a cozy treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe cookies in a cute jar for gifting, or arrange them on a decorative plate with fresh strawberry halves and mini white chocolate bars to elevate the visual appeal. You can also serve them as the sweet ending to a summer picnic or a fun kids’ party dessert station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 4 days. Layering them between parchment paper helps prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve added sprinkles.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies longer, freeze the baked cookies after they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper layers, and they can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their softness and highlights the melt-in-your-mouth sensation of the Hershey’s Kiss center.

FAQs

Can I substitute strawberry gelatin with another flavor?

Absolutely! While strawberry adds a lovely color and flavor, you can experiment with other gelatin flavors like raspberry or cherry to create your own unique twist on the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Just note that each flavor will shift the cookie’s taste profile.

Are white chocolate chips necessary in the recipe?

White chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended if you want that extra creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberry notes. If you prefer, you can omit them or swap for regular chocolate chips based on your taste.

How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from sliding off after baking?

Press the kisses firmly into the warm cookies straight out of the oven but not too deeply. Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set firmly around the chocolate, preventing any sliding during cooling.

Can this dough be refrigerated before baking?

Yes! Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help control spreading and intensify the flavor. It also makes shaping the dough easier if you’re not baking right away.

What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses? Are there alternatives?

While the Hershey’s Kiss is iconic in this recipe, you can use other small chocolates like mini peanut butter cups, chocolate drops, or even a small piece of chocolate bar. Just make sure it’s small enough to nestle into the cookie center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe—it’s not only fun to make but an absolute joy to share. The combination of tender, strawberry-infused cookie dough with that signature chocolate kiss nestled on top creates a treat that feels special every single time. So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and treat yourself and your loved ones to these heartwarming delights. Happy baking!

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