Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about a soft, chewy cookie that brings a sweet burst of flavor in every bite. And when it comes to cookies that capture the heart of both kids and adults alike, Strawberry Kiss Cookies truly steal the show. With their delicate blend of sweetness, a soft texture, and that extra touch of strawberry goodness, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Soft and chewy Strawberry Kiss Cookies with chocolate centers

Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Before we start baking, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Fortunately, the ingredients are easy to find and work with, ensuring that these cookies will be both delicious and accessible to bakers of all experience levels.

IngredientAmountNotes
All-purpose flour2 ¼ cupsFor the cookie base.
Baking soda1 teaspoonHelps the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
Salt½ teaspoonEnhances the flavor of the dough.
Butter (unsalted)1 cup (2 sticks)At room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar1 cupSweetens the dough and helps with the cookie’s soft texture.
Brown sugar (packed)¼ cupAdds richness and moisture to the dough.
Large egg1Acts as a binding agent for the dough.
Vanilla extract1 teaspoonFor a lovely aromatic touch.
Strawberry Jello powder1 (3 oz) packageGives the cookies their signature strawberry flavor and color.
Hershey’s Kisses (chocolate)12–15 piecesFor topping the cookies; feel free to use milk or dark chocolate.
Optional (for extra flavor)½ teaspoon strawberry extractBoosts the strawberry flavor, if desired.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies! Don’t worry if you’re new to baking—this recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, so you’ll have these cookies ready in no time. Follow the steps below to make your perfect batch.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. Set them aside and get ready for the mixing!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry Jello powder. The Jello mix is what gives these cookies their lovely pink color and that distinctive strawberry flavor. Set this dry mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important to have your butter at room temperature to ensure the mixture combines easily and evenly.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mixture is creamy, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should see a nice, fluffy consistency here!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms. Don’t over-mix; you want the dough to come together but not be too stiff. At this point, the dough should have a soft, slightly sticky texture.

Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in your hands to make them smooth and uniform. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are slightly golden around the edges. The center may still look a bit soft, but don’t worry—they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. Gently press down so the chocolate melts into the cookie, creating that signature “kiss” shape.

Step 9: Let Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will set and firm up as the cookies cool down, and then they’re ready to be devoured!

Variations, and Storage for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies

  1. Use Room Temperature Butter
    Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugar and could result in a dough that’s harder to work with.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
    Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to cookies that are tougher instead of soft and chewy.
  3. Space the Cookies Apart
    When placing the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, make sure to leave about 2 inches between each one. This allows them to spread and bake evenly without sticking together.
  4. Press the Hershey’s Kisses Gently
    When adding the chocolate Kisses, be gentle. Pressing too hard may cause the cookie to crack. Just give it a soft but firm push so the chocolate “melts” into the center.
  5. Watch the Baking Time
    Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Since ovens can vary, the baking time may differ slightly, but the cookies are done when the edges are just lightly golden. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the centers seem a little soft.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

  1. Change Up the Chocolate
    While Hershey’s Kisses are classic, feel free to use any type of chocolate that suits your taste. Try dark chocolate Kisses, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled Kisses for a fun twist. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bar into small pieces for an extra chunky cookie.
  2. Use Strawberry Extract
    For an even more intense strawberry flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract in place of, or in addition to, the Jello powder. This will amplify the fruity taste and give the cookies a richer strawberry profile.
  3. Make Them Pink and Fun!
    Want to give your cookies a colorful touch? Add a little pink food coloring to the dough to enhance the strawberry color. This is a fun option for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
  4. Add Nuts or Other Toppings
    For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough. You can also sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar before baking for extra sparkle.
  5. Go for a Vegan Version
    If you need a vegan option, swap the butter for vegan butter and the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). For the chocolate Kisses, look for vegan-friendly alternatives, which are available at most health food stores.
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Soft and chewy Strawberry Kiss Cookies with chocolate centers

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe


  • Author: Angie
  • Total Time: 20 mins

Description

Soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these cookies are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss to create the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistible, these cookies will be a new favorite in your baking repertoire.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jello powder
  • 1215 Hershey’s Kisses (or any chocolate of your choice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry Jello powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  9. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24 cookies

Storing and Freezing Strawberry Kiss Cookies

  1. Storing
    To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about 4-5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, though the texture might change a bit. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving if you do.
  2. Freezing
    These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can even warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of Jello. For example, cherry or raspberry Jello would work well if you want to change up the flavor. Just keep in mind that the color of the cookies may change depending on the flavor you choose.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If you’re planning to freeze them, you can also freeze the dough in balls and bake them later.

What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

If you don’t have Hershey’s Kisses on hand, you can use any type of chocolate candy or even chocolate chips. Just press them into the center of the cookie while they’re still warm.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to get the right texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful cookie that’s sure to impress, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the way to go. With their soft, chewy texture and a burst of strawberry sweetness, they’re perfect for any occasion—from holiday baking to casual get-togethers. The combination of strawberry Jello and chocolate Kisses creates a delightful flavor pairing that’s both nostalgic and exciting. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Happy baking!