Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful little treats that are sweet, soft, and sure to brighten your day. With a cherry on top, these cookies look as cute as they taste!
Making them is a breeze! I love how the strawberry flavor pops in every bite, and the fun shape makes them perfect for sharing. Who wouldn’t smile at a cookie with a kiss? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: I always choose unsalted butter for baking, as it lets me control the salt in the recipe. If you’d like a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness and texture, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This gives the cookies their lovely strawberry flavor. If you want a natural option, consider using freeze-dried strawberries ground to a powder instead, although the color will be less vibrant.
Hershey’s Kisses: While these add a sweet surprise, you could swap them with any other chocolate or candy topping, like white chocolate or mini marshmallows, for a fun twist!
How Do I Get My Cookies Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft, chewy texture in cookies, a few key techniques make a big difference.
- Don’t overmix the dough; stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies. Pull them out when the edges are set, keeping the centers slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Pushing the candy kiss on top right when they come out of the oven helps to create a delicious melting effect while keeping the cookie soft.
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack; this helps maintain their softness!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 24 strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses (or similar strawberry-flavored candy kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Total time is roughly 30 minutes, making it a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step adds air and lightness to the cookies!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until well combined, making sure there are no lumps.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, strawberry gelatin powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution in the cookie dough.
5. Form the Cookie Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should have set edges but still be soft in the center!
8. Add the Strawberry Kisses:
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the candy, creating a delightful topping!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for sharing on special occasions or simply indulging yourself. Savour the blend of soft cookie with sweet strawberry kisses!
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a sweet treat, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to bring smiles!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Gelatin Powder?
Absolutely! While strawberry gelatin gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lemon for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the color and taste will change accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them for longer, consider refrigerating them, or you can also freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Strawberry Hershey’s Kisses?
If you can’t find strawberry kisses or want to mix it up, you can use regular chocolate kisses, white chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips. The cookies will still be delicious with these alternatives!
