Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Sweet, Easy & Heartfelt Treats

They say the best Valentine’s Day gifts come from the heart and the oven. These strawberry kiss cookies are buttery, pink, and dotted with smooth chocolate centers that melt just enough to feel special. In about 90 minutes, you’ll have 24 soft, strawberry-scented cookies perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking straight from the rack.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

These cookies taste like pure joy. The strawberry gelatin brings a bright pink hue and gentle fruity flavor, while the chocolate kiss adds a creamy surprise in every bite. The dough is soft, simple to mix, and beginner-friendly. Kids can help roll the dough balls and press the kisses on top. Whether for a date night, a bake sale, or your Valentine’s party tray, this recipe makes baking feel easy and fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these colorful strawberry kiss cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (adds color and fruity sweetness)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

The strawberry gelatin is the secret ingredient. It gives the cookies their cheerful pink color and a subtle berry scent that fills your kitchen. You can also add a drop of food coloring for an even bolder pink if you like.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Let’s walk through each stage so your cookies come out soft, round, and ready to impress.

Mix the Dough

Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until smooth. Then, blend in the strawberry gelatin until the dough turns pink and fully combined. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. The dough should be soft and easy to scoop. If it feels sticky, add a tablespoon or two of extra flour.

Chill and Shape the Cookies

Scoop about one tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into small balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling keeps the cookies thick and helps them bake evenly. If you want even thicker cookies, chill overnight.

Bake to Soft, Strawberry-Perfect Centers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange your chilled dough balls and bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are just set. Don’t overbake they should look slightly soft in the center. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes so they hold their shape before you press in the chocolate kiss.

Add the Chocolate Kiss and Finish

While the cookies are still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into each center. The chocolate will soften slightly and then firm up as the cookies cool. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar just make sure the cookies are fully cooled so the sugar doesn’t melt into the chocolate.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• Chill the dough overnight for the thickest texture.
• Add a few drops of red food coloring if you want a deeper pink.
• If the cookies spread too much, lower your oven to 325°F and bake 1–2 minutes longer.
• Use a spoon to gently press the edges inward while warm to keep their round shape.
• Always start with room-temperature butter and egg for even mixing.
• Let cookies cool before storing so the chocolate kiss sets nicely.

Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Guide

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To freeze, roll the dough balls and freeze them on a tray first, then move to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 1–2 minutes to the baking time. Always cool the cookies completely before stacking or storing to prevent chocolate smudges.

Serving Ideas for Valentine’s Day and Beyond

These strawberry kiss cookies shine on any dessert platter. Pair them with cherry pie bites as a mini Valentine’s Day treat or caramel apple donut cake pops for a romantic dessert board. You can even mix them into a cookie box alongside crumbl pumpkin pie cookies for your holiday cookie box or pumpkin cheesecake cookies for a festive dessert platter. Their soft pink color also makes them a hit at baby showers, birthdays, or spring parties.

More Such Recipes

• chewy maple pumpkin cookies to pair with fruity Valentine’s bakes
• soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with a hint of cinnamon
• chocolate pumpkin cupcakes topped with a creamy swirl

Conclusion

These strawberry kiss cookies are simple, festive, and sweet everything a Valentine’s bake should be. With a tender strawberry base and a smooth chocolate center, they bring joy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself, these cookies promise warm hearts and happy smiles. For more Valentine’s ideas, find inspiration on Pinterest or join our baking community on Facebook.

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