Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet treats that bring together the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries and the classic chocolatey twist of a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. These…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet treats that bring together the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries and the classic chocolatey twist of a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. These cookies have a gentle pink hue and a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. They’re the perfect mix of chewy cookie and gooey chocolate, making them a fun and cheerful dessert.
I love making these cookies when I want something simple but a little special. The trick I’ve found is to gently press the chocolate kiss into the cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven so it softens just enough to stick without losing its shape. It’s always a little moment of magic watching the chocolate melt slightly and the cookies cool off together.
My favorite way to enjoy Strawberry Kiss Cookies is with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. They’re great for sharing at family gatherings or passing around during a cozy afternoon. These cookies always bring smiles, and what’s not to like about a sweet strawberry cookie topped with a little hug of chocolate?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Freeze-dried strawberries: These add natural strawberry flavor without extra moisture. If you can’t find them, use strawberry extract or finely chopped fresh strawberries, but reduce other liquids to keep dough from getting too wet.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here for controlling salt and flavor. You can swap for margarine or dairy-free butter if needed, but the taste might change a bit.
Strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses: These are the stars on top. If unavailable, try regular Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in pink foil or use strawberry-flavored candy melts shaped like lips for the same fun effect.
Pink food coloring: Optional, but helps boost that cute pink tone. If you prefer natural options, beet powder can give a mild pink hue too.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Soft and the Kiss Perfectly Shaped?
To get soft cookies with the smooth “kiss” effect on top, timing is key.
- Bake cookies until just set with soft edges—about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and press the chocolate kiss gently into the warm cookie immediately. This warmth softens the chocolate just enough so it sticks without fully melting.
- Let cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before moving them. This helps the chocolate firm up nicely while the cookie stays soft.
Don’t press the kiss in before baking or it might melt too much and lose shape. Following these steps gives you the perfect balance—soft cookie and a smooth, pretty chocolate kiss on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat trays help cookies bake evenly and prevent spills.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for wet ingredients and one for dry for easy mixing.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps you portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries for a slightly tart twist.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creamy texture.
- Use standard milk chocolate kisses instead of strawberry-flavored for a classic chocolate finish.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the strawberry flavor with citrus notes.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- Pink or red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For Decoration:
- About 24 strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses or strawberry-flavored candy lips (or standard Hershey’s Kisses colored with edible pink shimmer or wrapped in pink foil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. Overall, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. If you want your cookies a brighter pink, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring here and mix well.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kiss and Cool:
Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, press one strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie. This will allow the chocolate to soften slightly and stick without melting completely. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your soft, fragrant strawberry cookies with their beautiful, shimmering strawberry kisses on top. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying alongside a glass of milk or tea.
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
You can, but use finely chopped fresh strawberries and reduce any other liquids slightly to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. Fresh strawberries may make the dough softer and change the baking time a bit.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry-Flavored Kisses?
If you can’t find strawberry-flavored kisses, use regular Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in pink or red foil, or strawberry-flavored candy melts shaped into small discs. Just press them into the cookies the same way after baking.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the kisses from melting or sticking, separate layers with parchment paper.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 2 days before baking. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.