Strawberry Kiss Cookies

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If you’re looking for the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth cookie goodness, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a must-try! Bursting with strawberry flavor and crowned with a delightful chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, these cookies are a playful, eye-catching treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a spring gathering, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookies will deliver. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the hint of chocolate makes them irresistible. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these enchanting Strawberry Kiss Cookies that will brighten up your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Strawberry Kiss Cookies! First, they’re incredibly easy to make, using simple, easily available ingredients. The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a classic yet refreshing flavor. These cookies not only taste heavenly but also look absolutely charming with their pink hue and the iconic Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center. Perfect for gifting, parties, or satisfying a quick craving, these cookies check every box. Plus, they’re adaptable—you can tweak the recipe to include different flavors or colors to suit your mood or theme.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 130
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

  • For the Cookies:
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
  • For the Topping:
    • 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or your preferred variety)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and strawberry gelatin mix until fully combined. The dough will take on a vibrant pink hue.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps make the dough easier to work with and enhances the flavor.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  9. Add the Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere to the cookie.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredient Background

The star of these cookies is the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix, which gives them their signature taste and lovely pink color. Unlike fresh strawberries, which can make the dough overly moist, the gelatin mix provides a concentrated burst of flavor. The unsalted butter adds a creamy richness, while the Hershey’s Kisses provide a touch of decadence. For those who prefer less sugar, consider using dark chocolate kisses or unsweetened cocoa alternatives.

Technique Tips

  1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  2. Perfectly Round Cookies: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough before rolling it into balls.
  3. Handle with Care: When pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies, be gentle to avoid cracking. A quick, light press works best.
  4. Store Kisses in the Freezer: Keeping the chocolate kisses chilled before placing them on the warm cookies ensures they hold their shape better.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

  • Sprinkles: Roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
  • Drizzle: Add a decorative drizzle of white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
  • Miniature Size: Make smaller cookies and use miniature Hershey’s Kisses for bite-sized treats.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
  2. Parchment Paper: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  3. Monitor Baking Time: Check the cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking. They should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center for the perfect texture.

Recipe Variations

  • Lemon Kiss Cookies: Swap the strawberry gelatin mix for lemon pudding mix and use white chocolate kisses.
  • Raspberry Delight: Replace the strawberry flavor with raspberry gelatin mix for a tangier cookie.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a hint of chocolate throughout the cookie.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing the Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
  • Storing Baked Cookies: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

  1. Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  2. Natural Sweeteners: Substitute part of the sugar with honey or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
  3. Dark Chocolate Kisses: Use dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses for a less sugary topping.

Serving Suggestions for Events

  • Valentine’s Day: Arrange the cookies in a heart-shaped box lined with pink tissue paper.
  • Baby Showers: Pair pink Strawberry Kiss Cookies with blue raspberry ones for a gender reveal or baby shower.
  • Holiday Parties: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter to match the season’s theme.

Special Equipment

  • Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for a smooth dough.
  • Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies.
  • Wire Rack: Necessary for cooling cookies evenly and preventing a soggy bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin mix?
Using fresh strawberries would alter the dough’s consistency and color. The gelatin mix provides a concentrated strawberry flavor and vibrant pink hue, which fresh fruit cannot replicate.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

3. Can I use other flavors of gelatin?
Absolutely! Lemon, raspberry, or orange gelatin mixes work wonderfully for creating different fruity flavors.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when adding the kisses?
Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as this makes them more prone to cracking. Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies gently and immediately after removing them from the oven.

5. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.

6. Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based substitute, use a flaxseed egg, and opt for vegan-friendly chocolate kisses.

7. How can I enhance the strawberry flavor?
Add a few drops of strawberry extract to the dough for an even bolder strawberry taste.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch for parties or gifting.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful way to combine vibrant flavor with visual appeal. They’re perfect for celebrations, gifting, or indulging in a sweet treat at home. With their simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even to beginner bakers. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as part of a dessert platter, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!

Print
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cookies:
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
  • For the Topping:
    • 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or your preferred variety)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and strawberry gelatin mix until fully combined. The dough will take on a vibrant pink hue.
  • Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  • Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps make the dough easier to work with and enhances the flavor.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  • Add the Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere to the cookie.
  • Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

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