Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that bring together the soft, buttery goodness of a cookie with a bright pop of strawberry flavor right in the center. These cookies are topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, making each bite a perfect mix of fruity and chocolatey yum. They’re light, tender, and just the right amount of sweet, making them super easy to love.
I always find these cookies to be a real crowd-pleaser because they strike a nice balance—fruity but not too sugary, with the chocolate adding just enough richness. One fun tip I like to use is to sprinkle a tiny bit of sanding sugar on top before baking, which gives them a little sparkle and extra crunch that everyone notices. Plus, they’re fun to make because pressing the kiss into the warm cookie feels like the best part ever.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings, packing in lunchboxes, or just having around the house for a sweet snack. I love serving them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea in the afternoon. They remind me of happy moments baking with family, where the kitchen smells like strawberry and chocolate and laughter fills the room. If you’re looking for a simple, cheerful cookie to brighten your day, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sure bet!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter is key for a smooth dough and rich flavor. If you want, you can substitute with margarine, but the flavor won’t be quite as buttery.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This adds the strawberry flavor and a bit of color to the dough. If you can’t find strawberry gelatin, a strawberry-flavored drink mix (like Kool-Aid) works well too.
Strawberry Gelatin or Jam: This is the sweet center “kiss”. If you prefer, you can use a small dollop of strawberry jam, preserves, or even a strawberry candy melted slightly.
Red Sanding Sugar: It’s optional but gives a cute sparkle and a small crunch on the outside. You can use regular sugar if you don’t have sanding sugar.
How Can You Get the Perfect Soft Yet Structured Cookie Dough?
The secret is in balancing mixing and temperature to keep the dough soft but stable:
- Soften butter well but don’t melt it. It should be soft enough to cream but still hold shape.
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy—this traps air and helps cookies stay light.
- Add the flour mixture gradually and don’t over-mix. When flour is mixed just in, stop to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes helps cookies hold their shape in the oven but isn’t always necessary.
Then roll the dough balls evenly and coat well with sanding sugar for the best texture and look. Press the jam in right after baking while cookies are warm so the center stays soft and glossy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use large bowls to combine ingredients easily and keep things tidy.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps to cream the butter and sugar smoothly, saving effort.
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy surface for baking the cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents the cookies from sticking.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – ensures uniform-sized dough balls for even baking.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool down without becoming soggy and makes decorating easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – fold some into the dough for a chocolaty surprise inside.
- Different jams or preserves – swap strawberry for raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different fruity twist.
- Use white chocolate kisses instead of classic Hershey’s Kisses – for a rich, creamier flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon zest or a pinch of salt — these enhance the fruity flavor and add depth.
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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O)
For Rolling and Topping:
- Red sanding sugar (for rolling)
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin or jam (for kiss topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes per batch to bake. Plus, allow about 5 minutes for the cookies to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring until you have a soft dough.
3. Shape and Roll:
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into about 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the red sanding sugar to give your cookies a pretty, sparkly look and a little crunch.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft.
5. Add the Strawberry “Kiss”:
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, press a small spoonful of strawberry-flavored gelatin or jam into the center of each cookie. This creates the “kiss” effect with a glossy fruity center.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then enjoy your tender, sweet strawberry cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter to get a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or soften it on the counter for about an hour before using.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry gelatin powder, you can use strawberry-flavored drink mix (like Kool-Aid) or even a small amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder for flavor. Just be sure to adjust sweeteners if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to stay soft longer, add a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the strawberry jam topping right after baking for the best “kiss” effect.