Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet little treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a classic chocolate kiss. These soft, buttery cookies have a gentle pink hue and a chewy texture that brings a touch of spring to every bite. The combination of fruity sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate makes them impossible to resist.
I love making these cookies when I want a simple dessert that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The strawberry in the dough adds a fun twist to your usual cookie, and the chocolate kiss on top is like a tiny surprise waiting for you. I always find that they brighten up any cookie plate and bring smiles quickly.
My favorite way to serve these is with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea, especially during casual afternoons or holiday gatherings. They’re great for sharing with friends and family, and I’ve noticed that kids especially adore the colorful look and the sweet chocolate finish. Honestly, they’re one of those cookies you keep coming back for because they’re just that comforting and tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Freeze-dried strawberries: These give the cookies their natural pink color and strawberry taste. If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use strawberry jam (reduce other liquids slightly) or pink food coloring for color only.
Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for the best texture and flavor. Margarine or plant-based butter substitutes work, but the taste and texture might change slightly.
Red chocolate kisses: These bring the perfect chocolate finish and visual pop. If you can’t find strawberry-flavored kisses, regular red or milk chocolate kisses work well too, adding a nice contrast.
Colored sugar: This is optional but adds a sparkling touch. You can skip it or swap with sparkling sugar crystals or even plain granulated sugar without affecting flavor.
How Can You Keep Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft and Perfectly Shaped?
Softness and shape depend on how you mix the dough and bake the cookies. Here’s how to get great results:
- Cream butter and sugar well until light and fluffy—this traps air and gives a tender texture.
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour mixture; stop as soon as ingredients combine to avoid tough cookies.
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg for smooth mixing.
- Roll dough balls evenly and space them well on the baking sheet so they don’t merge.
- Bake just until edges look set but centers still seem soft. Don’t overbake, or cookies will get too crisp.
- Press the chocolate kiss onto warm cookies immediately after baking so it sticks well without cracking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I find good-sized bowls handy for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar easier and quicker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients like flour and sugar.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps create evenly sized dough balls for uniform baking.
- Baking sheet – a sturdy, flat surface to bake your cookies evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – cools cookies quickly and keeps them crisp around the edges.
- Chocolate kisses – the finishing touch that makes these cookies special!
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white or dark chocolate kisses instead of strawberry-flavored ones for different taste combos.
- Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to give the cookies a refreshing citrus twist.
- Fold in white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chunks for extra chocolate goodness.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into powder
- Red or pink colored sugar, for rolling (optional)
- About 36 red chocolate kisses or strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes for baking. Add about 5 extra minutes for cooling, so all together, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun baking project that makes plenty of delicious cookies to share.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleaning up easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet butter mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix or the cookies could get tough.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
If you want, pour some red or pink colored sugar into a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll the balls in the colored sugar for a sparkling effect. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to give room for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. You’ll want the edges to look set but keep the centers soft.
4. Add the Chocolate Kisses and Cool:
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press one red chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid flattening the cookie.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set with the chocolate nicely in place.
5. Enjoy!
Now your soft, strawberry-flavored cookies with a chocolate kiss on top are ready! Serve with a cold glass of milk or your favorite tea and enjoy.
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Fresh strawberries have too much moisture for this recipe, which can change the dough texture. If using fresh, cook them down to a thick puree and reduce other liquids accordingly, but freeze-dried powder is best for that classic flavor and color.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft longer, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and baking for easier handling.
Can I Substitute Chocolate Kisses with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips, small candy melts, or even a drop of jam or frosting if you’d prefer. Just add them immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm so they stick well.
