Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect little bites of sweetness with a soft, tender texture and a bright burst of strawberry flavor. Each cookie is topped with a shiny, sweet kiss candy that adds a fun and colorful touch. They’re simple to make and a real crowd-pleaser, especially for anyone who loves a fruity twist on a classic treat.
I love making these cookies when I want something cheerful and easy that feels special. The strawberry in the cookie dough gives them a fresh, light taste that’s just right for spring or summer, but honestly, they’re good any time of year. Plus, the kiss on top makes them look like little gifts, which always gets a smile from my family and friends.
My favorite way to enjoy Strawberry Kiss Cookies is with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re great for sharing at parties, packing into lunchboxes, or just keeping on hand for whenever I need a sweet pick-me-up. I find that they bring a little sparkle to any day, and I hope you’ll feel the same when you try them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in your cookies, which helps balance flavors. If you’re short on butter, you can try coconut oil, but this may change the texture a bit.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This is what gives the cookies their strawberry flavor and pink color. If you can’t find it, use strawberry extract and add a few drops of red food coloring to get that lovely hue.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here to give the right structure. For a gluten-free option, try a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend, but the texture might be a little different.
Strawberry-flavored Kisses: These are the star toppings. If you don’t find strawberry kisses, you can use any pink or white chocolate kiss, or even a small candy or chocolate drop you like.
White Chocolate Chips: The drizzle is optional but adds a nice touch. You can skip it or swap white chocolate for regular chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor contrast.
How Do I Make Sure the Kiss Candy Melts Just Right Without Breaking the Cookie?
This step needs a gentle touch so your cookies stay perfect with the kiss candy softening but not ruining the shape.
- Take the cookies out of the oven right when the edges look set but centers are still soft.
- Press the kiss gently into the center immediately while the cookie is hot—this warmth softens the candy just enough to stick without melting too much.
- Avoid pushing too hard as this can crack the cookie or cause the candy to spread too much.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan to firm up so the candy sets nicely on top without sliding off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and roomy to help cookies bake evenly without sticking together.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough into even-sized balls for uniform cookies.
- Microwave-safe bowl – great for melting white chocolate chips for drizzling.
- Wire rack – lets the cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin powder for raspberry or cherry for a different fruity twist.
- Use white chocolate kisses or milk chocolate kisses if you want a less fruity, sweeter topping.
- Add finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries into the dough for extra strawberry bursts.
- Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for some texture.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O strawberry)
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Topping:
- 24 strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses (or similar pink strawberry candy kisses)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 8–10 minutes baking time per batch, plus about 10 minutes of cooling time. If you add the white chocolate drizzle, allow an extra 5 minutes for melting and decorating. Overall, you’ll be spending around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so cookies won’t stick and cleanup is easy.
2. Make The Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. In another bowl, whisk the flour, strawberry gelatin powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft, which is perfect for these cookies.
3. Shape and Bake The Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll them gently with your hands and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look a little soft. Then, take them out of the oven.
4. Add The Strawberry Kiss and Cool:
While the cookies are still hot, gently press a strawberry Kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to push too hard so the cookie doesn’t crack. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle:
If you’d like, melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts of 20 seconds in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a pretty and tasty finish. Let it set before serving.
Enjoy your soft, pink, and delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies—perfect for sharing with friends and family or treating yourself any time!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to get the right creamy texture when mixing. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
Yes! If you don’t have strawberry gelatin powder, try using strawberry extract with a few drops of red or pink food coloring to keep that pretty color and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, scoop and bake as directed, then add the kisses right after baking.