Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that combine the softness of a classic cookie with a burst of fruity strawberry flavor. These cookies usually have a tender texture with a bright pink strawberry kiss right in the middle, making them as fun to look at as they are to eat. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a bit of fruit in their cookies without it feeling too heavy.
I love making these cookies because they bring a bit of color and cheer to any baking day. The strawberry kiss adds a gooey, melty center that I always find delightful, especially when the cookie is still a little warm. It’s a simple way to make a cookie feel special without too much fuss, and they’re great for sharing with friends or family.
My favorite way to enjoy Strawberry Kiss Cookies is with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. They’re just the right sweet bite for an afternoon treat or to brighten up a holiday cookie plate. If you want a little extra fun, you can even swap the strawberry kisses for different flavors to mix things up. Either way, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you only have salted, reduce added salt slightly. Softened butter blends better, giving a smooth cookie texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in the dough and for rolling to give a nice sugary crust. You can swap half with superfine sugar for a finer texture.
Strawberry Extract: This adds extra strawberry flavor. It’s optional but recommended. If unavailable, a bit of freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few drops of natural strawberry flavoring work well.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour is standard here. Baking powder and baking soda help create a tender, slightly puffy cookie. Don’t skip them as they affect texture.
Pink Food Coloring: Just a few drops make the cookies look festive. If you want to avoid artificial colors, try natural options like beet juice or skip entirely.
Strawberry Hershey’s Kisses: These are the star pieces. If you can’t find strawberry flavor, classic milk chocolate or white chocolate kisses make a tasty substitute, but they may change the final taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft Cookie with a Melty Kiss Center?
The key is baking the cookies just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven fully so baking times are accurate.
- Check cookies at 8 minutes; they should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the middle.
- Remove immediately and quickly press the Kiss candy into the warm center. If you wait too long, the cookie won’t be soft enough for the candy to melt slightly.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up enough to move without breaking, but the center stays soft.
This method gives a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a lovely soft center that holds the candy nicely. Also, rolling dough balls in sugar before baking adds a bit of crunch outside, giving a nice contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use these to combine ingredients easily and keep things organized.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar simple and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensure accurate ingredient amounts for the best results.
- Baking sheet – a sturdy, rimmed sheet is perfect for baking cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy from steam.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion out uniform cookie sizes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Dark chocolate chips: Add some to the dough for a chocolatey twist that pairs well with strawberry flavor.
- White chocolate chunks: For a sweeter, milky taste that blends nicely with the fruit flavor.
- Fresh or dried strawberries: Mix in chopped dried strawberries or fold in fresh diced ones for extra fruitiness.
- Vanilla or lemon extract: Swap or combine with strawberry extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pink food coloring (a few drops)
- About 20 strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses or similar strawberry-flavored candy
- Colored sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 8-10 minutes to bake, and another 5 minutes to cool on the baking sheet before transferring. Plan for around 30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so your cookies won’t stick and cleanup will be easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (if you’re using it). Beat until everything is well mixed. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir until combined. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until the dough is a lovely soft pink.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a little sparkle and crunch on the outside. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges look set but the center is still soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kiss and Cool:
Right after pulling the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will let the candy melt slightly and become part of the cookie’s soft center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top or lightly dust with sugar for a festive finish.
Enjoy your soft, sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies with family and friends—they’re perfect for snack time or sharing at special occasions!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookie Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to get a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by microwaving in short bursts, being careful not to melt it.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry-Flavored Kisses?
If you can’t find strawberry kisses, try white chocolate or milk chocolate kisses. You can also use small fruit-flavored candies or even a dollop of strawberry jam after baking for a similar fruity center.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the strawberry kisses from softening too much, you can layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll into balls, and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Add the kisses right after baking as usual.