Strawberry Kiss Cookies

These strawberry kiss cookies bring together a tender buttery dough infused with sweet strawberry flavor and finished with a classic chocolate kiss center. The delicate pink color and soft texture make them a delightful treat for any occasion. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the chocolate.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: One cup softened not melted for perfect creaming
• Granulated sugar: One cup to sweeten and help with cookie structure
• Egg: One large at room temperature to bind the dough evenly
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon for depth of flavor
• Almond extract: Half teaspoon optional but adds a subtle nutty note that complements strawberry
• All-purpose flour: Two cups plus two tablespoons provides structure to cookies fresh and unbleached is best
• Baking powder: One teaspoon helps cookies rise softly
• Salt: Quarter teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Strawberry-flavored gelatin mix: One package three ounce gives cookies their signature flavor and lovely pink hue
• Powdered sugar: Quarter cup for dusting adds a pretty finish and delicate sweetness
• Chocolate kiss candies: Twenty four to thirty to top each cookie for a luscious center

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy about two to three minutes. This creaming step is crucial for tender cookies. Add the egg vanilla extract and almond extract if using and mix until well combined. Stir in the strawberry gelatin powder fully incorporating it for even color and flavor spread.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt making sure everything is evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture mixing on low speed. Keep mixing until a soft pink dough forms you may need a tablespoon or two more flour if it feels sticky but avoid overmixing.

Shape and Chill:

Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms forming smooth balls. Place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if possible. Chilling prevents spreading and makes thicker cookies.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit one seventy five degrees Celsius. Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving two inches between each. Do not press an indentation before baking or the cookies will spread too much in the oven. Bake for eleven to thirteen minutes until edges look set and are slightly firm but centers may remain soft. Cookies will firm further while cooling.

Add the Chocolate Kisses:

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking tray for two minutes. While still warm gently press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie. The residual heat helps the kisses adhere without melting too much.

Cool Completely and Dust:

Transfer cookies to a wire rack letting them cool entirely so chocolate sets. Dust generously with powdered sugar before adding the kisses to keep sugar off the chocolate.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the strawberry gelatin transforms the dough creating such a fun pink sheen without artificial dyes. It reminds me of baking these cookies with my kids for Valentine’s Day—they loved helping roll the dough and placing the kisses on top which made it even more special.

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled transfer cookies to an airtight container. They keep fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed or freeze baked cookies layered with parchment paper for up to two weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can try raspberry or cherry gelatin to create other fruit flavors and colors but adjust amount for sweetness. Almond extract is optional and can be replaced with vanilla alone or a few drops of lemon zest for a citrus twist. Butter must be unsalted; salted will affect cookie flavor balance. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose will create a softer crumb.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or almond milk for a sweet snack. They also make festive gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with ribbon. Try serving alongside fresh berries or a simple whipped cream for a light dessert. Perfect for Valentine’s Day parties birthday celebrations or just an everyday treat.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Strawberry kiss cookies put a modern spin on classic thumbprint cookies traditionally filled with jam or preserves. Adding gelatin mix flavors and colors the dough in a way reminiscent of vintage strawberry desserts popular in mid-twentieth century America. Using Hershey’s kisses as a topping adds a nostalgic and instantly recognizable chocolate element beloved by many generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives the cookies their pink color?

The pink hue comes from a strawberry-flavored gelatin powder incorporated into the dough, adding both color and a subtle strawberry taste.

→ Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensuring a thicker, tender texture.

→ When should the chocolate kisses be added?

Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after baking, while the cookies are still warm but slightly cooled on the baking sheet to prevent melting too much.

→ Can I make these cookies more vibrant pink?

Yes, adding a drop or two of red food coloring to the dough can enhance the pink shade without affecting flavor.

→ What purpose does the powdered sugar serve?

Powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a festive touch. It's best to sprinkle it before pressing in the chocolate kisses to avoid dusting the chocolate.