Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!)
If you are on the hunt for a charming, crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!). These cookies are the perfect fusion of delightful strawberry flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and an eye-catching appearance worthy of any celebration.
Originating as a playful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom, Strawberry Kiss Cookies feature a sweet, chewy strawberry base crowned with a Hershey’s Kiss for a stunning finish.
Whether you are baking for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, springtime gatherings, or just craving a touch of pink, these cookies will win your heart. The popularity of Strawberry Kiss Cookies has soared due to their irresistible balance of fruity flavor and visual appeal.
The secret lies in using either real strawberries or strawberry-flavored gelatin to infuse every bite with summery sweetness. Their soft texture is achieved with a simple combination of pantry staples, making them accessible to beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Not only do they taste incredible, but their vibrant color and charming Kiss topper ensure they steal the spotlight on any dessert table.
Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in a little self-care baking therapy, Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are destined to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Let’s embark on the journey to create these lovely treats, explore essential baking tips, and find out why this recipe deserves a spot in your collection.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree
- 1 box (3 ounces) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pink or red sanding sugar, for rolling (optional)
- 24-30 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam (or puree) to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Sprinkle in the strawberry gelatin and mix until the dough turns evenly pink.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- If desired, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in pink or red sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
- Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers remain soft and slightly puffy.
- Remove cookies from the oven, immediately pressing a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, letting the chocolate Kiss firm up.
Nutritional Information
Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are a delightful treat best enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie (assuming 24 cookies per batch) offers approximately 130-150 calories, with key nutrients coming from the butter, milk, and egg content.
These cookies contain about 2-3 grams of fat per serving, largely from the butter and chocolate Kiss addition. You’ll also find around 24 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the sugar and flour, and a small amount of protein at less than 2 grams per cookie.
While not the most nutrient-dense snack, Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) provide small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin D from the dairy ingredients. Thanks to their relatively small portion size, they are easy to fit into a balanced diet as an occasional indulgence.
Be mindful of sugar content—especially when rolling in additional sanding sugar, which enhances appearance but adds more sweetness. To reduce sugar or fat, you can experiment with light butter or skip the sugar roll, though texture and flavor may vary.
However you serve them, these cookies are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without overwhelming caloric intake.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Pairing Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) with the right beverage enhances their deliciousness. Classic milk—whether dairy or plant-based—beautifully balances sweetness and complements their soft, chewy texture. If you prefer a hot beverage, opt for a floral or fruity tea such as hibiscus, strawberry, or chamomile.
Coffee lovers will find that a light roast or vanilla-flavored coffee perfectly matches the cookies’ strawberry notes. For a touch of elegance, serve these cookies with a sparkling wine like Prosecco or a sweet Moscato, both amplifying the fruity flavors and making any gathering feel extra special.
Kids and non-drinkers will love them with strawberry milk, lemonade, or a refreshing homemade iced tea.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To achieve the signature softness that defines Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!), use room-temperature butter and avoid overbaking—pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges look set.
For brighter flavors and a homemade touch, try adding a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough or using a mix of strawberry jam and puree for deeper fruitiness. If you lack pink sanding sugar, ordinary granulated sugar works perfectly for rolling.
For a fun twist, swap in white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even strawberry-flavored Kisses as the topping. Consider making your cookies extra special with colorful festive sprinkles depending on the holiday or event.
If you prefer a more natural appearance, skip gelatin and use only strawberry puree with a drop of natural food coloring. For gluten-free needs, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but check dough consistency as it may need slight adjustments.
To freeze, shape unbaked dough into balls and store in a freezer-safe container; bake from frozen with an added minute or two to baking time.
Keep cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—and remember to add the Kisses after baking since melting will occur if baked together.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are as versatile to serve as they are to bake. For a festive dessert platter, arrange them with complementary cookies such as white chocolate chip, lemon sugar cookies, or traditional vanilla spritz for a beautiful array of pastel colors.
They make stunning additions to bridal or baby shower dessert tables—just place each cookie in a mini cupcake liner for a professional presentation. For birthdays and themed parties, customize sanding sugar or sprinkles to coordinate with the event’s color palette.
During the holidays, serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies alongside cocoa or glistening glass jars of layered pink and white candies for a truly magical effect. These cookies are perfect as edible gifts: Simply stack them in cellophane bags, tie with a pink ribbon, and watch recipients’ faces light up.
When served fresh, their soft centers and chocolate Kisses delight every age, and they’re ideal for making ahead for gatherings as they retain texture for several days. If you’re hosting afternoon tea or coffee with friends, a plate of these cookies adds a pleasantly sweet note to the spread.
No matter the occasion, their pretty appearance and dreamy taste guarantee they’ll disappear quickly.
Health Benefits
While Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are definitely a treat, they do offer some surprising health positives when enjoyed in moderation. The presence of strawberry jam or puree introduces a modest amount of vitamin C and antioxidants, especially if using homemade or low-sugar varieties.
The inclusion of dairy ingredients like butter, milk, and egg provides a small boost of calcium and protein. Using real strawberries or adding freeze-dried strawberry powder can further enhance the nutritional profile by increasing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To lighten the recipe, consider reducing the sugar or using whole wheat pastry flour for a bit of extra fiber and nutrients.
Ultimately, the primary health benefit of these cookies comes from the happiness they bring—making and sharing pretty desserts like Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) supports emotional wellbeing, which is just as important as physical health.
Balance your enjoyment with plenty of whole foods and active living, and these cookies can have a happy place in a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries by pureeing them and mixing with a little extra flour to absorb moisture. This gives a more natural flavor but may result in a less vibrant pink color. Adding a drop of food coloring and a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder boosts both color and flavor.
Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture. Keep out of direct sunlight and avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out.
These cookies freeze well. Freeze baked cookies (without the Kisses) for up to two months, or freeze shaped dough balls and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. Add the chocolate Kiss after baking for best results.
Yes, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend and check dough consistency. The result should be similar in softness and taste.
Try white chocolate Kisses, dark chocolate kisses, or even chocolate hearts. Any small chocolate piece that fits in the cookie center will work and add a unique twist.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are more than just a delightful dessert; they’re a joyful fusion of beautiful appearance, delectable flavor, and easy preparation. Their cheerful color and melt-in-your-mouth texture guarantee they will be a standout at any event, while the easy customization options let you tailor them for every holiday or special celebration. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is to whip up a batch of these charming cookies. Enjoy the smiles and sweet moments they bring, and make Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) a part of your cherished traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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3Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
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4Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until cookies are slightly set but still soft.
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5Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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