The smell of strawberries and warm butter tells you something small and lovely is happening in the kitchen. I can still see my little one perched on a chair, legs swinging, watching me roll tiny balls of glossy pink dough. That soft, fruity scent curled through the house and made everyone pause, and before long there was a tray of Strawberry Kiss Cookies cooling on the counter and a whole table full of quiet smiles. If you love cookies that feel like a warm memory and a cozy afternoon, you might also enjoy the playful charm of soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies that bring the same bright, sweet notes to a different kind of treat.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Fresh butter gives this its richness
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature Takes the chill out of the dough
- 1 tsp vanilla extract A little extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma
- 1/2 tsp almond extract Optional
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix The quiet hero that brings the strawberry flavor and color
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 pieces chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped One per cookie
Instructions
Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined.
- Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
- Stir until glossy and smooth, with a pale pink color.
Shape & Chill the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges look set.
Add the Chocolate Kisses
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them sit for 2 minutes before adding the kisses.
- While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool Completely
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a fine sieve before pressing in the kisses.
Notes
Nutrition
Why This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Means So Much
This cookie arrived in our kitchen on a soft spring day when the yard was full of new green and my sister dropped by with a bag of strawberry gelatin and a handful of stories. I wanted something simple that tasted like the berry jam my grandmother used to save for special Sundays. Mixing the gelatin into the dough was a small, clever trick that gave the cookies a delicate pink hue and a gentle strawberry tang that felt honest and homey.
Over the years, these cookies became part of the small rituals we treasure. We make them for school bake sales, for a quiet coffee with a friend, and for the occasional Sunday when the house wants something sweet but not heavy. My kids learned to help by forming the dough balls, and my husband learned that the best way to hide one is to tuck it behind a jar on the top shelf. That kind of life is full of little stories, and the Strawberry Kiss Cookies kept collecting them.
I love how this recipe makes room for both beginners and those who have spent years at the stove. The method is simple, but it rewards care. A chilled dough, a warm oven, and a chocolate kiss pressed into the center create a little moment of wonder. Each cookie feels like a small gift, and every time someone takes one, I’m reminded that baking is how we pass comfort from one hand to another.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
The rhythm of making these cookies is gentle and steady. You start with butter and sugar beating until the mixture looks pale and airy, and the kitchen fills with a soft, sweet scent. When the gelatin melts into the dough, it changes the color and the mood, turning a simple butter cookie into a strawberry-tinged treat. As you scoop and roll, the dough feels cool and slightly tacky, and chilling it gives it a calm firmness that prevents spreading in the oven.
When they bake, the edges whisper into a faint gold while the centers stay tender. That contrast between a slightly crisp edge and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center is what makes these cookies feel special. Pressing a chocolate kiss into the warm top gives a little shine and a soft chocolate note that partners with the strawberry. From start to finish, the process is about small, quiet steps that build to something very satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (fresh butter gives this its richness)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature (takes the chill out of the dough)
1 tsp vanilla extract (a little extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma)
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped, one per cookie
These items are pantry-friendly and kind to the novice cook. If you like, pick a good quality chocolate kiss; it makes the final bite feel like a small treat. The gelatin is the quiet hero that brings the strawberry flavor and color. Keep your egg at room temperature so it blends smoothly, and let the butter soften until it gives slightly when pressed.
Step-by-Step Directions
PREPARE THE DOUGH: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour. Stir until glossy and smooth, and notice the pale pink color that makes the dough feel like spring.
SHAPE & CHILL THE COOKIES: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results). This step is essential for preventing spreading and it makes the dough pleasantly firm to handle.
BAKE: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Breathe in the aroma as the oven warms, and watch how the dough keeps its shape when it hits the heat.
Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking – this will cause excess spreading. Leave the dough balls round and even so they can puff slightly without losing their soft center. Wait for the edges to turn golden while the centers stay tender.
Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The cookies may look soft in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes and listen for that gentle hush of baking, a sound that tells you they are almost ready.
ADD THE CHOCOLATE KISSES: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before adding the kisses. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will help the chocolate stick without melting too much, and it leaves a little glossy well of chocolate.
COOL COMPLETELY: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set. This patience keeps the texture perfect and helps the flavors settle into their sweet, balanced place.
DUST WITH POWDERED SUGAR: To avoid getting powdered sugar on the chocolate, dust the cookies FIRST, then press in the kisses. Use a fine sieve and a light hand so the sugar settles like a soft snow, giving the cookies a delicate finish.
Serving Strawberry Kiss Cookies With Family Warmth
These cookies are happiest when shared. I like to place them on a simple white plate and tuck a few fresh strawberry halves in the center for a bright look. They also play well beside a pot of tea, a glass of milk, or a casual coffee mug on the counter. At family gatherings, I arrange them on a tiered stand so the kids can reach them without a ladder, and adults seem to drift closer just the same.
We have a small ritual on busy mornings. I wrap two cookies in parchment and give them to my little one for the walk to school. When guests arrive, I place a pile of warm Strawberry Kiss Cookies near the door so people can grab one and feel welcome. These cookies bridge small moments: an apology made over a shared bite, a quiet chat between neighbors, or a soft celebration for a scraped knee that turned into a story.
If you want a pretty plate for a special afternoon, pair the cookies with whipped cream and a few chopped toasted almonds for a contrast of texture. For a simpler touch, serve them with a spoonful of plain yogurt and a drizzle of honey. The strawberry and chocolate keep the flavor bright, while anything creamy adds a gentle, cooling balance.
Strawberry pop tart sugar cookies are another family favorite that share some of the same playful fruit notes, and I often make both recipes when friends come over for a long weekend.
Storing Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Tomorrow
These cookies travel well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, layering sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If the chocolate softens too much in a warm kitchen, chill the tray briefly so the kisses set nicely without losing their shine.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer until firm, then pack them into a freezer container with parchment between layers. They will keep up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour, and if you like the powdered sugar look, dust them again after they warm slightly.
The flavors mellow and deepen overnight. I often find the strawberry note becomes more rounded the next day, and the butter settles into the flour so the texture feels a touch denser and more cookie-like. Treat these as a make-ahead kindness; they reward the wait.
Amelia’s Kitchen Notes
Use room temperature egg and soft butter for easy mixing. Cold ingredients can make the dough uneven and cause textural surprises while baking. Letting them warm for 30 minutes makes everything smoother and quicker.
If your dough spreads too much, chill it longer. Sometimes the humidity in the room affects the dough. A longer chill gives you better control and a tidier look on the baking sheet.
Swap the almond extract for a little extra vanilla if you prefer a softer aroma. Almond can sing bright with strawberry, but vanilla is a safe, gentle friend that keeps the flavor round and familiar.
To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheets with parchment. It keeps the bottoms even and makes the pans ready in minutes. It is a small step that pays off in time saved.
If you want a deeper strawberry note, fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped dried strawberries or a teaspoon of natural strawberry powder to the dry mix. Use sparingly so the texture stays light and the cookies do not become too dense.
Family Variations on Strawberry Kiss Cookies
We have a few ways to make these our own depending on the season and the mood. In spring, I sometimes fold a teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough for a bright lift that makes the strawberry sing. On a chilly evening, a sprinkle of cinnamon in the dough gives a warm comfort that feels like a hug.
For birthdays and small celebrations, swap the chocolate kisses for white chocolate or raspberry-filled chocolate pieces for a festive color. You can press mini marshmallows into the center for a sweet, gooey twist that children adore. For a nutty version, roll the dough balls in finely chopped toasted pecans before chilling, which adds a toasty note and a gentle crunch.
If you want to play with texture, press a thin slice of fresh strawberry onto the top of each cookie right after adding the kiss. It will soften as the cookie cools and make every bite bright and fresh. Keep in mind that fresh fruit adds moisture, so make these for same-day serving when using fresh slices.
FAQs About Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Chill the dough overnight for a deeper flavor, or bake and store the cookies in an airtight container for up to three days.
What if I do not have strawberry gelatin?
You can use a teaspoon of natural strawberry powder or a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder in the dry mix, but the color and sweetness will vary. The gelatin gives both flavor and hue, so taste as you go and add a touch of extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter note.
How do I keep the chocolate from melting?
Let the cookies cool for two minutes on the baking sheet, then press in the chocolate kisses gently. The warm cookie will soften the chocolate slightly and help it stick, while the residual heat sets instead of melts everything into a pool. If your kitchen is very warm, chill the tray briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Can I make the dough without almond extract?
Absolutely. The almond extract is optional. If you skip it, add an extra half teaspoon of vanilla for a comforting, familiar aroma. Almond gives a bright accent, but vanilla keeps the cookie cozy and homey.
Are these cookies travel friendly?
Yes, they make nice gifts or treats for a picnic. Pack them in a single layer with parchment between if you are stacking. If you are traveling in warm weather, keep them in a cool spot to prevent the kisses from getting too soft.
More Sweet, Seasonal Treats You’ll Love
If baking these Homemade Rolls brings that quiet joy of flour-dusted counters and warm ovens, there are plenty of other gentle recipes waiting for you. When you’re craving something soft and nostalgic, Marshmallow Fluff Fudge is a simple, old-fashioned sweet that melts just as easily into family moments. For playful comfort, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats carry that familiar pudding flavor in a no-bake form everyone loves.you can always find me sharing from my kitchen on Pinterest and over on Facebook.
