Soft, pink, and filled with chocolatey love, these strawberry kiss cookies are everything sweet dreams are made of. Each bite melts in your mouth with buttery softness and a burst of strawberry flavor, followed by that irresistible chocolate center. Made with strawberry gelatin for both color and flavor, they’re as pretty as they are delicious. These cookies are simple to bake, fun to decorate, and make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart or your friends. Plus, they stay soft for days, so you can make them ahead and still serve them fresh.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies
There’s something magical about the mix of strawberry and chocolate. These strawberry kiss cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully pink, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or birthdays. The dough comes together easily, and the cookies bake to perfection in under 15 minutes. The creamy butter adds richness, while the gelatin gives that gorgeous pink hue and a gentle fruity flavor. They look bakery-made but are truly beginner-friendly. Each one holds a chocolate kiss in the center, giving you that perfect blend of flavors in every bite. They’re festive, quick to make, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few pantry staples for these cookies. Butter adds that rich flavor and tender crumb. Sugar keeps them sweet and light. The strawberry gelatin not only adds flavor but gives the cookies their stunning pink color. Vanilla and almond extracts add depth, while flour, baking powder, and salt create the soft structure. Finish with chocolate kisses for the signature look and taste. Always use room-temperature butter and egg for even mixing and the best texture. If you want a bolder pink, a few drops of food coloring will do the trick.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Step-by-Step
Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming softened butter and sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and optional almond extract. Mix in the strawberry gelatin until the dough turns a pretty pink. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour until smooth.
Chill and Shape
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour so the dough firms up. This step keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps create that perfect round shape.
Bake to Soft Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough balls for about 11–13 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still appear soft. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose the tender texture.
Add the Chocolate Kiss
Once baked, let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack so the chocolate can firm up without melting.
Finishing Touches
Once cooled, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. For extra color, mix in a tiny bit of pink food coloring to your dough before baking. These cookies look stunning on dessert platters or packed in little Valentine’s gift boxes.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For thicker cookies, chill the dough overnight. If cookies spread too much, bake them slightly longer at a lower temperature (325°F). You can also push in the edges with a spoon right after baking to reshape them. Always use parchment-lined sheets for even baking and easy cleanup. If you’re making multiple batches, keep the dough chilled between rounds to maintain the perfect texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, then bake as directed. Warm cookies briefly in the microwave to refresh their softness before serving.
Serving Ideas for Valentine’s Day
These cookies make adorable gifts when wrapped in cellophane or boxed with ribbon. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also look lovely alongside other festive sweets like Best Jam Cookies for Valentine’s Day or Mini Red Velvet Cakes for Two. For dessert platters, mix them with Heart-Shaped Cookies for Valentine’s Day for a romantic pink-and-red theme.
Recipe Notes and Variations
Switch up the flavor by using raspberry or cherry gelatin instead of strawberry. Try white chocolate kisses for a creamier twist or top with festive sprinkles before baking. Each cookie has about 94 calories, with 2g fat, 16g carbs, and 2g protein. For a fun change, sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a heart-shaped treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different gelatin flavor?
Yes, raspberry or cherry work perfectly for a fun twist.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough and use cool baking sheets.
Why did my chocolate kiss melt?
Press it in while cookies are warm, not hot.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! They stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Final Thoughts
These strawberry kiss cookies are more than just pretty—they’re a sweet way to show love in every bite. Perfect for gifting, parties, or simple family baking moments, they combine color, flavor, and fun in one bite-sized treat. You’ll love how simple they are to make and how much joy they bring. Don’t forget to share your own cookie photos or tag your Valentine’s creations on Pinterest at Ellie’s Microwave Recipes.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Equipment
- electric mixer For creaming butter and sugar.
- Mixing bowls Use one for wet and one for dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient portions.
- Baking sheet Line with parchment for best results.
- Wire cooling rack For cooling and setting chocolate kisses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
- Beat softened butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well. Blend in the strawberry gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft pink dough forms. If too sticky, add 1–2 tbsp flour.
- Shape dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chilled dough balls 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are set; centers may look soft. Let cookies sit for 2 minutes.
- While still warm, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.
