Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet little treats that bring a burst of fruity flavor and a hint of vanilla together in every bite. These cookies have a tender texture and are topped with a classic chocolate kiss that makes them just a bit extra special. The combination of fresh strawberry taste and melty chocolate is a delightful twist on the usual cookie routine.
I love making these cookies whenever I want to share something cheerful and homemade with friends or family. They’re simple to bake, and the chocolate kiss right on top always gets a little smile or a “wow” from whoever tries one first. One tip I have is to press the chocolate gently onto the cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven so it softens up just enough to stick perfectly without melting away.
These cookies are perfect for sharing during any celebration or just as a sweet surprise with a cup of tea or milk. They remind me of happy moments from childhood, baking with family and waiting eagerly for the cookies to cool so I could nibble on the warm chocolate. Strawberry Kiss Cookies really bring a cozy, joyful touch to any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter
- Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe better. If needed, you can swap it for margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and softness.
- Strawberry Extract vs. Puree
- Strawberry extract adds a concentrated flavor without extra moisture. Fresh puree is great for natural taste but can make dough a bit wetter, so reduce other liquids if you use it.
- Granulated Sugar & Sprinkles
- Rolling dough balls in granulated sugar or colorful sprinkles gives a pretty crackly look and a bit of extra crunch. You can swap sprinkles for sanding sugar in colors you like.
- Pink Candy Melts or Chocolate Kisses
- These add sweetness and a lovely finish. If you can’t find pink candy melts, plain white chocolate or regular Hershey’s kisses work well, though you’ll miss the strawberry theme.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft, Chewy Texture in Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Achieving the soft and chewy cookie texture means careful mixing and baking timing. Here’s what I recommend:
- Cream Butter & Sugar Well: Beat them together until fluffy. This traps air, making cookies light.
- Don’t Overmix After Flour: Stir just until the flour disappears to keep cookies tender.
- Bake Just Until Set: Bake 8-10 minutes until edges look firm but centers still feel soft. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Add Candy When Warm: Press the kiss into warm cookies so it softens nicely and sticks, but avoid baking again after adding candy.
Following these tips will help you bake cookies that are soft with delicate edges and that melt in your mouth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking cookies evenly without crowding.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easy and prevents cookies from sticking.
- Mixing bowls – two bowls help you keep wet and dry ingredients separate for easier mixing.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – speeds up creaming butter and sugar for a smooth dough.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Small shallow bowl – great for holding sugar sprinkles for rolling dough balls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lemon extract instead of strawberry for a fresh, bright twist.
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
- Roll cookies in multicolored sugar sprinkles for festive occasions.
- Mix in freeze-dried strawberry pieces to boost fruity flavor and add a chewy texture.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (or fresh strawberry puree for natural flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- Pink and white coarse sugar sprinkles (for rolling)
- Pink candy melts or pink chocolate kisses (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation plus 8-10 minutes of baking. Allow an extra 5 minutes cooling time before serving. So, in total, you’ll spend about 25-30 minutes to enjoy these lovely strawberry kiss cookies fresh from your oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract or puree. Mix well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until you get a soft dough.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies:
Pour the pink and white sugar sprinkles into a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the sugar sprinkles to coat them fully, giving a pretty pink-speckled look.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
5. Add the Pink Kisses and Cool:
Take the baking sheet out of the oven and gently press a pink candy melt or pink chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right away. The warmth will soften the candy slightly, making it stick perfectly. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberry Puree Instead of Extract?
Yes! Just thaw the puree completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the dough to avoid making it too wet. You may need to slightly reduce other liquids if your puree is very watery.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Substitute Pink Candy Kisses with Regular Chocolate?
Absolutely! Use regular chocolate kisses or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. You can melt them slightly or add them right after baking, but pink candy melts add that pretty pop of color and strawberry vibe.
Should I Chill the Dough Before Baking?
Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.