Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that bring together soft, buttery cookie dough with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Each cookie is topped with a classic chocolate kiss, making every bite a delightful mix of fruity and chocolatey goodness. They’re soft, a bit chewy, and just the right size for snacking or sharing.
I love making these cookies whenever I want to brighten up the day or bring a smile to someone’s face. The strawberry flavor feels fresh and light, while the chocolate kiss on top adds that familiar, comforting touch you can’t resist. One tip I like to follow is to press the chocolate kisses into the cookies right after baking so they melt just a little bit and stick perfectly.
These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or just whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up. I often find myself grabbing one alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re simple, fun to make, and always bring a bit of sweetness to whatever moment you enjoy them in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. I always recommend softening it to room temperature for smooth mixing. If dairy is a concern, you can try plant-based butter, but the texture might be a bit different.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add real strawberry flavor without extra moisture. If you can’t find them, strawberry powder or a few drops of strawberry extract works well. Fresh strawberries won’t work here because they add too much moisture.
Red Lip-Shaped Candy Melts or Chocolate Kisses: These give cookies their cute, signature look. If you can’t find red lips, normal red candy melts or small red candies can work. Chocolate kisses add a nice soft chocolate touch too.
Sanding Sugar: This makes the cookies sparkle and adds a slight crunch outside. You could use regular granulated sugar if you don’t have sanding sugar, but the sparkle won’t be the same.
How Do I Get Soft, Fluffy Strawberry Kiss Cookies Every Time?
The key is in how you handle the dough and baking time. Here’s what helps:
- Cream the butter and sugar well: Beat them together until light and fluffy. This traps air and helps cookies stay soft and tender.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour: Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. Overmixing makes cookies tough.
- Chill your dough if it’s too warm: This isn’t always necessary, but slightly chilled dough spreads less, keeping cookies thick and soft.
- Watch the baking time closely: Bake just until cookies are set but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Add the candy kisses while warm: Press them gently right after baking. This melts them just a bit so they stick well without losing their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a large one for creaming butter and sugar, and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and fluffier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – easy to get the right amount of each ingredient.
- Baking sheets – flat with a rim to keep cookies in place as they bake.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps make evenly sized cookie dough balls.
- Wire rack – for cooling cookies evenly without sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries with freeze-dried raspberries for a tart twist that still adds bright color.
- Mix mini white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness that pairs well with strawberry.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients to bring warm spice notes to the cookies.
- Top with regular chocolate kisses or strawberry-flavored candy for a different look and flavor that’s still fun.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed (or 2 tablespoons strawberry powder)
For Rolling and Decorating:
- Pink or red sanding sugar, for rolling
- Red lip-shaped candy melts or red chocolate kisses for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus about 5 minutes cooling time before decorating. Overall, you can have beautiful Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Area:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until mixed well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined — don’t overmix or your cookies may get tough.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one into a ball. Roll each ball in pink or red sanding sugar until it’s completely coated.
Place the coated dough balls on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
4. Bake and Decorate:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set but still soft in the center. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red lip-shaped candy melt or red chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. The warmth helps the candy stick nicely.
5. Cool and Store:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your sweet and pretty Strawberry Kiss Cookies – perfect for sharing or a tasty treat anytime!
Can I Substitute Freeze-Dried Strawberries with Fresh Strawberries?
It’s best to use freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry powder because fresh strawberries add extra moisture, which can make the cookie dough too wet and affect texture.
How Should I Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them away from heat or humidity to maintain their soft texture and prevent the candy decorations from melting.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling and coating with sanding sugar.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Red Lip-Shaped Candy Melts?
You can substitute with regular red candy melts, red chocolate kisses, or even small heart-shaped candies for a similar festive look and flavor.
