Strawberry Kiss Cookies

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, tender pink cookies infused with strawberry flavor, rolled in sparkling sugar, and finished with a classic chocolate kiss center. The method emphasizes proper creaming, light chilling, and careful baking to preserve a plush texture. The result is a festive, bakery-style cookie that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Pillowy Texture – Proper creaming and gentle baking keep these cookies tender and moist.
Sweet Strawberry Flavor – Strawberry extract delivers a clear, nostalgic flavor without overpowering sweetness.
Eye-Catching Finish – Sparkling sugar and chocolate kisses make these cookies instantly festive.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for Gifting – Uniform size and sturdy structure make them ideal for boxes and trays.
Beginner-Friendly – Simple techniques with reliable, repeatable results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while maintaining a soft crumb.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Gives light lift and tenderness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates richness and helps trap air during creaming.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and contributes to soft texture.
1 large egg, room temperature – Binds the dough and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out sweetness and supports strawberry flavor.
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract – Provides concentrated strawberry taste.
Pink gel food coloring – Adds vibrant color without thinning the dough.

For Coating & Topping

1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar – Creates a crisp, decorative exterior.
24 Hershey’s chocolate kisses, unwrapped – Adds a chocolate center and visual contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients – Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar – Beat butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
Add Flavorings and Color – Mix in egg, vanilla, strawberry extract, and gel coloring until evenly blended.
Combine Dough – Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed, mixing just until incorporated.
Chill the Dough – Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.
Roll and Coat – Shape dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll fully in sparkling sugar.
Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft.
Add Chocolate Kisses – Press a kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie immediately after baking.
Cool Properly – Rest cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use Gel Food Coloring – Liquid coloring can alter dough consistency and weaken structure.
Do Not Overbake – Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center for best softness.
Prep Kisses Ahead – Unwrap chocolates before baking so they’re ready immediately.
Uniform Dough Balls – Ensures even baking and consistent appearance.
Extra Chill if Needed – If dough feels sticky, chill an additional 10–15 minutes.
Gentle Pressing – Avoid pushing the kiss too deep to prevent cracking.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: ~190–220 calories per cookie (estimated, based on sugar coating and candy size)

Perfect Pairings

Cold Milk – Classic and comforting with strawberry and chocolate.
Hot White Chocolate – Enhances sweetness without overpowering.
Fresh Strawberries – Reinforces the strawberry flavor.
Light Herbal Tea – Balances sweetness with gentle bitterness.

Ideal Occasions

Valentine’s Day Desserts – Perfectly themed and festive.
Bake Sales – Visually appealing and easy to portion.
Cookie Exchanges – Unique flavor that stands out.
Gift Boxes – Durable cookies with decorative charm.

Storage & Serving Tips

Room Temperature Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies – Freeze fully cooled cookies for up to 3 months.
Layer Carefully – Separate layers with parchment to protect the chocolate kisses.
Serve at Room Temperature – Best texture and flavor balance.

Creative Variations to Try

White Chocolate Kiss Center – Swap milk chocolate for a sweeter contrast.
Strawberry Lemon Twist – Add lemon zest for brightness.
Chocolate Strawberry Version – Add cocoa powder for a chocolate base.
Colored Sugar Swap – Match sparkling sugar colors to different holidays.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Spreading Too Much – Chill dough longer before baking.
Dry Texture – Reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes.
Faded Color – Add a touch more gel coloring before baking.
Chocolate Melting Excessively – Allow cookies to cool slightly before moving.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances fat, sugar, and gentle leavening to produce soft, stable cookies that hold their shape. Chilling the dough controls spread, while sparkling sugar adds texture contrast to the tender interior. Pressing the chocolate kiss into warm cookies ensures adhesion without melting completely. At approximately 190–220 calories per cookie, these treats are indulgent yet perfectly portioned.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Kiss Cookies combine nostalgic flavors with playful presentation, making them ideal for celebrations and gifting. They’re quick to prepare, visually charming, and easy to customize for different occasions. Whether shared at a party or packed into a gift box, these cookies deliver sweetness, softness, and festive joy in every bite. 💗