Strawberry Kiss Cookies deliver 12 irresistible treats.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a personal favorite of mine as a professional chef who loves turning a simple bake into a crowd-pleasing moment. In my kitchen, I design recipes that fit a busy schedule—big flavor with straightforward steps, minimal fuss, and results you can trust. Strawberry Kiss Cookies deliver a pretty pink twist that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, bake sales, or a spontaneous dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Let me share a chef’s take on timing, texture, and presentation so you can bake with confidence, even on a packed weeknight.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

what make this Strawberry Kiss Cookies special

I hear from busy readers that Strawberry Kiss Cookies fit a tight schedule. It comes together quickly, with ingredients you likely have on hand. The soft pink cookies feel special without demanding long hours in the kitchen. This recipe fits a crowded schedule without sacrificing flavor. Like many of us, I juggle school runs and meetings, but I still want dessert that tastes like love. Strawberries bring brightness, and the gelatin gives a soft bite that kids and grown-ups adore. That balance is why I reach for cookies. They store well, making weeknights a touch sweeter. Packed with flavor, fast.

Why this recipe resonates with busy readers

I hear from busy readers that Strawberry Kiss Cookies fit a tight schedule. It comes together quickly, with ingredients you likely have on hand. The soft pink cookies feel special without demanding long hours in the kitchen.

The appeal of a soft pink cookie with a kiss

The candy kiss in the center gives a playful surprise. The pink color adds cheer to any plate, from classroom trays to dessert tables.

Chef’s note on texture and crowd-pleasing flavor

Texture is the star here. The cookies stay tender thanks to a touch of gelatin and milk, while the edges set perfectly for chewing without crumbling.

Quick timeline and why a short chilling step helps

Chilling is brief but mighty. A 60-minute rest helps shape formation and keeps cookies from spreading.

Ingredients Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing.

Dry and wet base components

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Butter adds richness and helps the dough cream to a fluffy texture.

– 1 cup granulated sugar

Sugar sweetens and supports a light, tender crumb when creamed with butter.

– 1 large egg

Eggs supply structure and moisture for chewy, cohesive dough.

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla deepens flavors and complements strawberry notes.

– 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin powder

Gelatin brings strawberry flavor with a soft, forgiving bite.

Flour and leavening

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

Flour gives the cookies their body and structure.

– 1 tsp baking powder

Baking powder adds a touch of lift for a comfy, cake-like edge.

– ¼ tsp salt

Salt brightens sweetness and enhances flavors.

Finishing and texture

– 2 tbsp milk

Milk keeps the dough cohesive and helps with soft flexibility.

– 30 chocolate or vanilla candy kisses, unwrapped

The candy kiss in the center is the signature surprise for the bite.

– Optional pink sanding sugar for rolling

Rolling in pink sugar adds sparkle and color you can see from across the room.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Follow these practical steps to bake perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies every time. I keep notes from my test batches to help you stay efficient in a busy kitchen.

Step 1: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender base for the cookies and helps them rise softly in the oven.

Tip: for best volume, start with room-temperature butter and beat until light and pale.

Step 2: Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla until the mixture looks smooth and cohesive. This locks in moisture and aroma for a soft bite.

Tip: scrape the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Blend in strawberry gelatin powder

Fold in the strawberry gelatin powder until distributed. The pink hue signals the flavor hit you’re aiming for in these Strawberry Gelatin Cookies.

Step 4: Whisk dry ingredients and combine

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to the wet mix gradually, then stir in a little milk to keep the dough cohesive.

Tip: alternate adding dry ingredients with a splash of milk to keep the dough cohesive.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 60 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes scooping easier.

Tip: refrigerate for about 60 minutes for easier scooping and better shape.

Step 6: Bake and finish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment and bake the dough until edges are set and centers look just barely soft, about 10–12 minutes.

Tip: bake at 350°F (175°C) until edges are just set, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 7: Add the kiss and cool

Immediately press a candy kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as you pull them from the oven. Let the cookies cool completely before serving so the kiss sets neatly.

Important: press a candy kiss into the center immediately after removing from the oven; cool completely before serving.

Tips for Success

Quick wins

• For Strawberry Kiss Cookies, use room-temperature butter and beat until light and pale.
• Chill dough 60 minutes to keep shape and reduce spreading.
• Roll balls in pink sanding sugar for a festive touch.
• Bake until edges are just set for soft centers.

Make-ahead and storage tips

• Dough can be made ahead and chilled up to 24 hours.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies come together fast. Here’s a quick setup I trust for consistent results, with simple substitutes if you’re missing something.

Tools list

• Mixing bowls (2 handy: a large plus a medium)
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or 1-inch spoon
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Baking sheets, preferably rimmed
• Cooling rack
• Rubber spatula for scraping

Substitutes and hacks

• No parchment? Lightly grease sheets and dust with flour, or use a silicone mat.
• No mixer? Use a whisk and beat longer; softened butter helps.
• No cookie scoop? Use rounded tablespoons; dip in water to prevent sticking.
• Short on cooling rack? Use the back of a clean oven rack as a temporary rack.

Variations

Flavor and mix-in ideas

• Stir in finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for a deeper pink and extra strawberry punch in Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
• Use white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the strawberry flavor.
• Roll dough balls in pink sanding sugar or colored sugar crystals for extra sparkle.
• Add lemon zest or a touch of almond extract to tweak the aroma while keeping the pink theme.
• Swap in milk, dark, or strawberry-flavored kisses for varied sweetness and color.
• Mix in shredded coconut or finely chopped pistachios for texture and visual pop.
• Drizzle a light chocolate glaze over cooled cookies for a glossy finish.
• Make minis by using a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats—great for bake sales.
• Omit pink sugar for a classic, cleaner cookie look if you prefer.

Dietary adaptations

• Gluten-free: swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free baking powder; cookies stay tender.
• Dairy-free: use vegan butter or coconut oil and a dairy-free milk; ensure kisses are dairy-free or choose vegan chocolate centers.
• Vegan: pair dairy-free ingredients with plant-based candy kisses or vegan chocolate; consider agar-agar instead of gelatin powder for flavor and color.
• Lower-sugar option: reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and rely on ripe strawberries for sweetness; use a small amount of sugar substitute if needed.
• Allergen-friendly: skip nuts if needed; work with clean utensils and separate bowls to avoid cross-contact.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Why this works for busy schedules

This recipe comes together fast, perfect for busy days.
I love that chilling is brief, just an hour, not a kitchen marathon.
You can bake a crowd-pleasing batch in one afternoon and refrigerate leftovers.

Taste and presentation payoff

The soft pink color and candy center spark joy at first glance.
Flavor is balanced—pink strawberry aroma with a tender bite and subtle vanilla, classic.
They look store-bought cute, but taste home-baked and made with love.

Serving Suggestions

• I pair Strawberry Kiss Cookies with pink lemonade for a brunch.
• I arrange them on a white platter with berries.
• I add mint leaves for color pop.
• I love serving with tea for a cozy touch.

Pairings and plating ideas

• I stack cookies on a tiered stand for height.

Serving tips for gatherings

• I label them Strawberry Kiss Cookies to guide guests.

Make It Festive with Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Valentines Day and Spring Decor

When I set Strawberry Kiss Cookies on a dessert table, I want the display to sparkle. Festive decor adds big impact with minimal effort. A few simple touches keep them fresh and appealing.

Decorating ideas for holidays

Pink sanding sugar, edible glitter, and simple toppers

Decorate simply: use pastel liners and a few mint leaves for contrast. After baking, place cookies on a pretty tray to extend display life.

FAQs Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. The dough can chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer, freeze individual portions of dough for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It’s a handy way to have Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready for a quick bake.

Can I use fresh strawberries or different gelatin flavors?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but you’ll lose some color and set from gelatin. If you want the pink hue, stick with the strawberry gelatin powder. For other flavors, try orange or lime gelatin, but expect different color and flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?

Not as written. This version relies on butter, egg, and dairy candy kisses. To make it vegan, swap in plant-based butter and a flax egg, and use vegan chocolate kisses or a dairy-free center. Agar-agar can replace gelatin if you like. Always check candy ingredients for vegan status.

Can I freeze the baked cookies or the dough?

Yes. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2–3 months in an airtight container. For dough, freeze portions up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking or shaping, then bake as usual.

Final Thoughts

The heart of the recipe in your kitchen

The heart of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies moment lives in my kitchen when butter meets sugar and the room tastes like childhood and springs’ first blooms. I watch the dough come together, hear the gentle crackle of the mixer, and feel the same thrill I had as a new cook sharing meals with friends.

Encouragement to share and customize

Take these cookies into your own week. Swap flavor ideas, roll in different sugars, or slice them into minis for a bake sale. When you build on the recipe, you pass along joy—one pink bite at a time. Your kitchen stories matter as much as baking.

Print