These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that make your heart smile! With a yummy strawberry flavor and a chocolate kiss on top, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself.
Baking these cookies is a breeze! I love the fun surprise of the chocolate kiss in every bite. They also make my kitchen smell amazing—like love and strawberries! 🍓❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is used for the best flavor and control over salt content. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This gives the cookies their fun strawberry flavor. If you want a natural option, you can use freeze-dried strawberry powder instead. Just make sure to adjust the quantity, as the flavor can be slightly different.
Granulated Sugar: This keeps the cookies tender. For a less processed option, you can substitute with coconut sugar, but the texture may vary slightly.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for the frosting. If you need a healthier alternative, you could blend coconut sugar until fine to use, but it won’t have the same sweetness and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Chill Cookie Dough?
Chilling the cookie dough is key to getting the right texture. It helps the butter solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After mixing your dough, shape it into a disc or log for easier storage.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can help!
How Can I Achieve Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to great cookie texture lies in the baking time and temperature. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking so cookies bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges while still soft in the middle.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
With these insights and tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O strawberry flavor)
For The Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (or as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder
- Pink food coloring (optional, for more vibrant pink)
For Decoration:
- Strawberry-flavored crispy lips candy or strawberry candy lips (shaped like lips, crispy or gummy with a sugary coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake, plus chilling time of at least 1 hour. So, set aside around 2 hours to prepare and let the cookies cool before frosting them. It’s well worth the wait for these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this adds air for a nice texture! Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until they form a soft dough. Don’t forget to cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help it firm up!
2. Bake the Cookies:
Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten each ball slightly. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. After taking them out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Frosting:
While the cookies cool, you can make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, strawberry gelatin powder, and vanilla extract. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreading consistency. If you want your frosting to be a vibrant pink, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until well combined.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled (this is important!), spread a generous layer of the strawberry frosting on top of each cookie. Be as generous as you want! Then, top each frosted cookie with a fun strawberry-flavored crispy or gummy lips candy. Gently press the candy so it sticks nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautifully decorated cookies on a plate and enjoy the delightful strawberry flavors! These cookies are perfect for parties, gifts, or just because you want to spread some love. Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe. Make sure to use a stick variety for the best texture in your cookies!
What Can I Use Instead of Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you prefer a natural option, you can use freeze-dried strawberry powder. Just use about the same amount, but note that the flavor might be a bit less intense.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
How Do I Make the Cookies Chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, try slightly underbaking them for 1-2 minutes. This keeps them softer in the centers. Also, be sure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour!