Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe: Perfect Valentine’s Day Treats

Are you looking for the perfect sweet treat to wow your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies! These delightful pink cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with the rich decadence of chocolate kisses, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for showing someone you care. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a Galentine’s party, or simply want to bring joy to your family, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to impress and delight everyone who tries them.

Ingredients List

For the cookies:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional, for deeper pink color)
• 48 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

For rolling:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio)
• Raspberry gelatin works as an alternative to strawberry
• Coconut oil can substitute butter for dairy-free needs

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes faster than traditional sugar cookies)
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, strawberry gelatin, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg, vanilla, and strawberry extract if using. Beat until well combined. Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly for perfect cookie texture!

Step 2: Complete the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If using food coloring, add it now for a vibrant Valentine’s look. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking and intensifies the strawberry flavor.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in granulated sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 5: Add the Kisses

Immediately after removing from oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, securing it to the cookie. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (approximate):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Vitamin C: 2% DV (from strawberry gelatin)

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and use stevia-sweetened gelatin for a lower-sugar option
• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber
• Substitute dark chocolate kisses for milk chocolate for antioxidant benefits
• Replace half the butter with applesauce for reduced fat

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies on a tiered platter with other Valentine’s Day treats like heart-shaped brownies or chocolate-covered strawberries. Pair with strawberry milk for children or a sparkling rosé for adults at a Galentine’s gathering. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, snow-kissed appearance that enhances the romantic presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip chilling the dough – it prevents flat, spread-out cookies
• Avoid overmixing the dough, which makes cookies tough rather than tender
• Don’t wait to add chocolate kisses – they need the warmth of fresh-baked cookies to adhere properly
• Don’t place cookies too close together on baking sheets – they need space to spread

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Perfect for make-ahead Valentine’s Day class parties or February treat preparations!

Conclusion

These delectable Strawberry Kiss Cookies combine the perfect balance of strawberry sweetness and chocolate indulgence, making them an ideal Valentine’s Day treat. Whether you’re baking for a special someone, hosting a Galentine’s party, or treating your kids, these pretty pink cookies will become a February favorite. Try them today and watch eyes light up with the first delicious bite! Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on social media and tag us in your Valentine’s baking adventures!

FAQs

• Can I make these cookies without strawberry gelatin?
  Yes! You can substitute 2 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder plus 2 tablespoons of sugar instead of the gelatin package.
• How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting too much?
  Refrigerate the unwrapped kisses while the cookies bake, then press them into the warm cookies immediately after removing from the oven.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Are these suitable for shipping as Valentine’s gifts?
  Yes, if packed carefully with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container, they ship well and stay fresh for about 5 days.
• Can I use this recipe for other holidays besides Valentine’s Day?
  Definitely! Change the gelatin flavor and kiss variety for different holidays – try lime gelatin with dark chocolate kisses for Christmas or orange gelatin with caramel kisses for Halloween.