Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet little treat that blends the soft, buttery goodness of cookies with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor right in the center. These charming cookies are topped with a classic strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss that melts gently, adding just the right touch of fruity sweetness. Each bite feels like a fun mix of soft cookie dough and a juicy strawberry surprise.
I love making these cookies when I want something easy but special to share. They’re simple enough to whip up with the kids, and everyone gets excited waiting for those pink kisses to come out of the oven all melty and shiny. One tip I’ve found helpful is to gently press the Kiss into the cookie just as it comes out of the oven so it softens perfectly but keeps its shape – it makes all the difference!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are great for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or just when you need a little fruity treat alongside your afternoon tea or coffee. I like to pack a few in a little container and share them with friends, because honestly, who can resist that pretty pink top and the sweet strawberry flavor inside? They always bring a smile and a bit of extra sweetness to the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives a rich, creamy base for the cookies. You can swap with margarine or a dairy-free butter if needed, but flavor might be a bit different.
Red Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring works best because it doesn’t thin the dough. You can use liquid food coloring, but add less to avoid changing the dough texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. For gluten-free, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly denser but still tasty.
Strawberry Hershey’s Kisses: The star of the cookie! If you can’t find these, try raspberry or cherry-flavored Kisses or even classic chocolate Kisses for a twist.
How Do You Create the Perfect Marbled Dough?
Getting a pretty marble look is simple but takes a gentle touch.
- Divide your dough in two – one plain and one colored with red food gel.
- Pull small pieces from each and gently fold them together. Avoid overmixing or kneading too hard, or the colors will blend and turn uniform.
- Keep the dough pieces chunky for a nice contrast in the finished cookie.
- This method creates a fun two-tone cookie that bakes with lovely texture and color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar and a smaller one for whisking the dry ingredients. It makes mixing easier.
- Hand or stand mixer – helps you beat the butter and sugar smoothly, saving time and effort.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accuracy with ingredients like flour, sugar, and food coloring.
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat, perfect for even baking of cookies.
- Cookie scoop or hands – helps shape uniform cookie balls, which bake evenly.
- Cooling rack – cools the cookies evenly so they stay crisp outside yet soft inside.
- Gummy or spoon – for carefully pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into hot cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry Kisses for raspberry or cherry-flavored kisses for different fruity notes.
- Add a splash of almond or lemon extract to the dough for extra flavor dimension.
- Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
- Roll the cookie dough in pink or red sprinkles instead of sugar for extra sparkle and fun.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 package (about 12 oz) strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses
- Red sanding sugar or red sprinkles (optional, for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling before transferring the cookies to a wire rack. Total time is about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is blended.
3. Color and Marble the Dough:
Divide the dough roughly in half. Add about one teaspoon of red gel food coloring to one half and knead gently until the dough is evenly pink. Leave the other half plain. Take portions of each dough and gently blend them together using your hands to create a marbled effect – be careful not to overmix, as you want a nice contrast between the plain and colored dough.
4. Shape and Roll:
Roll the marbled dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll the balls in the remaining granulated sugar or red sanding sugar for a sparkly finish. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
5. Bake and Add Kisses:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the tops have small cracks. Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will allow the kiss to soften slightly without losing its shape.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your beautiful, soft, and sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming, as frozen butter won’t mix properly. If your butter is frozen, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until soft but not melted.
Can I Substitute Other Flavored Kisses?
Absolutely! You can swap strawberry Hershey’s Kisses for raspberry, cherry, or even classic milk chocolate ones. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Prepare 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 sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and baking for best results.