Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, pink-hued sugar cookies infused with strawberry gelatin for a sweet fruity flavor. These charming treats feature a signature chocolate kiss nestled in the center, creating a delightful combination of chewy cookie and rich chocolate. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a special snack, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to perfection with a light dusting of powdered sugar adding a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
For Decoration
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix until evenly incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour to achieve the right consistency.
- Shape and chill the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into smooth balls between your palms. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Do not press an indentation into the dough before baking to avoid excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges look set and slightly firm. The centers may still look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Add the chocolate kisses: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cookies rest for 2 minutes. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie so that the residual heat helps the chocolate adhere without excessive melting.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool fully to let the chocolate set properly.
- Dust with powdered sugar: To avoid powdered sugar falling on the chocolate kisses, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before pressing the chocolate kisses into place.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- For stronger almond flavor, increase almond extract slightly, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the strawberry taste.
- Use fresh chocolate kisses for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavored gelatin mixes for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
