Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe – Emma’s Cake Studio

Let me share with you these charming strawberry kiss cookies—they’re like the classic thumbprint cookies but with a bright, fruity flair. The dough is tender and buttery with a subtle strawberry sweetness, and right in the center sits a melty chocolate kiss that finishes it off perfectly.

Not only do they taste incredible, but their cheerful pink color topped with a dusting of powdered sugar makes them totally irresistible. They really do look as good as they taste!

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, I’ll guide you through every step. Plus, I’ll pass along my top tricks to help you get flawless cookies every time you bake them.

Full disclosure: I didn’t get these cookies perfect on my first try! I tested and tweaked this recipe many times until I found just the right balance of taste and texture. So, if your first batch isn’t quite perfect, don’t sweat it—sometimes a little extra chill time or a tiny ingredient adjustment does the trick.

The Story Behind Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Some of my sweetest memories involve baking alongside my grandmother. Those afternoons in her kitchen were pure magic—simple ingredients turning into the most delicious treats with just a few easy steps.

One cookie that always brings those moments back to me is the strawberry kiss cookie. It’s a nostalgic treat with a modern twist, thanks to strawberry-flavored gelatin that gives the dough its pretty pink color and a delicate strawberry hint.

Every time I whip up these cookies, I’m reminded of laughter echoing in warm kitchens, the scent of fresh baking filling the air, and sneaking little bites when no one is watching.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Irresistible

Here’s a quick rundown of the stars that make these cookies so special—each ingredient adds to the soft texture, vibrant color, and fantastic flavor:

Butter: Using unsalted, softened butter creates that rich and tender crumb we all love. When creamed with sugar, it helps keep the cookies delightfully soft and light.

Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the dough and helps develop those pretty cracks around the edges as the cookies bake, adding to their homemade charm.

Egg: This is the glue that holds everything together while adding just the right moisture for a soft cookie.

Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Vanilla brings in a warm, cozy flavor. Almond extract is optional but highly recommended—it adds a gentle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the strawberry and chocolate.

Strawberry Gelatin Mix: This little secret ingredient gives the dough its cheerful pink color and a subtle strawberry flavor that brightens every bite without being over the top.

Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: This trio handles structure and texture, helping the cookies rise just enough and stay tender.

Chocolate Kiss Candies: These are the crowning touch—pressed gently into each warm cookie, they soften to create a perfectly melty chocolate center.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Baking these strawberry kiss cookies is simple and a joy to make, whether for a special occasion or a casual treat. Here’s how to get that soft, flavorful, and pretty result in your own kitchen.

Preparing the Dough

Start by beating the softened butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps make the cookies wonderfully tender.

Next, add the egg and both the vanilla and almond extracts. This combo fills your kitchen with a lovely, inviting aroma and layers the flavor beautifully.

Sprinkle in the strawberry gelatin mix and stir until the dough takes on a soft pink hue and a gentle strawberry scent.

Lastly, gradually sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until everything comes together into a silky, slightly sticky dough.

Shaping the Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a smooth ball. Arrange these on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each so they have space to spread.

For the signature look, press down gently with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, giving it a slight twist to create a neat, rounded indentation in the center. This dip is where your chocolate kiss will go, so be careful not to press all the way through.

Baking to Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and you start to see tiny cracks on the surface. They might feel a little soft when you pull them out—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! Let them rest on the pan for a few minutes to finish cooking gently.

A Finishing Touch: Dusting with Powdered Sugar

Once your cookies have cooled just enough, sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a festive, magical touch that’s perfect for celebrations or simply brightening up an everyday moment.

Adding the Chocolate Kiss

Here’s the fun finale: while the cookies are still warm but cool enough to handle, gently press a chocolate kiss into each indentation. The warm cookie softens the chocolate just enough so it nests perfectly without melting away.

This blend of soft, fruity cookie and gooey chocolate is what makes these cookies unforgettable and why my family always asks for more.

Info Provided

This recipe yields about 24 to 30 cookies depending on how large you make each one. Prep time is quick and easy—about 20 minutes—and the bake time is just 10 to 12 minutes. At around 120 calories per cookie, they’re a nicely portioned sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies

If your first batch isn’t quite picture perfect, don’t worry—I’ve been there! Making these cookies just right took some practice and a few key tips, and if you follow them, you’ll get soft, pretty cookies every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs have warmed up to room temp. This helps your dough come together smoothly and bakes up tender and soft.

Make Clean Indentations: When you press the thumbprint, twist gently for a neat, well-shaped dip that holds the chocolate kiss perfectly without breaking through the bottom.

Avoid Overbaking: Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still feel a little soft. They firm up as they cool, so better to be slightly underbaked than over.

Cool Before Dusting: Let the cookies cool fully and the chocolate kisses set before dusting with powdered sugar. Otherwise, the sugar will melt and lose its pretty powdery look.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry kiss cookies are stars on their own but they also shine when paired with other treats. Try serving them on a dessert platter alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or mix them with vanilla and chocolate cookies for a colorful, inviting spread. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift—pack them in a clear jar or pretty box for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or holiday celebrations.