Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486487H15M33S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or dark chocolate), unwrapped

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate-and-peanut butter Kiss cookie. The addition of strawberry-flavored gelatin gives them a fruity sweetness and a lovely pink hue, while the Hershey’s Kiss adds a touch of creamy chocolate. The cookie itself is soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect dessert or snack. Plus, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and bake quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or dark chocolate), unwrapped

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. Unwrap all the Hershey’s Kisses and set them aside in a cool place.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Strawberry Flavor

Sprinkle in the strawberry-flavored gelatin and continue mixing until fully combined. This gives the cookies their signature strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The dough should become smooth and slightly glossy.

5. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be sure not to overmix.

6. Form the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures that the cookies will be soft and chewy.

8. Add the Hershey’s Kiss

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it stick and giving the cookie a beautiful, shiny finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

Variations

Chocolate Version: Substitute the strawberry gelatin with raspberry or cherry gelatin for a different fruity flavor or keep it chocolatey by using chocolate pudding mix instead of gelatin.
Nutty Twist: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.
Mini Kisses: Use mini Hershey’s Kisses for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gifting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm, soft cookie, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use sugar-free gelatin?

Yes, you can use sugar-free gelatin for a lower-sugar version of these cookies. The texture and flavor will still be great!

2. Can I use other types of chocolate for the Kiss?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses for a fun twist.

3. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

5. Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of gelatin, such as lemon, lime, or cherry, to create different versions of these cookies.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

7. Do I have to use almond extract?

The almond extract adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it without affecting the overall taste.

8. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and slightly golden, but the centers are still soft. The chocolate Kiss will melt slightly, giving the cookie its signature appearance.

10. Can I make these cookies without the Hershey’s Kisses?

While the Hershey’s Kisses are the signature topping, you can omit them and still have a delicious strawberry-flavored cookie, or replace them with another type of chocolate or candy center.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful, sweet treat that brings together the best of fruity flavor and rich chocolate. With a chewy texture, a burst of strawberry, and a soft Hershey’s Kiss in the center, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a fun snack for yourself. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies

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Strawberry Kiss Cookies combine the fruity sweetness of strawberry-flavored gelatin with the richness of chocolate, creating a soft, chewy cookie topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a delightful treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Strawberry Flavor: Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin until fully combined.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Form the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Add the Hershey’s Kiss: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.