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Strawberry Flavored Kiss Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

These delightful Kiss Cookies combine a tender, lightly flavored strawberry dough with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss center. Soft and chewy with a hint of vanilla and almond, they are perfect for parties, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat. The powdered sugar dusting adds a snowy finish to these charming, bite-sized cookies.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

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 Finishing

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. 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, and beat until thoroughly combined. Stir in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add 1-2 additional tablespoons of flour.
  2. Shape & Chill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to prevent spreading during baking.
  3. Bake: 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 before baking to avoid excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly firm, though centers may still look soft.
  4. Add the Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. While still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie; the residual heat will secure the candy without melting it excessively.
  5. Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully, allowing the chocolate kisses to set properly.
  6. Dust with Powdered Sugar: To avoid powdered sugar on the chocolate, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before pressing in the chocolate kisses if preferred; otherwise dust after cooling for a decorative touch.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and ensure the cookies maintain their shape.
  • If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour a tablespoon at a time.
  • Do not make indents in the dough before baking; this causes the cookies to spread too much.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack for best texture and chocolate setting.
  • Optionally, almond extract enhances flavor but can be omitted for a simpler vanilla-strawberry taste.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American