Hi, I am so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These delightful little treats are not only bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, but they also bring back the warmest memories of baking with my family.
With a total time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling), these cookies are the perfect way to brighten up any day. Trust me, these strawberry kiss cookies will be a hit!
Table of Contents
Easy Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A Delightful Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- PREPARE THE DOUGH: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be pale yellow and airy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. The mixture will become smoother and slightly lighter. Mix in the strawberry-flavored agar-agar mix until fully incorporated, turning the mixture a vibrant pink. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. The dough should be cohesive but still soft to the touch. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- SHAPE & CHILL THE COOKIES: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. The balls should be uniform in size, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results). Chilled dough will be firmer and easier to handle. This step is essential for preventing spreading.
- BAKE: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking—this will cause excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The cookies may look soft in the center, and the edges should be lightly golden, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- ADD THE CHOCOLATE KISSES: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit 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 help the chocolate stick without melting too much.
- COOL COMPLETELY: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
- DUST WITH POWDERED SUGAR (Optional for Presentation): Once cookies are completely cooled, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Secret Ingredient: The strawberry-flavored agar-agar mix adds a vibrant color and subtle strawberry flavor, setting these cookies apart from the rest.
- Easy Cleanup: Thanks to straightforward steps and common ingredients, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious creations.
- Perfect Texture: The chilling step ensures that these cookies bake up soft and chewy, never flat or crispy.
Ingredient Deep Dive: The Secrets to Strawberry Perfection
Let’s dive into what makes these Strawberry Kiss Cookies so special, beyond just the ingredients themselves.
First, it is important to use softened, unsalted butter in this recipe. Softened butter creams better with the sugar, creating a light and airy texture, while unsalted butter allows us to control the overall flavor of the cookie.
The star of the show is the strawberry-flavored agar-agar mix. This ingredient adds a beautiful pink hue and subtle strawberry flavor that is perfectly balanced, and since the mix is in powder form it mixes right in to our dough.
Using a room-temperature egg, as well as softened butter, is crucial for proper emulsification. This helps the wet and dry ingredients combine seamlessly, resulting in a smoother cookie dough.
While optional, I love adding a touch of almond extract to complement the strawberry flavor. The hint of almond adds a layer of warmth and complexity that elevates these cookies to the next level. For another almond-flavored cookie, you might enjoy the recipe for The Best Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies.
Baking powder and salt are essential for the dough. The baking powder ensures a soft and tender crumb, while the salt enhances all the other flavors, creating a well-balanced cookie.
Finally, the classic Hershey Kisses are the perfect finishing touch. Their iconic shape and chocolatey goodness complement the strawberry flavor perfectly.
The Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookie Recipe
Now, let’s get baking! Here’s everything you need to make these delightful cookies.
Ingredients
- 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 agar-agar mix
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- PREPARE THE DOUGH: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be pale yellow and airy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. The mixture will become smoother and slightly lighter. Mix in the strawberry-flavored agar-agar mix until fully incorporated, turning the mixture a vibrant pink. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. The dough should be cohesive but still soft to the touch. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- SHAPE & CHILL THE COOKIES: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. The balls should be uniform in size, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results). Chilled dough will be firmer and easier to handle. This step is essential for preventing spreading.
- BAKE: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Do NOT press an indentation into the dough before baking—this will cause excess spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly firm. The cookies may look soft in the center, and the edges should be lightly golden, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- ADD THE CHOCOLATE KISSES: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit 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 help the chocolate stick without melting too much.
- COOL COMPLETELY: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
- DUST WITH POWDERED SUGAR (Optional for Presentation): Once cookies are completely cooled, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Troubleshooting Common Strawberry Kiss Cookies Problems
Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- What to do if the cookies spread too thin?
- Cause: Dough too warm, not chilled long enough, too much sugar/butter.
- Fix: Ensure dough is thoroughly chilled. Slightly reduce sugar or butter in future batches. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- What if the kisses melt too much?
- Cause: Pressing kisses into cookies that are too hot, using a different type of chocolate.
- Fix: Allow cookies to rest for the recommended time before adding kisses. Use classic Hershey Kisses as they are formulated to melt predictably.
- Why is my dough too sticky/dry?
- Cause: Incorrect flour measurement, humidity.
- Fix: For sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time. For dry, add 1 tsp of milk or melted butter. Ensure accurate flour measurement by spooning and leveling.
- How to fix cookies that are too hard/crispy?
- Cause: Overbaking.
- Fix: Bake for less time. Cookies should look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- How to tell when the cookies are perfectly baked (visual cues)?
- Visual Cues: Edges are set and lightly golden, the center may still appear slightly soft and underdone. They will firm up considerably as they cool. If you’re looking for another holiday treat, check out this recipe for Amazing Christmas Puppy Chow: An Easy Holiday Treat.
Why These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Work
The science behind baking is truly fascinating, isn’t it? Here’s why this recipe is so reliable:
The creaming method, where we beat together the butter and sugar, is crucial for incorporating air into the dough. This creates a light and airy texture, giving the cookies a delightful lift.
The strawberry agar-agar mix is genius because it provides both flavor and color without significantly altering the dough structure. This ensures that the cookies remain soft and chewy.
Chilling the dough is essential for preventing excessive spreading. When the dough is cold, the butter melts more slowly in the oven, giving the cookies time to set and maintain their shape.
Finally, not pressing an indentation into the dough before baking is crucial for this specific recipe. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and ensures they have a perfectly rounded shape.
It’s important to remember that raw dough or batter should not be tasted or eaten. Following safe food handling practices is essential in baking. Most cookies, cakes, and pastries should be baked at a minimum temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Variations and Substitutions
| Variation/Substitution | Description |
|---|---|
| Different Cake Mix Flavors | Replace strawberry mix with cherry, raspberry, or even a yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile. |
| Other Chocolates | Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate kisses. Other small candies can also work. |
| Extracts | Add a pinch of lemon extract for a brighter flavor, or use peppermint extract for a festive twist. |
| Dietary – Gluten-Free | Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Adjust flour as needed. |
| Dietary – Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free butter substitute and ensure your chocolate kisses are dairy-free. |
| Dietary – Vegan | Use a vegan butter substitute, flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins), and vegan kisses. |
Serving and Presentation Ideas
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not only delicious, but they also look absolutely adorable! Here are some ideas for serving and presenting them:
- Perfect Pairings: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Themed Presentation – Valentine’s Day: Package them in heart-shaped tins, tie with red ribbon, or arrange on a festive platter with extra chocolate hearts.
- Themed Presentation – Baby Showers: Arrange on a tiered stand with pink and white frosting, or place in small cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for favors.
- Themed Presentation – Spring Parties: Decorate with edible flowers or a light dusting of edible glitter for a whimsical touch. Create a “Strawberry Kiss Cookie Bar” with different toppings for guests to add. If you’re looking for another recipe for a party, check out Ultimate Classic Snickerdoodles Recipe: Delightful & Easy!.
How to Store Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
FAQs about Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I use any brand of agar-agar mix for strawberry kiss cookies?
Yes, you can use any brand of strawberry-flavored agar-agar mix. Boxed mixes are designed to be standardized, so most brands will work well.
What is the best type of baking sheet to use?
A heavy-duty aluminum baking sheet is recommended for even heat distribution, preventing burnt bottoms and ensuring consistent baking. Non-stick or parchment-lined sheets are also excellent
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and chilled for up to 2 days. The baked cookies also store well for several days.
Can I use whipped cream cheese or should I use a block?
This recipe does not use cream cheese as an ingredient.
Conclusion and Call to Action
I hope you enjoy baking these Strawberry Kiss Cookies as much as I do! They are a simple, yet delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Have you tried these Strawberry Kiss Cookies yet? I can’t wait to hear how yours turned out! Did you try any fun variations or presentation ideas? Share your photos and thoughts in the comments below – I love seeing your delicious creations!
For more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
