Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe! Imagine soft, pink strawberry-infused cookies, coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar and crowned with a single, melty Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies are the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers and anyone looking to brighten up their dessert table, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because you deserve something sweet and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe so delightful is its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating those irresistible flavors and textures. Here’s what you need, along with tips for getting the best results every time.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base for creamy, tender cookies; make sure it’s at room temperature for the fluffiest dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that classic, slightly crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure, keeping the cookies soft with just the right chew.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a subtle lift so they’re never dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry instant pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 ounces): The secret ingredient for moist, strawberry-kissed cookies every time.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): For that extra pop of color to make your cookies truly eye-catching.
- Hershey’s Kisses (30, unwrapped): The iconic chocolate topper—don’t skip this finishing touch!
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Adds a sweet, snowy finish and a melt-in-your-mouth exterior.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to lift those cookies off the pan!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is crucial for achieving those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results and give it a good 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until everything is beautifully combined. The egg helps bind your dough while the vanilla builds a delicious flavor foundation beneath the strawberry notes.
Step 4: Mix in the Pudding
Add the strawberry instant pudding mix right into your wet ingredients. Blend until the pudding is fully incorporated—this is where the magic starts! The pudding not only flavors the cookies but gives them that signature soft, chewy texture.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If you love a vibrant pink cookie, add a drop or two of food coloring at this stage and stir until evenly tinted.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Next, roll each ball in powdered sugar for that irresistible, crackly finish. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Add the Kiss
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes—watch for the edges to set while the tops stay pale and soft. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will gently melt the chocolate and set it perfectly as the cookies cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly, so you get that soft, pillowy bite every time.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe with a bit more powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles or edible glitter if you’re making these for a party or holiday. A little garnish goes a long way in making these cookies look as magical as they taste!
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, pair them with chocolate-dipped strawberries or a bowl of fresh berries to complement the strawberry flavor. They also shine next to vanilla ice cream for an impromptu strawberry sundae experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in clear gift bags tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. Arrange them in a heart shape on a platter for Valentine’s Day, or use decorative boxes to make a cookie bouquet. The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is just as fun to present as it is to eat—let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, retaining their soft texture and delightful strawberry flavor. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on hand for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these cookies, if you love that just-baked feel, pop one in the microwave for 5-7 seconds. The chocolate will soften slightly, and the cookie will taste fresh and warm, just like the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Try using vanilla, white chocolate, or even banana pudding mix for a fun twist. Just keep in mind, the flavor will change, but the soft texture will remain the same.
What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
If you prefer, you can top the cookies with chocolate chunks, mini peanut butter cups, or even a dollop of jam for a fruity finish. The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is super versatile!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 48 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, then proceed with rolling and baking.
Is it necessary to use food coloring?
No, the cookies will still have a subtle pink tint from the pudding mix, but a drop or two of food coloring gives them that cheerful, bakery-style look. It’s totally optional!
How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting too much?
Press the chocolate in gently right after baking, then let the cookies cool completely on the pan before moving them. This keeps the Kisses intact and ensures they set perfectly on your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as cheery as it is delicious, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is bound to win you over. With their soft texture, lovely pink color, and chocolatey surprise in the middle, they’re a treat everyone will ask for again and again. Give them a try and watch these sweet little cookies become a new favorite in your home!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, buttery cookies infused with strawberry instant pudding mix, giving them a unique and tender texture. Each cookie is topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss for a delightful sweet finish, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) strawberry instant pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Toppings
- 30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, then mix in the strawberry pudding mix until evenly incorporated to infuse strawberry flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and seasoning evenly.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. At this point, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired, and mix until the color is evenly distributed for a bright pink hue.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Lightly coat each ball in powdered sugar to create a delicate, slightly crisp coating once baked.
- Arrange Dough on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned, ensuring a soft and tender texture.
- Add Hershey’s Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm to secure it in place.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving so the kisses set firmly and the cookies maintain their shape.
Notes
- You can experiment with different pudding flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for variety.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract along with the pudding mix.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
