Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Easy Valentine Treats for Kids and Bake Sale Ideas

Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 33 min
Cuisine: American
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 gelatin mix; 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting; 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

By: Emily parker | Published onJanuary 26, 2026

Delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Valentine's Day treat and bake sale.

Dessert

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Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of fruity sweetness and a touch of nostalgia. Imagine biting into a soft, pink cookie that combines the flavors of strawberry and chocolate—it’s pure bliss! These cookies are perfect for all occasions, whether you’re hosting a birthday party or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. I’ve found that making these cookies not only elevates any gathering but also spreads joy among friends and family. So, if you’re ready to bake something special, let’s dive into the world of Strawberry Kiss Cookies!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you make Strawberry Kiss Cookies? For starters, they are a fun and unique twist on traditional cookies that will impress everyone at your next gathering. Their vibrant pink color, complemented by the rich chocolate of a Kiss candy, makes them visually appealing too. These cookies are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to involve your kids in the kitchen. They can help with rolling the dough into balls and placing the chocolate kisses, making it a fun family activity.

“I made these Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a bake sale, and they were the first to sell out! Everyone loved the strawberry flavor, and the chocolate kisses were just the cherry on top.”

Preparing Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Ready to bake? It’s a simple, step-by-step process that’s satisfying and quick! Start by mixing the butter and sugar, then add in your wet ingredients. Next, you’ll combine everything with the dry ingredients followed by a chill in the fridge to ensure the cookies hold their shape. After baking, the final touch is the chocolate kiss that gets magically added while they’re warm.

Gather These Items

Now, let’s talk about what you need for your baking adventure:

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

The almond extract adds a lovely depth to the flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until everything is well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of extra flour.
Shape & Chill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place these on a lined baking sheet. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can plan ahead. Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Do NOT press down on the dough before baking—this will cause the cookies to spread excessively. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set. They may look soft in the center but will firm as they cool.
Add the Chocolate Kisses: Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For the finishing touch, dust powdered sugar over the cookies. It’s best to do this before pressing in the kisses to avoid getting sugar on the chocolate.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful on their own but can be even more enjoyable with some thoughtful pairings! Serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk, as the chocolate kiss melts perfectly into the cookie. They also pair excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making for a delightful dessert sundae. For a special occasion, present them on a decorative plate, surrounded by fresh strawberries.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long! For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll remain tasty for up to 2 months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this is key to achieving that fluffy texture.
Taste the Dough: Cookie dough is safe for tasting if you don’t add eggs, so if you’re curious, it’s okay to sample before you bake!

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

Fruit Swaps: Instead of strawberry-flavored gelatin, you could use raspberry or cherry for a different fruit kick.
Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flaxseed egg as a vegan binder.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

The prep time is about 15-20 minutes, plus at least an hour for chilling the dough.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight, or even freeze the unbaked dough balls for a couple of months.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

What can I use if I don’t have strawberry-flavored gelatin?

You can use a different flavored gelatin or even powdered flavoring designed for baking.

How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

Chilling the dough is key! Additionally, make sure not to flatten them before baking.

Is it necessary to dust with powdered sugar?

While not necessary, the powdered sugar adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal to the cookies.

What temperature should I store these cookies?

For optimal freshness, keep them in a cool, dry place at room temperature, and always in an airtight container. Enjoy baking these sweet delights!