Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and simple treat that brings a little burst of fruity joy to your day. These soft, buttery cookies are topped with a bright pink strawberry-flavored candy that melts gently on top, giving each bite a perfect balance of cookie and candy goodness. The combination of the tender cookie and the fruity kiss creates a fun pop of flavor and color that everyone loves.
I really enjoy making these cookies when I want something cheerful and quick to bake. One of my favorite things is how the strawberry kiss softens just enough while baking to become a chewy center without losing its strawberry flavor. It’s a nice change from regular chocolate kisses, and it feels like a little surprise in every cookie. I find that adding a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking makes them even better.
These cookies are fantastic for sharing at a picnic, a birthday party, or just for a sweet afternoon snack with a glass of milk. They bring a little smile to any gathering and remind me of cozy moments baking in the kitchen with family or friends. If you’re looking for a simple, fun cookie that’s a bit different but still super tasty, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a perfect choice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar, giving you fluffy cookie dough. If dairy-free, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor shift.
Sugar & Rolling Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and adds texture. Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar gives a nice sparkle and slight crunch. You can swap with coconut sugar for a richer taste but it might darken the dough.
Strawberry-Flavored Chocolate Kisses: These candies add the signature fruity center and pretty pop of color. If unavailable, try strawberry-flavored candy melts or jam for a similar effect. Regular chocolate kisses work for a classic twist.
Food Coloring: Red or pink gel coloring creates the lovely strawberry swirl. Gel-based colors blend better without making the dough runny. You can skip this step if you prefer a more natural look or add freeze-dried strawberry powder for flavor.
How Do You Create the Perfect Strawberry Swirl Without Overmixing?
The strawberry swirl is what makes these cookies look festive and fun. To get the right marbled effect:
- Divide your dough into two parts and color one with your food coloring.
- Take small amounts of each dough and press them gently together without fully mixing—you want some streaks of pink and white.
- Roll the mixed dough gently into balls, preserving the marbled look.
- Be gentle here: overmixing turns the dough one color, losing the swirl pattern.
This simple step adds a charming look with minimal effort, making your cookies stand out at any gathering.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl to mix the dough and a smaller one for dividing and color swirling. It makes everything easier to handle.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – helps cream the butter and sugar smoothly, saving your arm! You can also mix by hand, but it takes longer.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your ingredients accurate for soft, fluffy cookies that bake evenly.
- Baking sheet & parchment paper – non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – a scoop gives uniform-sized cookies, so they bake evenly and look neat.
- Cooling rack – to cool the cookies quickly and keep them crisp once out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry candies for chocolate or vanilla kisses for a different flavor profile. Classic chocolate adds richness, while vanilla keeps it simple.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or extract to give the cookies a fresh citrus twist that pairs well with strawberries.
- Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunch and extra flavor in the dough.
- Mix in small white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet counterbalance to the fruity center.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring or strawberry-flavored gel coloring
- Strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses or strawberry chocolate candies (heart-shaped)
- Red and white sprinkles (for decoration)
- Melted chocolate or chocolate chips, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 10-12 minutes for baking each batch. Add a few extra minutes for cooling and decorating, so plan for about 30-40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Mix the Dough:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter looks smooth.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients and Color the Dough:
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Divide the dough roughly in half. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to one half, mixing gently to keep a marbled or swirled pattern.
3. Shape, Bake, and Decorate:
Shape the dough by taking small portions from each color and pressing them lightly together to create a pretty swirl effect. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll the balls in granulated sugar before placing them on your baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the cookies are still soft.
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, press one strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss or candy into the center of each cookie so it softens slightly. Let the cookies cool for a bit, then optionally drizzle melted chocolate over the candy and sprinkle with red and white decorations for an extra festive look.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack or serving plate.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies that offer a soft, buttery texture with a lovely strawberry-chocolate center perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure proper creaming with the sugar, which helps create the perfect texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature until soft but not melted.
Can I Substitute Strawberry Kisses with Other Candies?
Absolutely! If you can’t find strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses, try using regular chocolate kisses, white chocolate, or even small fruit-flavored candies. Just press them into the cookies right after baking so they soften properly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw at room temperature.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, divide, color, and shape as instructed before baking. Chilling the dough can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.