Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif
Ever wondered if a cookie could actually capture the feeling of a warm hug in every bite? It sounds like a tall order, but when you combine the nostalgic sweetness of fruit with the rich decadence of chocolate, magic happens. I am Benjamin Sharif, and today I am pulling back the curtain on a family favorite that has graced our kitchen table for years: Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a busy parent looking for a quick win, this recipe is designed to bring people together with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
I still remember the first time I truly fell in love with cooking in my grandmother kitchen. She always told me that cooking isn’t just about food but about making people happy. These cookies do exactly that. They are vibrant, chewy, and topped with that iconic chocolate swirl we all know and love. In our house, my wife Emily and our kids Adams and Jana often help me roll the dough, making it a beautiful family bonding experience. This isn’t just a recipe; it is a memory in the making.
Why You Will Love This Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Perfectly Seasonal Yet Timeless: While the pink hue makes them a star for Valentine Day or spring gatherings, the classic flavor profile works year round.
- Kid Approved Fun: My kids love pressing the chocolate kisses into the warm centers, making this a great way to involve little hands in the kitchen.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You do not need a fancy stand mixer to achieve that signature soft texture. A simple bowl and spoon will do the trick.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies hold up well in tins, making them the ultimate homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
- Customizable Base: You can easily swap the chocolate centers or add a drizzle to match any occasion.
Ingredients for Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 box 3 ounces strawberry flavored gelatin or strawberry cake mix for that bold pink color
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 36 to 40 milk chocolate kiss candies unwrapped
- Optional: white sparkling sugar for rolling
If you enjoy these fruity flavors, you might also love my strawberry kiss cookies recipe family favorite which uses a slightly different jam based twist. For those who enjoy a bit more decadence, a side of pink chocolate dipped strawberries recipe makes for a stunning dessert platter.
How to Make Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes of vigorous stirring or mixing.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the strawberry gelatin powder. Watch as the dough turns a beautiful vibrant pink color that smells absolutely divine.
- In a separate small bowl, sift together the dry ingredients including the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet strawberry mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep the texture light.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a 1 inch ball. If you want a little extra sparkle, roll the dough ball in sparkling sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers should still look slightly soft.
- While the cookies bake, unwrap your chocolate kisses. As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, press one chocolate kiss firmly into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set slightly and the cookie to firm up.
Pro Tips and Variations
To ensure your Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies come out perfectly every time, check the temperature of your butter. It should be soft enough to leave an indent when pressed but not oily or melting. If your kitchen is very warm, you might want to chill the dough for 20 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading. You can find more professional baking tips at Bake With Lina.
For a different flavor profile, try using a dark chocolate kiss or even a white chocolate swirl. If you are looking for a more intense fruit flavor, consider looking at my strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe for inspiration. You can also make a vegan version by using plant based butter and a flax egg, though the texture will be slightly more dense.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a delight on their own, but they truly shine when paired correctly. I love serving them alongside a cold glass of milk for the kids or a hot cup of herbal tea for the adults. If you are hosting a party, create a dessert board featuring these cookies and my perfect meringue kisses recipe for a beautiful contrast in textures. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a sophisticated strawberry sundae vibe.
Storage and Reheating for Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Proper storage is key to maintaining that signature softness. Once fully cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. You can stack them carefully, but I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers so the chocolate kisses don’t smudge. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm again, just pop one in the microwave for 5 to 8 seconds, just enough to soften the chocolate without melting it completely. For more storage ideas, check out the guide at Emmas Cake Studio.
FAQ about Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
Fresh strawberries add a lot of moisture which can change the cookie structure. For this specific recipe, the gelatin provides the concentrated flavor and color needed for that soft texture. If you want to use fresh fruit, I recommend checking out my strawberry cheesecake dessert tacos recipe instead.
Why did my chocolate kisses melt?
It is normal for the kiss to soften when pressed into a hot cookie. To help them keep their shape, you can put the cookies in the fridge for 15 minutes immediately after adding the chocolate.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling so it is easier to handle.
Final Thoughts on Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
At the end of the day, these Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies are about more than just satisfying a sweet tooth. They are about the smiles on my children faces and the quiet moments shared with Emily over a plate of treats. I hope these become a staple in your home just as they have in mine. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Do not forget to save this to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it later. Grab your apron, let us get cooking, and remember that every meal is made with love.
Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes of vigorous stirring or mixing.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the strawberry gelatin powder. Watch as the dough turns a beautiful vibrant pink color that smells absolutely divine.
- In a separate small bowl, sift together the dry ingredients including the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet strawberry mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep the texture light.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a 1 inch ball. If you want a little extra sparkle, roll the dough ball in sparkling sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers should still look slightly soft.
- While the cookies bake, unwrap your chocolate kisses. As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, press one chocolate kiss firmly into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set slightly and the cookie to firm up.
