Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Valentine’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat for celebrating love and sweetness. With their vibrant pink color, soft texture, and delightful strawberry flavor, they make a stunning addition to any Valentine’s Day dessert spread. Topped with a chocolate kiss, these cookies blend fruity and chocolaty goodness in every bite. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for a quick homemade treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Strawberry cake mix
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Hershey’s Kisses (chocolate or any preferred flavor)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, flour, and baking powder.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops appear slightly cracked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Twist: Swap the chocolate Hershey’s Kiss for a white chocolate version for a creamier taste.
- Sprinkle Fun: Roll the cookie dough in pink or red sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for added texture and color.
- Extra Strawberry Flavor: Add a few drops of strawberry extract to enhance the fruity taste.
- Drizzle of Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften slightly.
FAQs
How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting too much?
Press the Kiss onto the cookies immediately after baking but avoid handling them too much. Let the cookies cool completely before moving them.
Can I use fresh strawberries in this recipe?
This recipe works best with strawberry cake mix for a consistent texture, but you can experiment with adding finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What other flavors of cake mix can I use?
You can try chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet cake mix for different variations.
How do I get a brighter pink color?
Add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to the dough for a more vibrant hue.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and baking.
What if my cookies turn out too flat?
Chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes before baking can help maintain a thicker, softer texture.
Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?
Powdered sugar gives a soft, crackly exterior, but granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar can also be used.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too dry?
Avoid overbaking them; they should still be soft when removed from the oven as they continue to firm up while cooling.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies are an easy, festive, and delicious way to celebrate love and special moments. Whether you’re baking them for a sweetheart, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Try different variations and enjoy this simple yet delightful treat!
Print
Valentine’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Valentine’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful treats featuring soft, strawberry-flavored cookies topped with a sweet chocolate kiss. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, pink-hued dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- 24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Create the Indentation: Gently press the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a shallow indentation. Twist slightly to make the indentation smooth and rounded.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still slightly soft, with faint cracks around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Chocolate Kisses: While the cookies are still warm, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly soften the chocolate, allowing it to 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: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust a light layer of powdered sugar over each one for a festive appearance.
Notes
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze your cookies for 2-3 months.
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