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Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Holidays – Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Festive
If you’re looking for the ultimate festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Holidays are exactly what your dessert table needs. With their soft, chewy centers, sparkling sugar coating, and classic chocolate kiss pressed right into the middle, these cookies are a show-stopping addition to Christmas parties, Valentine’s Day celebrations, cookie exchanges, and winter gatherings.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies combine nostalgic charm with vibrant color and irresistible flavor. Their delicate pink hue makes them stand out among traditional holiday desserts, while the rich chocolate center adds the perfect balance of sweetness.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create bakery-quality Strawberry Kiss Cookies at home — including tips, variations, storage advice, and creative serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies are more than just pretty. Here’s why they’ve become a holiday favorite:
- Soft and chewy texture with lightly crisp edges
- Beautiful pink color for festive occasions
- Quick and easy recipe with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for gifting and cookie platters
- Crowd-pleasing flavor that kids and adults love
Unlike traditional peanut butter blossoms, these cookies swap nutty flavor for bright strawberry sweetness, making them ideal for anyone who prefers fruity desserts.
What Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a variation of classic “blossom” cookies. Instead of peanut butter dough, these cookies use strawberry-flavored dough, often enhanced with strawberry gelatin powder for both flavor and color. After baking, a chocolate kiss is pressed into the warm center, creating the signature look.
They’re especially popular during:
- Christmas cookie exchanges
- Valentine’s Day dessert spreads
- Baby showers
- Birthday parties
- Winter holiday gatherings
The bright pink tone makes them visually festive while keeping the flavor universally appealing.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Holidays:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 24–30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add strawberry gelatin powder and mix until fully incorporated. The dough will become vibrantly pink.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add milk and combine.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges — this is normal and adds charm.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
1. Don’t Overbake
The key to soft cookies is slightly underbaking them. The centers should look just set when you remove them from the oven.
2. Press Kisses Immediately
Chocolate kisses should be pressed in while cookies are still warm so they adhere properly.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional)
If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes helps prevent spreading.
4. Use High-Quality Chocolate
Since the chocolate kiss is the star topping, choose a brand you love.
Flavor Variations
These cookies are easy to customize for different occasions:
White Chocolate Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Use white chocolate kisses for a softer, creamier contrast.
Dark Chocolate Version
Swap in dark chocolate kisses for a richer, less sweet flavor.
Sprinkle Upgrade
Roll dough balls in colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles instead of plain sugar.
Cream Cheese Twist
Add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese to the dough for a tangier, softer cookie texture.
How to Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Not necessary, but can extend freshness to 7 days.
- Freezer (Baked): Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
- Freezer (Dough): Freeze rolled dough balls (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake from frozen, add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.
Perfect Occasions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Christmas
Their bright color stands out among traditional gingerbread and sugar cookies.
Valentine’s Day
Pink color and chocolate center make them a romantic favorite.
Baby Showers
Especially perfect for girl-themed events.
Cookie Exchanges
They’re unique and visually stunning, guaranteed to get compliments.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a white platter with powdered sugar dusted lightly around edges.
- Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
- Package in clear treat bags with ribbon for gifting.
- Stack in decorative tins for holiday presents.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
Fresh strawberries add moisture and can change texture. Gelatin provides concentrated flavor and vibrant color without altering structure.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Butter may have been too soft, or dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating before baking.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Holidays are festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Their soft centers, sparkly sugar coating, and chocolate kiss topping make them irresistible on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or simply because you love strawberry desserts, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite.
Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Holidays
Soft pink strawberry cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss — perfect for festive celebrations and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add gelatin powder and mix.
- Beat in egg and vanilla. Add milk and mix.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into balls, coat in sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake 9–11 minutes. Press chocolate kiss into center immediately after baking.
- Cool completely on wire rack before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake for soft centers. Chill dough if needed to prevent spreading.
