Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet little treat bursting with bright strawberry flavor and a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are topped with colorful sugar crystals and a cute, chewy strawberry-flavored candy in the center that makes each bite feel like a tiny celebration. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a fruity twist on a classic cookie.
I love making these cookies when I want to bring a bit of sunshine to the kitchen. The way the strawberry candy melts just enough to stay soft but still hold its shape is something I look forward to every time. Plus, the sugar crystals add a little sparkle that makes them extra fun to eat and share with friends.
These cookies go great with a glass of milk or a cup of tea in the afternoon. I often pack them up as a sweet surprise for school lunches or bring them to a gathering because they always get compliments. Every time I bite into one, it takes me back to warm, happy moments spent baking with family and sharing laughter around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies their tender texture. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt to keep the balance right. I always prefer unsalted for better control of flavor.
Strawberry Kisses or Gummies: These add that sweet strawberry center. If you can’t find strawberry-flavored kisses, strawberry gummies or even small pieces of strawberry jam can work. The goal is a soft, fruity center.
Pink Sanding Sugar: This is optional but adds a pretty sparkle and slight crunch outside. You can use regular granulated sugar or colored sugar crystals in any shade if pink isn’t available.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour and a bit of baking powder keep the cookies soft but defined. Don’t swap whole wheat flour here unless you want a nuttier, denser cookie.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft Center with Melted Strawberry Candy?
The key is baking the cookie just until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. This ensures the cookie won’t flatten too much when you press the strawberry candy in.
- Take cookies out of the oven right when edges set (usually 8-10 mins).
- Quickly press the candy into the warm cookie—don’t wait, or the candy won’t melt slightly.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so the candy softens and sticks well.
- This way, the candy stays soft and chewy, not hard or runny.
Be gentle pressing the candy in to keep the cookie shape pretty. Enjoy the magic of soft cookies with a sweet strawberry surprise!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using a big bowl for creamy butter and sugar and a smaller one for dry ingredients, making everything easier to combine.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – helps blend the butter and sugar smoothly, saving elbow grease.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface for the cookies; I prefer a non-stick or parchment-lined sheet for easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps portion the dough evenly for consistent-sized cookies.
- Cooling rack – for cooling cookies fully without getting soggy bottoms, and it makes storage easier.
- Small spoon or knife – to press the strawberry candies into the warm cookies gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different candies: Try orange or lemon-flavored pieces for a citrus twist that pairs well with the buttery cookie.
- Add mini chocolate chips: Stir a handful into the dough for a chocolate-strawberry combo that’s even more irresistible.
- Swap the vanilla: Replace vanilla extract with almond or strawberry flavoring for a different aroma and taste.
- Mix in chopped fresh strawberries: Fold in a few finely chopped strawberries for extra real fruit flavor and a moist texture.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Strawberry-flavored kisses candies or strawberry gelatin hearts (or any strawberry gummy candies shaped like hearts)
- Pink sanding sugar (for rolling; optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping your dough and shaping the cookies. Baking takes around 8-10 minutes per batch, plus another 15 minutes for the cookies to cool and the strawberry centers to set. All in all, this recipe takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your cookies bake evenly and makes clean-up a breeze.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring just until blended – don’t overmix or the cookies could become tough.
3. Shape the Cookies:
Pour some pink sanding sugar (or regular granulated sugar) into a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in the sugar to coat it well. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to leave room for spreading.
4. Bake and Add the Strawberry Centers:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still feel soft. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press one strawberry kiss candy or gummy heart into the center of each cookie. The candy will soften but keep its shape as the cookie cools.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheet so the strawberry center can set nicely. Once cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The result is soft, chewy cookies with a sweet, fruity strawberry center surrounded by a sparkling sugar crust.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a smile and maybe a glass of milk!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter for the creamiest dough and tender cookies. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before using.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Kisses?
If you can’t find strawberry-flavored kisses, try strawberry gummy candies, small pieces of strawberry jam, or even raspberry candies for a similar fruity center. Just press them into the warm cookies right after baking.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, scoop, roll, coat with sugar, and bake as usual. This makes baking easier and lets flavors develop.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the strawberry centers soft, avoid stacking them too tightly, or place parchment paper between layers.