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Indulge in the delightful blend of strawberry and cake mix with these easy-to-make Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
I remember the first time I made these Strawberry Kiss Cookies. It was for a family gathering, and I wanted to bring something unique and delicious. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma of strawberries filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to try them. They were a hit! Since then, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire.
Now, it’s your turn to create these magical treats. Let’s get started!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 25 minutes (including prep and baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix (Betty Crocker) | 1 box |
| Strawberry Jello | 3 oz. |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Melted White, Dark, or Milk Chocolate (optional) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free yellow cake mix, strawberry Jello, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared pans.
- Using a plastic spatula, gently flatten each cookie to ensure optimal spread during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, dip half of each cooled cookie into melted white, milk, or dark chocolate. Place them on wax paper to set.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure to flatten the cookies slightly before baking. This will help them spread evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture. If you’re adding chocolate, let the cookies cool completely before dipping to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly.
Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve added chocolate, you might want to refrigerate them to keep the chocolate firm.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these Soft Chewy Pistachio Cookies for another delightful treat!
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies Gluten-Free Treats
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These adorable Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. Topped with a classic chocolate kiss, they are a festive and colorful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. This recipe is completely gluten-free and easy to make from scratch.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (plus ⅓ cup extra for rolling)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon strawberry extract (or 2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried strawberries)
Pink or red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
2 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (blend with xanthan gum)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
36 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (check labels to ensure gluten-free)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Shape: Place the extra ⅓ cup sugar in a small bowl. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in the sugar to coat completely.
6. Bake: Place the sugar-coated balls on the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should be set and puffy, but not browned.
7. Top with Kisses: Remove from the oven. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each hot cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is the classic look!
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so the chocolate sets slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chocolate Tips: Most plain Milk Chocolate Kisses are gluten-free, but always check the package label as holiday versions or other flavors may contain gluten ingredients.
Prevent Melting: If the kitchen is very warm, pop the cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes after placing the Kisses so they hold their shape and don’t melt into a puddle.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Dairy Free: Use a dairy-free butter stick alternative and vegan chocolate gems or dairy-free chocolate chunks on top.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 15
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
- While strawberry Jello gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or cherry for a unique twist.
- Can I make these cookies without the chocolate dip?
- Absolutely! The chocolate dip is optional and adds an extra layer of flavor, but the cookies are delicious on their own as well.
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are made with gluten-free yellow cake mix, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—your very own batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies! These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Their vibrant color and delightful flavor make them a standout treat for any occasion.
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