Strawberry Chocolate Kiss Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (226g)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
03 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the strawberry pop!)

→ Dry Ingredients

06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
11 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

# Instructions:

01 - Beat butter and sugar together in a big bowl until it's super fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in your egg and extracts until smooth.
02 - Dump in that strawberry gelatin powder and beat until your dough turns a pretty pink color.
03 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into your pink mixture until you've got a soft, pink dough.
04 - Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make a thumbprint in each one - this is where your chocolate kiss will sit later!
05 - Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until they're set but still a bit soft. Let them cool for just a few minutes on the baking sheet.
06 - While they're still warm, press a chocolate kiss into each thumbprint. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Once everything's cool and the chocolate has set, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them look extra festive!

# Notes:

01 - These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days
02 - The dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 3 days
03 - For best results, let ingredients come to room temperature before starting