Berry-Kissed Dark Chocolate Cookies
February 5, 2026
A rich chocolate cookie with a strawberry-kissed surprise in every bite!
Berry-Kissed Dark Chocolate Cookies are the perfect way to try the seasonal Hershey’s Kiss flavor. The cookie base is rich and dark thanks to Dutch-processed cocoa, while the strawberry Kiss on top adds a pop of color and just the right touch of sweetness. They’re a classic blossom cookie, all dressed up for Valentine’s Day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet
- Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
- Classic blossom-style cookies with a berry twist
- Easy to make and great for baking ahead
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or anytime chocolate sounds good
The Twist
The twist on these is the Valentine’s Day spin. Instead of the classic chocolate peanut butter blossom, these cookies are topped with a strawberry Kiss, giving them a lighter, berry-sweet finish that feels perfect for the season.
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies structure and richness
- Dark cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa adds deep color and smooth chocolate flavor
- Brown sugar: Keeps the cookies soft and slightly chewy
- Strawberry Kisses: Add a sweet berry finish and signature look
Berry-Kissed Dark Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
Dark chocolate cookie base
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- Strawberry Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Optional: pink sanding sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. The dough should be soft but scoopable.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Roll in sanding sugar if using.
- Place cookies about 2 inches apart and bake for 8–9 minutes. The centers should look soft and just set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie. Light cracking around the edges is perfect.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
FAQ
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa?
Yes, but the cookies will be lighter in color and slightly less rich. Dark cocoa gives them that deep chocolate look and flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling required. The dough is soft but scoopable and bakes up nicely right away.
Why do my cookies crack when I add the Kiss?
That’s totally normal and part of the look. The cracking creates those classic blossom-style edges.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They keep well for 2–3 days in an airtight container and still stay soft.
Can I swap the strawberry Kisses for another flavor?
Absolutely. Any Kiss variety works if you want to change up the flavor.
Sprinkle of Fun
Bake these the night before Valentine’s Day and bring them into work as a sweet surprise. They’re easy to share, feel special for the day, and are one of those treats that instantly make everyone feel included.
Suggested Recipes
If you like Berry-Kissed Dark Chocolate Cookies, then you’ll love the recipes below.
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