If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly balances sweet, fruity, and a little bit of chocolatey magic, you have to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not only irresistibly soft and fragrant with real strawberry flavor, but each one is crowned with a luscious chocolate kiss that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe brings a burst of joy in every bite and will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect cookie. From the creamy softened butter that creates a tender texture to the crushed freeze-dried strawberries that pack an intense fruity punch, every element is essential to make these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides a sweet crunch and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to a tender crumb and delicate sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for the perfect texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the entire flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives shape and stability.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor depth.
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: The star ingredient delivering authentic strawberry flavor and natural color.
- 1/2 cup chocolate kisses, unwrapped: Adds a luscious chocolate center that contrasts delightfully with the fruity dough.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key — it incorporates air that makes your cookies tender and gives them a delicate crumb that’s just heavenly.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in your egg and vanilla extract next. These ingredients bring moisture and add a rich, warm aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible while you bake.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This not only distributes the dry ingredients evenly but also infuses the flour with that beautiful, natural strawberry flavor and rosy color.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your buttery, vanilla-egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here will toughen the cookies, so a light hand is the secret.
Step 6: Form Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each dough ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to spread a little while baking.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Kisses
Press an unwrapped chocolate kiss gently into the center of each dough ball. This will soften just enough as the cookies bake to give you a gooey, chocolate surprise inside without losing its shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. You’ll want to pull them out before they’re too done so they stay soft and tender with that perfect strawberry-chocolate balance.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your freshly baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This step helps them set up so they don’t fall apart when you bite into that first delicious cookie.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress these cookies up for a party or gift, try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or decorating with tiny fresh strawberry slices for a pretty, fresh touch. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can add an elegant flair, too.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of tea. If you want to turn your treat into a dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries to echo that strawberry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter lined with fresh strawberry leaves to enhance the visual charm. For gifting, tie them up in a clear cellophane bag with a cute ribbon and a handwritten tag—nothing says homemade love quite like these cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed preserves moisture so they remain soft and delicious even days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, you can freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. To avoid smushing the chocolate kisses, freeze in a single layer first, then stack with parchment paper between layers.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to that freshly-baked warmth, microwave them for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This reactivates their softness and makes the chocolate kiss wonderfully melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries have a lot of moisture and can change the cookie dough’s consistency, making it too wet. Freeze-dried strawberries are ideal because they add concentrated flavor without extra moisture.
What if I don’t have chocolate kisses? Can I use another type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chocolate chips or chunks, but chocolate kisses provide the perfect size and shape for the classic look and melty center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even improve the flavor as it allows the strawberry and vanilla to meld beautifully.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for gluten-free diets, but results may vary slightly.
How do I keep the cookies soft instead of crunchy?
The key is to avoid overbaking. Pull them out once the edges start to turn golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. Also, storing in an airtight container helps retain moisture and softness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make this endlessly delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to bake some magic in your kitchen. These cookies are the perfect little moments of happiness you can share with loved ones or savor on your own, with every bite bursting with strawberry sweetness and melted chocolate bliss. You’re just a few steps away from a new favorite treat!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, buttery treats infused with the sweet tang of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and topped with a classic chocolate kiss. These delightful cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries to distribute the leavening and flavour evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each dough ball, slightly flattening the top.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents overbaking and helps the cookies set perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries add flavour without adding moisture, preserving cookie texture.
- You can substitute milk chocolate kisses with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
