Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet little treats that melt in your mouth! They’re made with soft cookies topped with a yummy chocolate kiss and a sprinkle of strawberry flavor.
These cookies always bring a smile, especially when the kids help out in the kitchen. Who can resist a cookie that looks this cute? I love serving them with a glass of milk for the perfect snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for cookies since it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect for sweetness and texture. You can use brown sugar for a molasses hint or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add a nice fruity flavor. If not available, fresh strawberries can be chopped finely, but they’ll add more moisture. Adjust flour accordingly.
Candy Kisses: The strawberry kisses are a fun touch! You can swap them for regular chocolate kisses or even gummy candies shaped like lips.
How Do I Get Soft, Chewy Cookies?
To achieve that perfect texture in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, focus on these key techniques:
- **Creaming Butter and Sugar:** Make sure the butter is soft. Cream it well with sugar until fluffy to introduce air, which makes your cookies light.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- **Baking Time:** Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should look slightly puffy and cracked on top, and don’t forget to add the candy kisses right after taking them out!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small bits
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- About 20 strawberry-flavored candy kisses (shaped like lips)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need approximately 15 minutes for prepping the cookie dough and another 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow time for cooling to ensure they set properly. In total, you can have delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready to share in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start your cooking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line baking sheets with parchment paper to make for easy cookie removal later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer (or a spoon if you prefer a workout!) to cream them together until the mixture becomes nice, light, and fluffy. This step is essential for giving your cookies that soft texture!
3. Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s well combined, and it should look smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Doing this helps evenly distribute the baking powder, so your cookies will rise just right!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until it’s blended. Be careful not to overmix—just a few turns with your spoon until combined will do.
6. Fold in Strawberries:
Now it’s time to add a fruity twist! Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries so that all those delicious bits are evenly spread throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Each ball should be about the size of a golf ball!
8. Roll in Powdered Sugar:
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives your cookies a sweet, snowy appearance and a delightful taste!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the powdered sugar-coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. Bake them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and just beginning to crack at the tops.
10. Add the Candy Kisses:
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a strawberry-flavored candy kiss firmly into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. This makes for a delicious melty topping!
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies with friends and family or keep them all to yourself!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used, but be sure to chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly since they have more moisture. You may want to add a bit more flour to balance the dough consistency.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/4 tsp to help with texture.
Can I Add Other Flavorings?
Yes! Feel free to mix in some lemon zest or almond extract for a twist. You could also incorporate chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!