Strawberry Kiss Cookies are chewy cookies packed with sweet strawberry flavor and a delightful chocolate kiss on top. They’re as cute as they are tasty!
These treats always make me smile, especially when they come out of the oven warm and the kisses are all melty. 🎉 Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!
Baking these cookies is super easy. Just mix, scoop, and pop in the oven! I love serving them at parties or just enjoying a few with my afternoon tea. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Make sure your butter is softened for the best creaming results. If you’re out, coconut oil or margarine can stand in, though the flavor may change a bit.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give a powerful strawberry kick! If you can’t find them, use strawberry powder or regular strawberry puree, but be wary of added moisture in the dough.
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar is crucial for sweetness, while powdered sugar helps with that delightful crust. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute safe for baking.
Chocolate Kisses: The classic strawberry kisses add a fun touch! If you prefer another flavor, traditional milk chocolate or dark chocolate kisses work great too!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, focus on a few key steps:
- Don’t overmix your dough. Mix until just combined to keep that softness.
- Remove cookies from the oven while they’re slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Make sure you’re using room temperature ingredients. Cold butter can create a dense cookie.
With these tips, your cookies will come out delicious every time! Enjoy your baking! 🍪
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry powder)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- About 20 red strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses shaped like lips (or regular strawberry chocolate kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake, making it a quick and sweet treat to whip up. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. So, allow about 30 minutes total from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned spatula, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully blended together.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and flavors throughout the dough.
5. Mix Dry into Wet:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Form the Cookies:
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This will give them a lovely sugary crust!
7. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches in between each ball.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be set on the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss firmly into the center of each cookie. This makes for a sweet, melty surprise when you take a bite!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to brighten your day with their soft texture and delightful strawberry flavor, topped off with a sweet chocolate kiss. Enjoy baking and tasting these scrumptious treats! 🍓❤️🍪
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Fresh strawberries aren’t recommended for this recipe since they contain moisture, which can alter the dough’s texture. If you only have fresh strawberries, you can puree and dry them out in the oven, but freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry powder are best for consistent results!
How Can I Store the Cookies?
To store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
What If I Don’t Have All-Purpose Flour?
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Be aware that some gluten-free flours might change the cookie’s texture slightly, so experiment with what works best for you!
Can I Add Other Toppings Instead of Chocolate Kisses?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can top these cookies with a drizzle of chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change, but they’ll still be delicious!