These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun treat with a delightful pink color and a sweet surprise! With a soft, buttery base and a tasty chocolate kiss on top, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be in cookie heaven! I love to bake these when I need to impress guests, but honestly, they’re just too good to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work. Just remember that consistency might vary, so keep an eye on the dough!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or plant-based butter can substitute well, though slightly different in flavor and texture.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: They add natural strawberry flavor and color. If you’re in a pinch, you could use regular fresh strawberries, but be aware that they might make your dough too wet. Just chop them fine and reduce any added liquids.
Strawberry Kisses: These provide both flavor and decoration. If unavailable, use regular chocolate Kisses or any fruit-flavored candy that appeals to you. Milk chocolate also makes a good visual contrast!
How Can I Get My Cookies Soft and Tender?
The secret to soft cookies is not to overmix your dough and to pay attention while baking! Here’s how to ensure the best texture:
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, but don’t overdo it.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated. A few lumps are okay!
- Don’t overbake! Remove the cookies from the oven when they’re just set in the center. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Let them cool slightly before moving them for a perfectly soft bite!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small pieces
- 1-2 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
- About 24 strawberry-flavored Kiss chocolates (or pink Hershey’s Kisses or similar candy)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to give your cookies about 5 minutes to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. So, you can expect a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This will give your cookies a lovely natural strawberry taste and lots of color!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s fluffy and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Now, add the egg and vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps; that’s okay!
6. Color and Shape the Dough
If you like, add 1-2 drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough and mix gently until the color is even. Then, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. If you want, roll them lightly in sugar for an extra sweet crust.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft.
8. Add the Kisses
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press one strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will make them look adorable!
9. Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so the candy can set slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies! They’re sweet, soft, and perfect for any occasion.
This recipe yields tender cookies with pretty specks of strawberry and a lovely pink hue, finished with the signature “kiss” candy on top that melts slightly and creates a delightful surprise with each bite. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but they should be finely chopped. Keep in mind that they contain moisture, which might make your dough a bit wetter. To compensate, you might want to reduce any added liquids in the recipe slightly to maintain the right texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they should still turn out delicious. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Kisses Available?
No problem! You can easily substitute with any chocolate Kiss or use other fruit-flavored candies that complement the strawberry flavor, such as regular Hershey’s Kisses or even chocolate-covered strawberries for a lovely touch!
