Bursting with pink charm and playful flavor, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the delightful treat you’ll want to bake for every occasion, from Valentine’s Day to simple Sunday snacking. Each little cookie features a soft, tender crumb bursting with strawberries and capped off with a classic chocolate Kiss. These are no ordinary thumbprints; instead, they’re a sweet conversation starter that promises smiles in every bite. Once you try Strawberry Kiss Cookies, you’ll find any excuse to whip up another batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, coming together to create the perfect texture and unforgettable flavor. From the fruitiness of the strawberries to the irresistible chocolate on top, you’ll see why each item matters.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor in every cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, letting the strawberry flavor shine.
- Egg yolk: Ensures your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are tender and gives richness to the dough.
- Strawberry extract (or freeze-dried strawberry powder): This boosts the strawberry aroma and brings a burst of fruity flavor without making the dough too wet.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure, helping your cookies hold their shape around the chocolate Kisses.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Pink, red, OR white sanding sugar (optional): Rolling the cookies in colored sugar gives them sparkle and extra crunch.
- Hershey’s Kisses (Milk, Dark, or White Chocolate): The signature chocolatey crown for each cookie—choose your favorite flavor!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by placing the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until pale and fluffy—this step is the foundation for a tender cookie, as it aerates the dough and ensures even sweetness.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Strawberry Flavor
Next, mix in the egg yolk and your chosen strawberry extract or powder. This is where that signature Strawberry Kiss Cookies aroma starts to fill the kitchen and the soft pink color develops beautifully. Be sure to blend thoroughly for a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies light. The dough should be soft but not sticky, easy to shape into perfect little balls.
Step 4: Shape and Add Color
Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. For extra flair, roll each ball in your choice of pink, red, or white sanding sugar. This makes your Strawberry Kiss Cookies sparkle and adds a playful crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them generously. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the cookies still look slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kiss
The magic moment! Immediately upon coming out of the oven, gently press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—it helps the chocolate set without melting too much.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies hardly need extra adornment, but you can sprinkle a little freeze-dried strawberry powder or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for even more pizzazz. A drizzle of melted white chocolate also makes each cookie feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a cup of hot tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a sparkling berry lemonade. Their vibrant flavor and color make them ideal for serving alongside fresh fruit or a chocolate mousse at parties or afternoon gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a pretty box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. If you’re going festive, build them into a cookie tower centerpiece on your dessert table, or use delicate doilies to display them at a shower or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and delightful for up to five days. Layer parchment or waxed paper between them to prevent sticking and keep the chocolate pristine.
Freezing
You can freeze baked (and fully cooled) cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Reheating
If you want to bring back that “fresh from the oven” warmth, pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for just 6-8 seconds. This softens the crumb and slightly melts the chocolate Kiss, almost like baking them all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of extract or powder?
Fresh strawberries add moisture which changes the dough texture, so stick with extract or a spoonful of freeze-dried strawberry powder for color and concentrated flavor without making the cookies soggy.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
This is often due to overly soft butter or overmixing. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and measure flour carefully to help your Strawberry Kiss Cookies hold their shape.
Are there substitutions for the chocolate Kisses?
Absolutely! Swap in a piece of your favorite chocolate, a white chocolate button, or a dollop of strawberry jam instead, depending on your craving or dietary needs. Just remember, the “Kiss” is part of the cookie’s charm!
Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can use a good all-purpose gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it’s a one-to-one swap and doesn’t contain added gums that would toughen the cookies.
How do I get that perfect pink color?
For vibrant cookies, use strawberry extract or powder with a drop or two of pink food coloring. Natural alternatives like beet powder work as well, just adjust for intensity and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the sweet burst and cheerful looks of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, they’ll become your go-to for bringing joy to any day. Grab your apron and bake a batch—you’ll find plenty of happy taste-testers lining up for seconds!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful strawberry kiss cookies are a perfect blend of buttery cookie dough and sweet strawberry flavor, topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for an added touch of indulgence. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Coating:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For Topping:
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour until a dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in the ground strawberry mixture until coated.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set.
- Add the Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can customize these cookies by using different flavored freeze-dried fruits for the coating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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