If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that feels like a sweet hug wrapped in a delicate pink package, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies combine the rich creaminess of butter and sugar with the tangy brightness of freeze-dried strawberries, topped with the irresistible gooey surprise of a chocolate kiss right at the center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you crave a little floral, fruity magic with your chocolate, this recipe hits every note perfectly and will quickly become a beloved classic in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony created by its ingredients. Each component is straightforward but crucial: the butter and sugars deliver softness and sweetness, the crushed freeze-dried strawberries add vibrant color and natural flavor, and the chocolate kisses bring that luscious finishing touch that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth heavenly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps the cookie tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps achieve the cookie’s perfect texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Offers a delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a chewy consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure-builder that makes the cookies sturdy yet soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the dough for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: Delivers concentrated fruity goodness and a beautiful pink hue throughout.
- 1/2 cup chocolate kisses, unwrapped: The star of the show, melting into a gooey center that’s pure indulgence.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this simple step helps your cookies bake evenly and slide right off when done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar with a mixer or sturdy spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, making the cookies tender and soft.
Step 3: Beat in the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds depth to the flavor, while the egg ensures your dough holds together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. The freeze-dried strawberries infuse the dry mix with their intense fruity flavor without adding moisture to the dough, which keeps the cookies from getting soggy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or you risk tough cookies instead of that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re after.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it gently into balls. Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading and even baking.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kisses
Press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each dough ball. This way, as the cookies bake, the chocolate will melt into a luscious center, creating an irresistible surprise with every bite.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling helps the cookies set perfectly around the gooey chocolate center.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch and extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the cooled cookies or add a dusting of powdered sugar. A few small edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate also pair wonderfully for that elegant, Instagram-worthy look.
Side Dishes
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies make an excellent companion to a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of vanilla latte, or even a refreshing iced green tea. Their delicate sweetness means they complement rather than overpower lighter beverages, making every bite and sip a delightful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay your cookies out on a pretty platter in pretty rows or in a tiered dessert stand for special occasions. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts—nothing says love quite like a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe in advance, feel free to freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to life, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh the cookies and slightly melt the chocolate kiss inside to that heavenly gooey state we all love.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?
It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries in this recipe because they add intense flavor without extra moisture, which keeps your cookies from becoming soggy. Fresh strawberries would add too much moisture and throw off the texture.
What type of chocolate kisses work best?
Classic milk chocolate kisses are the favorite here for their creamy, sweet melt. However, dark chocolate kisses can add a slightly richer, less sweet dimension if you prefer a bit more contrast with the fruity cookie base.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg. Be sure your vanilla extract and chocolate kisses are also vegan-friendly for a fully plant-based treat.
How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from sinking too far into the dough?
Press the chocolate kiss gently but firmly into the dough ball just before baking. This ensures it stays near the surface and creates that delightful chocolate center that’s visible and gooey once baked.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract pairs beautifully with the strawberry and chocolate flavors, giving you a unique twist on the classic Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe—it’s simple, fun, and creates something magical every single time. Whether you’re baking to brighten your day or impress guests, these cookies offer the perfect balance of fruity freshness and chocolate indulgence. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure joy!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat combining the sweet and tangy flavor of freeze-dried strawberries with the rich, smooth taste of chocolate kisses pressed into soft, buttery cookies. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to create a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert that balances fruity freshness with creamy chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated for a smooth cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to the creamed mixture, which adds moisture and flavor to the cookie dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and fruit flavor throughout the dry mix.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out portions of the dough, roll each into a ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between to allow spreading during baking.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each dough ball, embedding it slightly to secure during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, which indicates they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up for optimal texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry and wet ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for an even distribution and better texture in the cookie.
- You can substitute chocolate kisses with chocolate chips if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
