If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries and rich chocolate in every bite, then you simply must try the Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Delight Recipe. These cookies combine the tender crumb of a buttery sugar cookie with the vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries and the irresistible charm of a chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Each component plays a starring role—from the buttery base to the fruity strawberry burst and the melty chocolate finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creaming this butter helps create that light, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a little bit of crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Enhances the soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough while adding richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that compliments the strawberries perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookie dough’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to that perfect soft and slightly puffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: Provides vibrant strawberry flavor and a pretty pink color without adding moisture.
- 1/2 cup chocolate kisses, unwrapped: The luscious center piece that melts into the cookie for a perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender crumb and that blissful texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds structure, while the vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. The crushed strawberries not only infuse the dough with flavor but also give the cookies a naturally pretty pink hue.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here — you want to keep the cookies tender and light, not tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them gently into balls. Space them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. This shapes your cookies perfectly for baking.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Kisses
Press an unwrapped chocolate kiss gently into the center of each cookie ball. This melt-in-the-middle surprise is what really makes these Strawberry Kiss Cookies shine!
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set with that perfect chewy softness.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Delight Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look stunning when topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even delicate edible flowers for an extra-special presentation. You could also sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces around the serving plate to echo the bright flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to complement the sweet and slightly tart strawberry flavor. They’re lovely alongside a fresh fruit salad for a bright, cheerful dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a pretty tin or stack them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. You can even use them as a charming dessert garnish for simple cakes or cupcakes, adding a pop of color and flavor that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect to bake in advance for parties or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Want to save your Strawberry Kiss Cookies for later? Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
If you’d like your cookies warm and melty again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The chocolate kisses will soften beautifully, just as if they had just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried strawberries in this recipe?
Fresh strawberries have too much moisture, which will affect the cookie texture. Freeze-dried strawberries are best because they add intense flavor without making the dough wet.
What type of chocolate should I use for the kisses?
Classic semi-sweet or milk chocolate kisses work wonderfully. You can also try dark chocolate for a richer contrast or white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the cookie dough briefly before baking can help maintain the shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes the flavors develop even more and the dough easier to handle.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup to make a tasty gluten-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that once you make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Delight Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re sweet, tender, and bursting with the perfect pairing of strawberry and chocolate that feels both nostalgic and special. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of your new favorite cookies. Your taste buds are going to thank you!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat combining the fruity flavor of freeze-dried strawberries and the rich melt of chocolate kisses. These soft, buttery cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful surprise in the center, making them an ultimate crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step adds moisture and flavor to the cookie dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These ingredients add structure and the signature strawberry flavor to your cookies.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie ball, embedding the chocolate for a gooey surprise after baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool there for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Crush the freeze-dried strawberries finely to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the cookie dough.
- You can substitute chocolate kisses with chocolate chips if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture and prevent spreading.
