Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the flavors of sweet strawberries and creamy chocolate in a playful and colorful package. With their soft, pink exterior and a rich chocolate kiss right in the center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a cheerful afternoon snack. They impress not only by taste but also by their charming appearance.
When you take a bite, the cookie softly crumbles, revealing a burst of strawberry flavor that dances on your taste buds, balanced by the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. In this article, you’ll discover how to create these delightful cookies that are sure to bring smiles to all faces. Let’s get started on baking a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple and fresh ingredients like butter, sugar, and strawberries.
- Ease of Preparation: The step-by-step instructions make it easy for bakers of all skill levels.
- Nutrition: Offers a sweeter twist on classic cookies with a fruity flavor.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers.
- Presentation: The bright pink color and chocolate center make these cookies visually appealing.
With these reasons, it’s clear you’ll enjoy making and sharing these delightful cookies!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 11-13 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
How To Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder, then whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms. Add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour if the dough is too soft or sticky.
- Shape & Chill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set.
- Add the Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit for 2 minutes before gently pressing a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust cookies with powdered sugar before pressing in the kisses to avoid getting sugar on the chocolate.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve cookies on a colorful plate or tray to showcase their pink hue.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Portions: Offer them at gatherings in groups of 2-3 for sharing.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of milk, hot tea, or coffee for a delightful snack experience.
These simple tips will elevate your serving and make everyone want to try them!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Enhance the flavor by adding a hint of lemon zest for brightness.
- Customization: Try different flavored gelatin mixes, like raspberry or lemon, to switch things up.
- Serving Suggestions: For a fun presentation, package them in decorative bags as gifts.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Variation: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Special Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixer
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for flavor, frozen strawberries can be used. Just ensure they’re thawed and well-drained.
2. Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. For adjustments, consider gluten-free flour and dairy substitutes.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and chilled a day ahead, or frozen until you’re ready to bake.
4. How can I customize the flavor?
Feel free to swap out the strawberry gelatin for other fruity flavors, or add extracts like lemon or coconut for a twist!
5. Can I bake these cookies in a different method?
Yes! If you have an air fryer, you can bake them in small batches, adjusting the temperature and time accordingly.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies not only delight your taste buds with their sweet and fruity flavors but also brighten any occasion with their cheerful appearance. Their simple preparation makes them an accessible treat for bakers at any skill level. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just indulging in some sweet treats, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and start baking today!
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional) Optional for added flavor
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix 3 oz
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting For presentation
- 24-30 pieces chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until well combined.
- Mix in the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pink dough forms.
- If the dough is too soft or sticky, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
Chill the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges look set.
Add the Chocolate Kisses
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit for 2 minutes before gently pressing a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool and Dust
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar before pressing in the kisses to avoid getting sugar on the chocolate.
