Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Strawberry Kiss Cookies! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a soft spot for anything strawberry-flavored. I remember my mom baking strawberry shortcake on special occasions, and the sweet, fruity aroma would fill our home, making us all giddy with anticipation. That’s exactly the vibe I wanted to capture with these cookies! They’re not just your average cookie; the soft, buttery bite combined with the rich chocolate kiss on top is a match made in heaven. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Trust me, once you taste them, they’ll become a go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup granulated sugar to add sweetness and texture
- 1 cup powdered sugar for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour to give the cookies structure
- 1 cup strawberry puree, preferably made from fresh strawberries for the best flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance all the sweetness
- 1 cup chocolate kisses, the perfect finishing touch to each cookie
How to Prepare Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is a delightful process, and I promise you it’s easier than you might think! Let’s dive into the steps to create these sweet, fruity treats. You’ll want to have all your ingredients ready and your oven preheated because the magic happens pretty quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for those perfect, soft cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, making your cookies tender!
- Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of strawberry puree, mixing well until everything is combined and smooth. The color will be beautiful!
- Gradually stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined; you don’t want to overwork the dough.
- Now, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space between each one because they’ll spread just a tad.
- Bake these lovelies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- As soon as you pull them out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will melt the chocolate just enough to make it extra delicious!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting game is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve that light and fluffy texture. When you’re mixing the sugars and butter, really take your time – the fluffier the mixture, the better the cookies will be!
Also, don’t skip the cooling step after baking! Letting them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set while still being warm and soft. And if you want to elevate the flavor, try adding a pinch of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist. Lastly, make sure to check your cookies a minute or two before the baking time is up; every oven is a little different, and we want to avoid over-baking! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know some of you might be curious about the nutritional aspects of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies. It’s important to remember that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. But here’s a breakdown to give you an idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
So there you have it! Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to share (if you can resist the temptation)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Strawberry Kiss Cookies come together in just about 32 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute treat or when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry and chocolate is a classic that never fails to impress! Each bite is bursting with fruity goodness paired with that smooth, melty chocolate kiss.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies fit right in. They’re also great for picnics or as a sweet addition to holiday cookie trays!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re fun to make together, and the delightful pink color and chocolate surprise are sure to bring smiles.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, there’s plenty to go around, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family, or even your coworkers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Strawberry Kiss Cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once the cookies have completely cooled, pop them into an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I know!), you can also freeze them! Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers in the container to keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your sweet, fruity treats anytime!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries to make your puree. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before blending. This will help you achieve that vibrant strawberry flavor without too much extra moisture in your dough. I often use frozen strawberries when fresh ones aren’t in season, and they still turn out delicious!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They’re done when the edges start to turn a lovely golden color, while the centers might still look a bit soft—that’s perfect! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. If you press lightly on the top, it should gently spring back. Just remember, over-baking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make Strawberry Kiss Cookies gluten-free! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help mimic the texture of regular flour. You might also want to check that your chocolate kisses are gluten-free, just to be safe. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing these sweet delights with a tall glass of cold milk; the classic combination is simply unbeatable. If you’re feeling fancy, why not serve them alongside a refreshing strawberry lemonade? It’s a perfect match that enhances the fruity flavor of the cookies!
For a cozy afternoon treat, I also recommend enjoying them with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The warmth of the beverage complements the buttery texture of the cookies beautifully. And if you’re looking to create a sweet dessert platter, these cookies are a delightful addition alongside some chocolate-dipped strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this sweet spread!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies: 7 Steps to Irresistible Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry-flavored cookies topped with a chocolate kiss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar levels based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Kiss Cookies