Fancy a cookie that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat? These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness, guaranteed to steal your heart at first bite.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a timeless flavor duo that’s irresistible.
- Using real strawberry puree ensures a natural, vibrant taste and color.
- The cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from the chocolate kiss on top.
- They’re easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 24 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Tip: For even baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated before the cookies go in.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after removed from the oven, so don’t overbake.
Add the Chocolate Kiss
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures the dough has the right consistency. If you’re using frozen strawberries for the puree, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. To achieve uniformly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop. If you don’t have one, a tablespoon measure works just fine. For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract to the dough. Finally, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy for days.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the chocolate kisses for white chocolate or dark chocolate kisses for a different flavor profile.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that complements the strawberry.
- For a nutty version, mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strawberry jam instead of puree?
While you can use strawberry jam, it may alter the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Jam is thicker and sweeter than puree, so you might need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. For best results, stick to strawberry puree.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate kiss) for up to 3 months. Add the chocolate kiss after thawing.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature for easier scooping. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Summary
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.