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If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly blends tender buttery cookie dough with the fresh, fruity sweetness of strawberries and the rich kiss of chocolate, then the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. This charming cookie is a celebration of vibrant strawberry flavor combined with melt-in-your-mouth texture and a luscious chocolate center, making every bite an irresistible experience that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays its part, from the soft flour that creates the perfect crumb to the fresh strawberries that add bursts of color and juiciness. Let’s dive into what you need:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the tender base that holds the cookie together.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A little lift to give your cookies a soft, fluffy texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances perfectly with the tang of strawberries.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Bursts of juicy, natural fruit flavor and lovely pink flecks throughout the dough.
- 12 pieces chocolate kisses, unwrapped: The iconic finishing touch – silky chocolate centers that melt perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even baking. While the oven warms, finely chop your fresh strawberries so they disperse evenly in the dough, infusing every bite with juicy strawberry flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft, tender crumb that will melt beautifully in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
Mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder together, then gradually add them to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir gently as you combine to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in the finely chopped strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without mashing them. These fresh pieces are what give the cookies their signature fruity bursts and lovely flecks of red.
Step 5: Scoop Onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. Give them enough space to spread slightly as they bake, keeping the cookies nice and evenly shaped.
Step 6: Bake and Add Chocolate Kisses
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn a delicate golden color. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will soften the chocolate just enough for a luscious melt-in-the-middle effect.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set properly while keeping the chocolate kiss perfectly gooey and delightful. Once cooled, these treats are ready for you to savor or share.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving to add a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. Fresh strawberry slices on the side can also highlight the fruity flavor in each bite.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Kiss Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For brunch or dessert spreads, serve alongside fresh berries or a light yogurt parfait to create a colorful, inviting table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a circle on a pretty platter with chocolate kisses nestled in the center for an eye-catching display. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a layer of strawberry jam or cream cheese frosting inside for an extra-special treat that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. Make sure to layer with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking or smudging the chocolate kisses.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cookies fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’re best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in a low oven. This melts the chocolate kiss just enough to bring back that delightful soft center without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, you can substitute frozen berries as long as you thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture that might make the dough too wet.
What if I don’t have chocolate kisses?
No worries! You can use small pieces of chocolate bars or chocolate chips as an alternative, but the iconic shape and size of a chocolate kiss really add to the aesthetic and melting experience.
How do I prevent the strawberries from making the dough soggy?
Make sure to chop the strawberries finely and gently fold them in last. Also, pat them dry slightly with a paper towel to remove excess juice before adding to the dough.
Can this dough be refrigerated before baking?
Yes! Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help manage spread and improve flavor, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Their charming look and delightful flavor make Strawberry Kiss Cookies perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply brightening up any gathering with a homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
Giving the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe a try is like inviting a little moment of joy into your day. With its tender crumb, juicy strawberry bursts, and that dreamy chocolate center, it’s hard not to fall in love. So gather your ingredients and start baking – these cookies are a sweet way to make any day feel special, and I promise they’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Kiss Cookies, featuring a tender buttery base infused with fresh, finely chopped strawberries and crowned with a luscious chocolate kiss. Perfect for a sweet snack or a festive treat, these cookies combine fruity freshness with a satisfying chocolate finish in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Additional
- 12 pieces chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Finely chop the fresh strawberries to ensure they incorporate evenly into the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing gently to form the cookie dough without overworking it, which helps keep the cookies soft.
- Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries into the dough, distributing them evenly while preserving their freshness and juiciness.
- Scoop Dough: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, place dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, giving a glossy finish.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before serving, ensuring the chocolate sets properly and the cookies achieve optimal texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly to ½ cup.
- Chocolate kisses can be substituted with chocolate chunks or chips if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
