Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Sweet, berry-packed, and undeniably charming, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the ultimate way to make any moment feel like a celebration. Each pretty pink cookie holds a delightful burst of real strawberry flavor, thanks to a clever use of freeze-dried berries, and a crown of strawberry-flavored candy kiss right in the center. If you adore the magic that happens when melt-in-your-mouth cookies meet fruity chocolate, these are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Gather up some simple ingredients and get ready to bake a batch that’s as pretty as it is irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each contributing something special to the final bite. Here’s a peek at what makes these cookies so delicious—and what you’ll need to get started.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures richness and that perfect tender crumb; softening lets it cream smoothly for a silky, airy dough.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps with structure and that gentle crisp edge.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and brings subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm background note that enhances the bright strawberry flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The essential foundation for that classic cookie bite.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a soft, slightly puffy cookie.
- Salt: Balances and sharpens the sweet, fruity flavors.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder: The secret to big, natural berry flavor and blush-pink color throughout.
- Strawberry-flavored candy kisses or strawberry chocolate kisses: The show-stopping topper, adding chocolatey richness and extra berry bliss in every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Starting with a hot oven and prepared pans makes sure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies bake evenly and slide off the pan with ease.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and almost double in size. This step is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in a great cookie.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything’s fully combined. These will help emulsify the dough and give the cookies lovely richness and a hint of warmth that balances the strawberries.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and that beautiful pink powder made from freeze-dried strawberries. This is where the fruity magic happens, creating flavor and color throughout the entire batch.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly pink, soft, and ready to scoop.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out rounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a touch soft.
Step 7: Add the Strawberry Kiss Candy
Right after the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a strawberry-flavored candy kiss into the center of each one. The residual warmth helps the candy settle perfectly, fusing the flavors together. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so the kisses set and keep their shape.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries can add a pop of color and a little extra flair to your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These little touches make them look bakery-worthy on any dessert tray!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat. If you’re serving for a brunch or party, a platter of fresh strawberries or a berry salad complements the fruity theme beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile them high in a vintage cookie jar, nestle them in pink tissue-lined boxes for gifting, or create a cheerful cookie tower with alternating layers of Strawberry Kiss Cookies and vanilla cookies. If you’re feeling playful, use them to top a strawberry milkshake or as a cute cupcake decoration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully soft and fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for sneaky snack attacks or packing in lunchboxes all week long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then pop them into zip-top freezer bags. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to three months. When you need a quick treat, just thaw a few at room temperature.
Reheating
If you’d like that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 7 to 10 seconds. The kiss gets a little melty and delicious again while the cookie stays soft. Perfect for coffee breaks or dessert emergencies!
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries add moisture and won’t give the same concentrated flavor or rosy color as freeze-dried. For the best evenly distributed berry punch in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, stick with freeze-dried berries (and crush them well!) for this recipe.
Are there other flavors of kisses I can use?
Absolutely! While the strawberry-flavored kisses are iconic here, you can play with raspberry, cherry, or even white chocolate kisses for a new twist each time. Just make sure the flavors pair well with strawberry for a harmonious bite.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Definitely. Prepare the dough and store it, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling can help intensify flavors and ensure uniform cookies when it’s time to bake.
How do I crush freeze-dried strawberries into powder?
The easiest way is to place the berries in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them a few times in a food processor. You want a fine powder to blend through your dough for those gorgeous pink cookies.
Why do my Strawberry Kiss Cookies lose their kiss shape?
If you press the kisses in while the cookies are too hot, or move the cookies before they’ve cooled completely, the candies can melt or lose their shape. Let them cool on the sheet pan until the kisses are firm to hold their perfect look.
Final Thoughts
There’s something pure and joyful about baking up a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies. From their gorgeous color to that spark of berry flavor and chocolate in every bite, they win hearts wherever they go. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them all year long—so dive in, bake a batch, and let these cookies bring a little extra happiness to your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet strawberries and rich buttery cookies, topped with a surprise strawberry-flavored candy kiss. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of year.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
Topping:
- 24 strawberry-flavored candy kisses or strawberry chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dough: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add to wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Bake cookies: Scoop dough onto lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Press a candy kiss into each warm cookie.
- Cool and serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet until candy sets.
Notes
- For best results, crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for even flavor distribution.
- You can use raspberry or cherry-flavored kisses as a delicious alternative.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 55 milligrams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
