Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies - Easy Festive Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24-30 cookies
Ingredients: 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; 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

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful explosion of spring in every bite. Imagin extracte delicate, buttery cookies infused with the bright, tangy essence of fresh strawberries, crowned with a luscious, ruby-red glaze that hints at pure indulgence. It’s no wonder these cookies have captured hearts everywhere – they embody the joy of simple pleasures and the vibrant flavors of the season. What sets this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe apart is the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The cookies themselves are wonderfully tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the strawberry flavor isn’t just a whisper; it’s a full-bodied, authentic fruity symphony. The simple yet elegant presentation makes them ideal for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a festive gathering, promising to bring smiles and a touch of magic to your table.

Ingredients:

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, but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor)
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 (ensure they are the standard Hershey’s Kisses or similar)

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

The foundation of a tender and flavorful cookie lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with the paddle attachment), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pnon-alcoholic ale yellow in color. This process incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookie’s texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to ensure all the butter and sugar are evenly combined. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Adding Wet Ingredients and Flavorings

Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, it’s time to add the egg and extracts. Add the large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature as this helps it incorporate smoothly into the dough) and beat until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage. Next, stir in the vanilla extract. If you’re using the almond extract, add it now as well. The almond extract pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor, creating a delightful aroma and taste. Beat for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is thoroughly blended.

Combining Dry Ingredients and Dough Formation

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the strawberry-flavored gelatin mix. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder), salt, and the vibrant color and flavor from the gelatin are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents pockets of bitterness or uneven coloring in your cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but hold together.

Shaping and Baking the Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Forming the Cookie Balls

The dough will be slightly sticky. To make handling easier, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will firm it up considerably. Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. A cookie scoop can be very helpful here to ensure uniform size. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.

Creating the Kiss Indentation and Baking

This is where the “kiss” in our Strawberry Kiss Cookies truly comes to life! Before baking, gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss candy into the center of each dough ball, pushing it down about halfway so it creates a distinct indentation. The dough will spread slightly around the candy. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. It’s important not to overbake them, as they will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after they are removed from the oven.

The Cooling and Final Touches

Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up properly. During this time, the chocolate kiss will have softened and partially melted into the cookie. If the indentation needs a little finessing, you can gently press down on the edges of the cookie around the melted chocolate. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cool, you can optionally dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar for a pretty, snowy finish. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to your delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Enjoy these charming treats!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, perfect for any occasion! We’ve guided you through creating these tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. These cookies are truly a joy to make and even more of a pleasure to share. They’re wonderful served on their own with a glass of milk, or you can elevate them by pairing them with a light afternoon tea or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Don’t hesitate to experiment with this recipe; consider adding a hint of lemon zest for a brighter citrus note, or perhaps a few white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. The possibilities are endless, and we encourage you to make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe your own. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping. This will help prevent your cookies from becoming too wet.

Q2: How should I store the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe once they’re baked?

For best results, store your cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Q3: My cookies spread too much. What could have gone wrong with the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?

Cookie spreading can often be attributed to a few things. Ensure your butter and sugar were not over-creamed, as this can incorporate too much air. Also, make sure your baking sheets were not too warm when you placed the dough on them. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.