Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Strawberry Kiss Cookies, a delightful symphony of sweet and tangy flavors, are about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie, its delicate crumb giving way to a burst of strawberry goodness, all crowned with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Are you ready to experience pure cookie bliss?

These charming cookies, while not steeped in centuries of tradition, have quickly become a modern classic, popping up at bake sales, holiday gatherings, and afternoon tea parties. Their appeal lies in their simplicity and the irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The slight tang of strawberry perfectly complements the rich chocolate, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for more.

What makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies so universally loved? It’s the perfect blend of ease and elegance. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet they look absolutely stunning on a dessert platter. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the satisfying snap of the chocolate Kiss, is a sensory delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. So, let’s preheat those ovens and get ready to bake some happiness!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into a powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• For the Strawberry Kiss Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into a powder
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, to adjust consistency
• Pinch of salt
• For Decoration (Optional):
• Pink sanding sugar
• Strawberry sprinkles

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie, so don’t rush it!
2. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. The almond extract really enhances the strawberry flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. The freeze-dried strawberries are key to getting that intense strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color. Make sure they are finely ground; you don’t want any large chunks in your dough.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and allows the flavors to meld together. You can even chill the dough overnight for an even better result.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
3. Optional Decoration: If desired, lightly press the tops of the cookies with your fingers and sprinkle with pink sanding sugar or strawberry sprinkles before baking. This adds a festive touch and extra sweetness.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to bake slightly as they cool.
5. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Strawberry Kiss Filling:

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Strawberry Powder: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, stir in the ground freeze-dried strawberries and a pinch of salt.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the frosting will be too thin.
4. Whip the Frosting: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the frosting for 1-2 minutes, until it is light and airy.

Assembling the Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

1. Pair the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up by size and shape.
2. Frost the Cookies: Spread a generous amount of the strawberry kiss filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
3. Sandwich the Cookies: Top with the flat side of another cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Strawberry Kiss Cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are also delicious chilled!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results. This will help them cream together properly and create a smooth, even dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
• Grind Freeze-Dried Strawberries Finely: Ensure the freeze-dried strawberries are finely ground into a powder. This will give the cookies a beautiful pink color and intense strawberry flavor without any large chunks.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream to the frosting gradually, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Chocolate Dipped: Dip the assembled cookies in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as raspberry or rose, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Different Sprinkles: Use different types of sprinkles to decorate the cookies for various holidays or occasions.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little burst of sunshine in every bite. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a balance of sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful. The soft, buttery cookie base perfectly complements the creamy, strawberry-infused kiss, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. But why is this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of these beauties in no time. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required! Plus, the vibrant pink hue and adorable kiss topping make them visually appealing, perfect for gifting, parties, or simply brightening up your own day. Beyond the ease and deliciousness, these cookies are incredibly versatile. While I adore them just as they are, there are endless ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Drizzle with White Chocolate: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. The white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully. * Add Sprinkles: Because who doesn’t love sprinkles? A sprinkle of pink or red sprinkles before baking adds a festive touch, especially for holidays or special occasions. * Use Different Flavored Kisses: While strawberry kisses are the star of the show here, feel free to experiment with other flavors! Chocolate, caramel, or even mint kisses would be delicious variations. * Make Mini Cookies: For bite-sized treats, simply reduce the size of the cookie dough balls before baking. These mini cookies are perfect for parties or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. * Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take two cookies and sandwich a scoop of your favorite vanilla or strawberry ice cream in between. Instant summer perfection! * Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free friends by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum for best results. * Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the strawberry flavor. * Chopped Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture and a nutty flavor. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies for yourself. I’m confident that they will become a new favorite in your household. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. I promise you won’t regret it! And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you put your own unique spin on the recipe? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think. Happy baking!

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