Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, if preferred); ¼ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for enhanced flavor); Pinch of salt; 24 Hershey's Strawberry Kisses (or other strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses); Pink sprinkles; White chocolate drizzle

Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Prepare to fall in love with these delightful little treats! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie, its delicate crumb giving way to a burst of sweet strawberry flavor. These aren't just cookies; they're tiny parcels of happiness, perfect for sharing (or not!) and guaranteed to brighten any day.

While the exact origins of Strawberry Kiss Cookies are shrouded in a bit of mystery, similar "kiss" cookies, often featuring chocolate or peanut butter, have been a beloved part of American baking traditions for generations. They represent a simple, comforting indulgence, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. The strawberry variation adds a fresh, summery twist to this classic confection.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base contrasts beautifully with the slightly chewy, intensely fruity strawberry candy melt "kiss" on top. They're also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying sweet treat. Plus, who can resist that adorable, kiss-shaped topping? Get ready to bake up a batch of these charming and delicious cookies – you won't regret it!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling:

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, if preferred)
¼ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Pinch of salt

For the Kiss:

24 Hershey's Strawberry Kisses (or other strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses)

Optional Decorations:

Pink sprinkles
White chocolate drizzle

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

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 your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for the cookies to rise properly.
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. Mix until the flour is just incorporated; a few streaks of flour are okay.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is important because it allows the gluten in the flour to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle. You can chill the dough for up to 2 hours if needed.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling:

Pulverize the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely ground into a powder. You can also use a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you don't have a food processor or blender. The finer the powder, the smoother your filling will be.
Combine Strawberry Powder and Powdered Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry powder and powdered sugar. This ensures that the strawberry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Add Heavy Cream (or Milk) and Strawberry Extract: Gradually add the heavy cream (or milk) to the strawberry powder and powdered sugar mixture, mixing until a smooth, thick paste forms. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If using, stir in the strawberry extract and a pinch of salt. The extract will enhance the strawberry flavor, and the salt will balance the sweetness.
Adjust Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream (or milk). If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but still be spreadable.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Shape the Cookie Dough: Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
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.
Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the strawberry filling on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Add the Strawberry Kiss: Gently press a Hershey's Strawberry Kiss into the center of the top cookie. The filling should help hold the Kiss in place.
Optional Decorations: If desired, decorate the cookies with pink sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Let the Cookies Set: Allow the assembled cookies to set for a few minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly and the chocolate kiss to adhere to the cookie.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your cookies. Use good quality butter, vanilla extract, and freeze-dried strawberries for the best results.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Don't Overbake the Cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool the Cookies Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling them, or the filling will melt.
Adjust the Filling Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream (or milk) in the filling to achieve the desired consistency.
Store Properly: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze the baked and assembled cookies. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations:

Different Flavored Kisses: Experiment with different flavors of Hershey's Kisses, such as dark chocolate or caramel.
Different Fruit Fillings: Try using other freeze-dried fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create different flavored fillings.
Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough or the filling for added texture and flavor.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra chocolatey goodness.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Strawberry Kiss Cookies! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're a burst of sunshine in every bite, a nostalgic nod to simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a little bit of magic in their baking. The combination of the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base with the sweet and tangy strawberry kiss is simply irresistible. It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's also surprisingly easy to make. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you'll find the instructions straightforward and the process enjoyable. Plus, the ingredients are readily available, so you won't have to spend hours searching for obscure items. It's a recipe that's accessible to everyone, regardless of their baking experience. And let's not forget the versatility! While I'm a huge fan of the classic strawberry kiss combination, there are so many ways to customize these cookies to your liking. For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate kisses instead of strawberry. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different extracts in the cookie dough, like almond or vanilla bean. You could even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor. Serving Suggestions and Variations: These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat. Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. Bring them to potlucks and watch them disappear in minutes. Or, simply enjoy them as a sweet ending to a long day. Here are a few more serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing: * Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Strawberry or vanilla would be particularly delicious! * Cookie Crumble Topping: Crumble the cookies over yogurt, ice cream, or even a bowl of fruit for a touch of sweetness and crunch. * Gift Giving: Package the cookies in a pretty box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. * Holiday Baking: These cookies are perfect for holiday baking! Decorate them with festive sprinkles or icing for a touch of holiday cheer. * Peanut Butter Variation: Add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a nutty twist. I'm confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It's a recipe that's sure to impress your friends and family, and it's a great way to create lasting memories. The joy of baking and sharing these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is something truly special. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you have any tips or tricks to share? Please leave a comment below and let me know how your cookies turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I'm always eager to learn from my readers. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy these Strawberry Kiss Cookies as much as I do!