Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. These soft, buttery cookies are filled with a sweet strawberry jam and topped with a chocolate kiss, creating the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. The vibrant pink color and decadent chocolate finish make them an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you’re craving something sweet.

I first made these cookies when I wanted to add a fun, festive touch to my cookie collection, and they quickly became a family favorite. The kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked cookies, and the combination of strawberry and chocolate was a hit. These cookies are versatile enough to be made for any occasion, whether it’s a special holiday or just a cozy afternoon treat.

What’s great about Strawberry Kiss Cookies is how simple they are to make while still looking and tasting impressive. With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy these sweet, colorful cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them by yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Valentine’s Day treats
• Dessert tables
• Gift-giving
• Strawberry and chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Here’s why Strawberry Kiss Cookies will quickly become your new favorite cookie:

• Soft and Buttery Texture: These cookies have a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Sweet Strawberry Jam: The strawberry jam in the center adds a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate kiss on top.
• Chocolatey Goodness: The chocolate kiss adds a rich, creamy flavor to each bite, creating the perfect contrast to the strawberry filling.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are simple to prepare, making them ideal for beginner bakers and experienced ones alike.
• Festive and Fun: With their bright pink color and chocolate topping, these cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-130 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or strawberry preserves)
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses (or any chocolate kiss of your choice)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture, creating a soft and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Strawberry Jam: A dollop of strawberry jam in the center of each cookie provides a sweet and fruity burst of flavor.
• Chocolate Kisses: The iconic chocolate kiss on top adds a creamy and indulgent touch to each cookie, elevating the overall flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Using both granulated and powdered sugar helps create a delicate texture that isn’t overly sweet, allowing the jam and chocolate to shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Roll the Dough into Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Make the Indentation: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
8. Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into the indentation of each cookie.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Add the Chocolate Kisses: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie where the jam is. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• For Special Occasions: These cookies make a great addition to holiday dessert tables, birthday parties, or baby showers.
• With a Hot Beverage: Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a gift box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• For Family Gatherings: Bring them to family gatherings or potlucks for a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect every time:

• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft or sticky to roll into balls, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it much easier to work with.
• Use Quality Jam: Choose a good-quality strawberry jam or preserves for the best flavor. You can even use homemade jam if you prefer.
• Press the Chocolate Kisses Gently: Be careful when pressing the chocolate kiss into the cookie. Press gently to ensure it stays in place without breaking the cookie.
• Adjust the Jam Amount: If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a little more jam to each indentation, but be careful not to overfill.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies closely while they bake. Overbaking will make them dry and less soft. The edges should be golden, but the centers should still be soft.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

• Raspberry Kiss Cookies: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry jam for a tart twist on these classic cookies.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Kiss Cookies: After baking, dip the edges of each cookie in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Lemon Kiss Cookies: Replace the strawberry jam with lemon curd for a refreshing citrus version.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Swap the strawberry jam for peanut butter and top with a peanut butter cup instead of a chocolate kiss.
• Nutty Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the dough for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie.
• Coconut Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Roll the cookie dough in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist.
• Shortbread Kiss Cookies: Use a shortbread cookie base instead of the soft dough for a buttery, crumbly texture.
• Mint Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty freshness that pairs well with the strawberry jam.
• White Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Top the cookies with a white chocolate kiss for a sweeter and creamier alternative.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Here are some tools to make preparing Strawberry Kiss Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will help you achieve a light, fluffy dough with ease.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform dough balls for even baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Teaspoon or Small Spoon: For filling the centers with jam, a small spoon or teaspoon works best to control the amount of jam.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

1. Can I use a different type of jam?
   Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or any fruit preserves of your choice.
2. Can I make these cookies without the chocolate kiss?
   Absolutely! If you prefer, you can omit the chocolate kiss and just enjoy the strawberry-filled cookies.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from the freezer.
4. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the kiss?
   Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate kisses to suit your preference.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should have golden edges and be soft in the center. The chocolate kiss should be slightly melted but intact.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a sweet and delicious treat that combines buttery, soft cookies, fruity strawberry jam, and rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just as a fun treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for anyone who loves the combination of strawberry and chocolate.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from casual baking sessions to holiday celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in them yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!