Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Valentine’s Day is all about sweet moments and heartfelt gestures, and nothing says “I love you” quite like a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These soft, tender cookies are a perfect combination of rich strawberry flavor, buttery goodness, and a delightful chocolate kiss right in the center. With their eye-catching pink color and festive flair, they make an adorable treat for any occasion, but they’re especially perfect for sharing with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor from the added strawberry extract and the subtle sweetness of white or milk chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, friends, or family, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to be a hit. With just the right balance of sweetness and a lovely strawberry twist, they offer a creative spin on traditional cookie recipes. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time and spend more time enjoying the love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Strawberry Flavor

The addition of strawberry extract and optional freeze-dried strawberries gives these cookies a delightful, authentic strawberry taste that stands out.

2. Chocolate Kiss Center

Each cookie is topped with a creamy chocolate kiss, making every bite even more indulgent and satisfying.

3. Perfect for Valentine’s Day

These cookies feature a soft, pink hue and look as beautiful as they taste, making them perfect for the most romantic holiday of the year.

4. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are wonderfully soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth, offering the perfect texture balance between cookie and chocolate.

5. Quick and Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy instructions, these cookies are a breeze to bake, even for beginners. You’ll be able to make a batch in less than an hour!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Strawberry extract
• Milk or white chocolate kisses
• Red or pink food coloring (optional)
• Optional: freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor

Variations

• Use a different chocolate center: Swap the chocolate kisses for other candies like caramel-filled chocolates or even peanut butter cups.
• Add a frosting drizzle: For extra sweetness, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Make them more fruity: Incorporate freeze-dried strawberries into the dough for a stronger strawberry flavor and a fun, colorful look.
• Vegan version: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly variation.
• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for an added crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and strawberry extract, mixing well. If you’re using food coloring, add a few drops to achieve your desired shade of pink.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If you’d like an extra boost of strawberry flavor, you can fold in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries at this point.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kiss

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overbake the cookies: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, be sure to remove them from the oven while they’re still a little soft in the center.
• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough that will bake evenly.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, so they set properly and hold their shape.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for serving at any Valentine’s Day gathering. Arrange them on a festive plate for a romantic dessert or gift them in a cute box for a homemade treat. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea. Whether enjoyed on their own or alongside other treats, they’re sure to be the star of your sweet table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To prevent them from getting too soft, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked taste, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds or pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use strawberry jam instead of extract?

While strawberry jam may not provide the same intense flavor as strawberry extract, it can work as a substitute for a more subtle flavor. You may need to adjust the consistency of the dough to account for extra moisture.

2. Can I use dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate?

Yes! Dark chocolate kisses can provide a richer contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

4. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, food coloring is optional. If you prefer a natural look, you can skip it, and the cookies will still be delicious.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking to help prevent excessive spreading. You can also add a little extra flour if the dough is too soft.

6. Can I use other berries for a different flavor?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry extract with raspberry or blueberry extract for a different berry flavor.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to a container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

8. Can I add sprinkles to these cookies?

Yes! Sprinkles can add a fun touch to these cookies. Sprinkle them on top before baking for extra color and texture.

9. What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can use vanilla extract or experiment with other fruit extracts for a different but equally delicious flavor.

10. How can I make these cookies softer?

For an even softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun, delicious, and romantic treat that will make your Valentine’s Day extra special. With their beautiful pink hue, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and sweet strawberry flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with the ones you love. Simple to make yet full of flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for all your celebrations. Whether for a party, a sweet gift, or a treat for yourself, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies will leave everyone smiling!

Print