Growing up, my grandma’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies were the stuff of legends. Every time she’d bake a batch, the entire neighborhood would flock to her doorstep, eager to get a taste of those soft, pillowy cookies with their irresistible strawberry centers. I can still remember the way the aroma of fresh strawberries and buttery dough would waft through the air, luring me in like a siren’s call. And the first bite? Pure bliss.
To this day, Strawberry Kiss Cookies hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of simpler times, of childhood summers spent in my grandma’s kitchen, licking the spoon and hoping for just one more cookie. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s not just a cookie, it’s a piece of my family’s history, and I know it’ll become a treasured tradition in your home too.
Why This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
What makes this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, while the juicy, sweet strawberry center provides a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
The secret? It’s all in the technique. By chilling the dough before baking, we ensure that the cookies retain their shape and don’t spread too much, allowing the strawberry filling to stay put. And the addition of just a touch of baking powder gives these cookies a delicate, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This provides the rich, buttery flavor that’s the foundation of the cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aromatic note that complements the other flavors.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The structure that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Leavens the dough, resulting in those soft, pillowy centers.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries – The star of the show, providing that irresistible burst of juicy sweetness.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Kiss Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of another 15 minutes, you can have a batch of these delectable Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a little bit of elbow grease.
1- Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender texture.
2- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
4- Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix and crush the fruit.
5- Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6- Bake the Strawberry Kiss Cookies at 350°F for 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking – this helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid berries that are overripe or watery.
- Be gentle when folding in the strawberries to prevent them from breaking down and releasing too much juice.
- Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for even heating and browning.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving – the filling will set up as they cool, creating that perfect “kiss” center.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a lovely addition to a summer picnic, where their bright, fruity flavor can shine. And let’s not forget about dessert – these cookies would be a delightful ending to any meal, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
You can also make the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then scoop and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have freshly-baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Creative Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
While the classic Strawberry Kiss Cookies are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:
- Swap out the strawberries for other fresh, seasonal fruit like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.
- Drizzle the baked cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice.
- Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly, crunchy exterior.
Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the egg with a flax or chia “egg.”
- Low-carb: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour blend, and use a granulated sugar substitute in place of the regular sugar.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen berries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the dough to prevent excess moisture.
Q: How long do the cookies need to bake?
A: The Strawberry Kiss Cookies should bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. This ensures the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft and tender.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before scooping and baking.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 Strawberry Kiss Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much?
A: If your cookies tend to spread during baking, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping. You can also use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into uniform balls, which will help them hold their shape.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat. The soft, buttery cookies are filled with a sweet strawberry center, creating a delectable flavor and texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a true delight, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. With their buttery, soft texture and juicy strawberry centers, it’s no wonder they’ve become a cherished family tradition.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to become a new go-to treat. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with every delectable crumb. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear all about your Strawberry Kiss Cookie adventures!
