These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet, and have a lovely surprise in the middle! Each cookie is topped with a delicious strawberry candy that adds a fun twist.
I love making these cookies for gatherings, and they always bring smiles! Plus, who can resist that burst of strawberry flavor? They never last long in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt in your cookies. However, if you’re in a pinch, salted butter will work too—just cut back on the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and structure. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, keeping in mind it may alter the taste.
Strawberry Preserves: This adds a delightful burst of fruity flavor. If you can’t find strawberry preserves, raspberry or cherry jam can be good substitutes—just be aware they will alter the flavor profile.
Food Coloring: Adding food coloring is optional for a vibrant look. If you’d like a natural option, consider beet juice for a splash of color without artificial additives.
Topping: While strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses are fun, you could use other fruity candies or even chocolate kisses if you want a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve soft and chewy cookies, there are a few key steps and techniques to remember:
- **Don’t overmix:** When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- **Watch your baking time:** Pull the cookies out when they’re still slightly undercooked. They continue to firm up as they cool on the sheet.
- **Cooling them properly:** Allowing your cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack helps maintain their softness.
- **Use room temperature ingredients:** Soften your butter and let your egg come to room temperature for the best texture.
Following these tips will help you bake cookies that are perfectly tender, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling cookies)
- About 20 strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses or strawberry lip-shaped candy (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake, plus additional time for cooling. Total time is approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Egg
Next, add the vanilla extract and the large egg to your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they are evenly blended. This step helps ensure your cookies bake evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. If you want your cookies to have a lovely pink hue, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring at this point and mix gently until the dough is evenly colored.
6. Add Strawberry Preserves
Now it’s time to fold in the strawberry preserves gently. This will create little bursts of fruity flavor in your dough.
7. Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in size). Then, roll each ball in the powdered sugar until well coated. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies
Pop the cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be just set and the bottoms slightly golden, but the cookies will still look soft.
9. Add the Candy Topping
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, press one strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss or a lip-shaped candy into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. This will help the candy stick perfectly!
10. Cool the Cookies
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are now ready! They make a delightful treat for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk or tea. Enjoy!
These cookies are not just delicious but also delightful to look at—perfect for any celebration!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of unsalted butter. However, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture slightly. Ensure it’s softened for the best results when creaming with sugar!
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies without Egg?
Yes! To make these cookies egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or 1/4 cup applesauce as a substitute. This will help bind the ingredients together.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor If I Don’t Have Strawberry Preserves?
If you don’t have strawberry preserves, you can use other fruit jams like raspberry, cherry, or even peach. Just remember that the flavor will change depending on the type of jam you use, but it can still be delicious!
