Prepare to fall head over heels for a dessert that’s as enchanting to look at as it is delightful to taste: our Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies. These truly are easy strawberry kiss cookies, boasting a captivating soft pink hue, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a burst of sweet, fruity strawberry essence that dances on your palate. Each charming cookie culminates in a tender chocolate kiss, creating a perfect symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Remarkably simple to create, they’re the ideal treat to brighten any day, add a touch of romance to a dessert spread, or simply enjoy a moment of homemade joy. Get ready to fall in love with these charming, easy strawberry kiss cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies
The Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience designed for pure bliss. Here’s why they’re destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: A delicate yet distinct strawberry flavor, amplified by both freeze-dried berries and an optional extract, perfectly complements the rich, creamy chocolate kiss.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and tender, practically dissolving on your tongue with every bite. The powdered sugar coating adds another layer of delightful texture.
- Visually Stunning: Their captivating soft pink color makes them a beautiful addition to any dessert table, perfect for celebrations, gifts, or just a pretty afternoon pick-me-up.
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite their gourmet appearance and taste, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive.
- Versatile Appeal: They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a special treat just for yourself. If you’re a fan of strawberry desserts and looking for even more delightful ways to enjoy this beloved berry, you might also appreciate the simplicity and charm of easy strawberry cheesecake protein bites.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating these delightful easy strawberry kiss cookies begins with a few pantry staples and a couple of special touches that elevate the flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes:
- All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, & Salt: The foundational dry ingredients for structure and lift. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened: Crucial for a tender crumb and rich flavor. Softened butter creams easily with sugar. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and contributes to its texture.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the strawberry beautifully.
- Strawberry Extract (Optional): For an intense, vibrant strawberry experience that truly makes these easy strawberry kiss cookies shine. If you don’t have it, the freeze-dried berries will still provide great flavor.
- Finely Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries: This is the secret to the natural strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue. Crush them into a fine powder using a food processor or blender for the best results. Do not substitute with fresh or frozen strawberries, as the moisture content will alter the dough significantly.
- Pink Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops can enhance the color, giving your cookies a more vibrant “blushing” appearance. Adjust to your desired shade.
- Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, creating a delicate, slightly crisp exterior and a pleasant sweetness.
- Small Chocolate Drop Candies (e.g., Hershey’s Kisses): The signature “kiss” in these cookies. Milk chocolate works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with white chocolate or even dark chocolate for a different flavor dynamic.
How to Make Your Own Easy Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Crafting these Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for a tender cookie.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and the optional strawberry extract until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries and the optional pink food coloring until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, creating that lovely pink hue.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place the powdered sugar for rolling in a shallow bowl.
- Roll the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then, roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until it’s completely coated.
- Bake First Round: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set but still look soft. The cookies will puff up slightly.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately upon removing the baking sheets from the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate drop candy into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will cause the chocolate to soften and adhere.
- Bake Second Round (Briefly): Return the cookies to the oven for another 2-3 minutes. This short second bake is just long enough for the chocolate to become slightly glossy and soft, but not fully melted and collapsed.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up as the cookies cool.
Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies is simple with a few expert tips:
- Finely Crush Freeze-Dried Strawberries: This is paramount for an even flavor and color distribution. Use a food processor or a blender to get a very fine powder. Any larger pieces might not incorporate smoothly.
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough Properly: The 30-minute chilling time is non-negotiable. It firms up the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
- Press Kisses Immediately: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press the chocolate drops into the warm centers. The heat helps the chocolate adhere and begin to melt slightly, preparing it for the final brief bake.
- Watch for Doneness: Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They may still look a little soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in a drier cookie.
- Even Rolling in Powdered Sugar: Ensure each dough ball is thoroughly coated in powdered sugar. This creates a lovely crinkled, delicate exterior and adds to the cookie’s visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
These Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:
- Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair them with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or a light, fruity iced tea for a lovely afternoon indulgence.
- Dessert Platter Star: Their beautiful pink hue makes them perfect for a dessert spread, especially for bridal showers, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day.
- Edible Gifts: Package them in a decorative box or clear bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
- Coffee Companion: Enjoy them alongside a warm latte or a cold brew for a sweet pick-me-up.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few cookies over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Proper storage ensures your Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate candies) for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then re-bake briefly at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to warm, then press in fresh chocolate candies immediately upon removing from the oven.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (without the powdered sugar coating) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then roll in powdered sugar and bake as directed.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about making these easy strawberry kiss cookies:
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
A: No, it’s not recommended. Fresh or frozen strawberries contain too much moisture, which would significantly alter the dough consistency and baking results. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor and color without adding excess liquid.
Q: Why do I need to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This ensures your cookies maintain their lovely shape and tender texture.
Q: What if I don’t have strawberry extract?
A: You can absolutely omit it. The finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries provide a wonderful, natural strawberry flavor on their own. The extract simply intensifies that flavor for a more pronounced berry note.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the kisses?
A: Yes! While milk chocolate is classic, feel free to experiment. White chocolate drops would offer a creamy contrast, and dark chocolate would provide a richer, more bittersweet balance to the sweet strawberry cookie.
Q: How can I crush the freeze-dried strawberries finely without a food processor?
A: You can place them in a sturdy resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until a fine powder is achieved. Be patient; a finer powder yields better results.
With their captivating charm and irresistible flavor, these Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies are a testament to the joy of simple, homemade baking. They’re a breeze to prepare, offer a delightful burst of strawberry and chocolate in every bite, and are sure to bring smiles to anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these easy strawberry kiss cookies are a perfect choice that combines elegance with effortless preparation. Dive into the world of delightful berry-infused treats and discover your new favorite cookie today! And if you’re looking to explore other exciting culinary adventures beyond the sweet, be sure to check out our recipe for Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for a savory delight.
Blushing Berry Kiss Cookies: Soft, Sweet & Effortlessly Easy
Indulge in these utterly delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies, a treat that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat. With their captivating soft pink hue, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a sweet, fruity strawberry essence, these cookies are pure bliss. Each bite culminates in a tender chocolate kiss, creating a perfect symphony of flavors. Remarkably easy to whip up, they’re ideal for brightening any day, adding a touch of romance to a dessert spread, or simply enjoying a moment of homemade joy. Get ready to fall in love with these charming, easy strawberry kiss cookies!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for intensified flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- 2-3 drops pink food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 24 small chocolate drop candies (e.g., Hershey's Kisses or similar, unwrapped)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional strawberry extract until well combined. Stir in the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries and the optional pink food coloring until evenly distributed. The mixture should have a lovely pink hue.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set but still look soft. The cookies will puff up slightly.
- Immediately upon removing the baking sheets from the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate drop candy into the center of each warm cookie. The chocolate will soften and adhere.
- Return the cookies to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just long enough for the chocolate to become slightly glossy and soft, but not fully melted and collapsed.
- Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up as they cool.
Notes
For the best strawberry flavor and color, use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries that are finely crushed into a powder. A food processor or blender works wonders for this! If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can omit it, the freeze-dried berries still provide great flavor. These easy strawberry kiss cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate candies) for up to 3 months; add the candies after thawing and a quick re-bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg