Strawberry Kiss Cookies 🍪🍓🍫
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
2 cups + 2 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
DIRECTIONS:
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes 2-3 minutes and is essential for creating the delicate texture of the cookies.
Adding the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) helps bind everything together and infuses the dough with a lovely aroma.
Mix the wet ingredients well, then comes the special part: adding the strawberry gelatin mix. This will turn the dough into a nice pink color and give it that light strawberry taste these cookies are so unique for.
Once the gelatin is completely mixed, add the dry ingredients-slowly-flour, baking powder, and salt-until you have a soft, partially pink dough ready for shaping.
To assemble the cookies, take a rounded tablespoon of dough and round into a smooth ball. Place each onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about two inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading in the oven.
Make the signature thumbprint shape in the center of each dough ball by lightly pressing down with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon. A little twist as you press down makes for a smooth, rounded dip. You want it deep enough, but not to pass through to the bottom of the cookie since this is where the chocolate kiss will go later.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F 175°C for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and faint cracks just beginning to appear around the edges. The cookies should still feel very slightly soft to the touch; this ensures they remain tender even after they cool. Let them stay on the baking sheet for a few minutes before the final, delicious step.
After the cookies cool down, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top. This makes every cookie look really nice and festive, excellent for special occasions, or maybe just comforting and warming teatime.
When the cookies are just cool enough yet still warm, push a chocolate kiss candy into the middle of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will soften the chocolate kiss enough that it will stick in without fully melting.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich flavor of chocolate. These cookies not only look stunning with their vibrant pink color but also offer a delightful contrast between the soft cookie and the creamy chocolate kiss. To elevate your baking experience, consider experimenting with premium quality chocolate kisses and adding some crushed strawberries into the dough for an enhanced flavor profile. They can be made for various occasions, including birthdays, holidays, and tea parties. Additionally, you can customize them by adding nuts or substituting the chocolate kiss with another type of candy. For storage, keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to a week, making them an excellent option for meal prep or snacks throughout the week. Don't forget to share your cookie creations on social media to inspire other baking enthusiasts! Remember, the key to perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar, so take your time to enjoy the baking process!
