Growing up, I can still remember the sweet aroma of Strawberry Kiss Cookies wafting through our kitchen every holiday season. My grandma, bless her heart, had this special recipe that she’d been perfecting for years, and it was always the star of our family’s Christmas cookie platter. The buttery shortbread base, the bursts of juicy strawberry, and that delightful powdered sugar coating – it was a flavor explosion in every bite. I can’t tell you how many times I sneaked into the kitchen, trying to snatch one of those Strawberry Kiss Cookies before they were all gone. Even now, just the thought of those delectable treats takes me right back to my childhood, surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of the holidays.
Why This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Well, I’m thrilled to share Grandma’s legendary Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe with you today. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your household too. What makes this recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base provides the perfect canvas for the sweet, jammy strawberry filling. And the generous coating of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch, creating a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
The secret lies in the homemade strawberry jam that’s nestled inside each cookie. Instead of using store-bought jam, which can be overly sweet or tart, we’re making our own quick strawberry preserves right on the stovetop. This allows us to control the sweetness and consistency, ensuring the perfect pairing with the rich shortbread dough. Plus, the process of baking the cookies with the strawberry filling inside creates a delightful fusion of flavors that you simply can’t get any other way.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – The foundation of the shortbread dough, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetening the shortbread and balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- Egg yolk – Helping to bind the dough and create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- All-purpose flour – The structure that gives the cookies their classic shortbread shape.
- Fresh strawberries – The star of the show, providing that lovely pink hue and irresistible fruity flavor.
- Powdered sugar – For that final dusting of sweetness and the iconic snowy white appearance.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Kiss Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for baking up a batch of these heavenly Strawberry Kiss Cookies. This recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including the chilling and baking time. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet.
1- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have broken down and the jam has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
3- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough, rolling them into smooth rounds. Use your thumb to make an indent in the center of each ball, creating a small well.
5- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled strawberry jam into the center of each dough ball, being careful not to overfill.
6- Bake the Strawberry Kiss Cookies for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking – this helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Be careful not to overfill the cookies with the strawberry jam, as it can bubble over and create a mess.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough balls evenly for the best results.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm, so the sugar adheres nicely.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their sweet and fruity flavor also pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And of course, they’re always a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and cookie exchanges.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fortunately, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies keep remarkably well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months – just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. And if you want to get a head start, the homemade strawberry jam can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble the cookies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Creative Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out the strawberry jam for other berry preserves, like raspberry or blackberry. You could also experiment with different nut flours in the dough, like almond or hazelnut, to create a unique flavor profile. And for a festive touch, try rolling the baked cookies in crushed candy canes or drizzling them with melted white chocolate.
Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and omit the egg yolk, binding the dough with a flax or chia egg instead. And for a lower-carb take, swap the granulated sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: How do I prevent the strawberry filling from leaking out?
A: To avoid any leakage, be sure not to overfill the cookie dough balls with the strawberry jam. Stick to about 1 teaspoon of filling per cookie, and make sure the dough completely encases the jam.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the shortbread dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Q: How do I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
A: Store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, it’s likely because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 36
Description
These quick and incredible Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful homemade treat that combines the sweet flavors of fresh strawberries and rich Hershey’s Kisses. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized cookies are sure to delight your taste buds.
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 soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
– 36 Hershey’s Kisses
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with punwaxed parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. – Fold in the chopped strawberries.
7. – Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. – Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
– For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
– Substitute white chocolate chips or mini semisweet chocolate chips for the Hershey’s Kisses, if desired.
– Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it, the secrets to making the most delectable Strawberry Kiss Cookies. This recipe is truly a labor of love, but trust me, it’s so worth it. The combination of the buttery shortbread, the sweet strawberry jam, and the snowy powdered sugar coating is an absolute delight. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Strawberry Kiss Cookies for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get baking – these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite!