Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Chocolate Centers are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and fruity essence of strawberries with the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. The vibrant pink hue of the cookies adds a festive touch, while the smooth chocolate center melts in your mouth for a perfect balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of strawberries pairs wonderfully with the decadent chocolate center.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a tender bite with a slightly crisp edge, making them irresistible.
Eye-Catching Appearance: Their beautiful pink color makes them a great choice for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any festive event.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an uncomplicated process, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
Kid-Friendly Treat: Both kids and adults will love these fun and delicious cookies.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Strawberry extract
Red or pink food coloring
Milk
Hershey’s Kisses (or preferred chocolate centers)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, strawberry extract, and food coloring to the butter mixture, blending well until the color is evenly distributed.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with small amounts of milk, until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft.
Add the Chocolate Center: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Strawberry Jam Filling: Instead of a chocolate center, try adding a small dollop of strawberry jam before baking.
White Chocolate Variation: Swap out milk chocolate kisses for white chocolate for a different twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Dipped in Chocolate: After cooling, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set for an extra indulgent touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If desired, microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate center before enjoying.

FAQs

How can I make these cookies without food coloring?

You can skip the food coloring or use natural alternatives like beet juice or freeze-dried strawberry powder.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of extract?

Fresh strawberries introduce extra moisture, which can affect the dough. Instead, try freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more concentrated flavor.

Can I use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses?

Absolutely! Try dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even cookies and cream varieties for a fun twist.

Why did my cookies turn out too dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Be sure to measure ingredients carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re set.

How do I keep the chocolate from melting too much?

Place the Hershey’s Kiss in the cookie immediately after baking but avoid touching it until it has completely set.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just make sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Do these cookies work for special occasions?

Yes! Their pink color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and birthdays.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.

How do I make them dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate alternatives.

What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

You can use vanilla extract for a milder flavor or try raspberry extract for a fruity variation.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Chocolate Centers are an easy, delicious, and visually appealing treat that brings together the delightful flavors of strawberries and chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a perfectly balanced, soft, and chocolate-filled delight!

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