Save Pin These delightful cookies combine the richness of buttery dough with fresh strawberry flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweet and fruity notes. Each cookie is topped with a chocolate kiss that melts slightly into the warm cookie, adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. The recipe yields 24 cookies that are ideal for sharing at spring gatherings or adding to dessert platters.
The preparation is straightforward, requiring basic baking ingredients and minimal equipment. The cookies bake quickly and can be enjoyed warm or cooled, with the chocolate kiss providing a delightful surprise in every bite. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.
My daughter came home from school last spring with pink-stained fingers from a class strawberry picking field trip. She immediately wanted to bake something with her little basket of berries, and these cookies were born from that afternoon of flour-dusted countertops and chocolate everywhere.
Last summer I made these for a neighborhood block party and watched three different people ask for the recipe while still chewing their first bite. Theres something about the surprise of finding chocolate in the center that makes people light up.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Softening it properly makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly tender crumb
- Fresh strawberries: Dice them small so they distribute evenly without making the dough too wet
- Strawberry jam: This little trick intensifies the fruit flavor throughout every single bite
- Milk chocolate kisses: Press them in while the cookies are hot so they melt just enough to cling
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks
- Make the cookie base:
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until its pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth
- Combine the dry mixture:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl
- Bring it all together:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough
- Add the strawberry magic:
- Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries and jam until everything is evenly distributed
- Scoop and space:
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Pop them in for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges start turning golden brown
- The chocolate moment:
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each hot cookie and let them set for 5 minutes on the sheet
- Finish cooling:
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving
Save Pin These cookies became our go-to contribution for every school event and family gathering after my daughter insisted they were the best thing shes ever tasted. Seeing her little face when she pulls a freshly baked batch from the oven never gets old.
Making Them Ahead
Ive learned that scooping the dough balls and freezing them on a tray before transferring to a bag means fresh baked cookies in 14 minutes whenever unexpected guests arrive. The strawberries actually freeze beautifully inside the dough.
Chocolate Variations
While milk chocolate kisses are classic, dark chocolate creates this sophisticated grown up version that my sister prefers. White chocolate makes them look almost too pretty to eat, perfect for baby or wedding showers.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine brightest when served slightly warm with the chocolate still soft and gooey. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for an afternoon treat.
- Arrange them on a pretty platter for instant party elegance
- Package a few in clear bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts
- Set up a cookie decorating station with extra kisses and sprinkles for kids
Save Pin Theres nothing quite like biting into a warm strawberry kiss cookie while chocolate melts on your tongue. These little moments of joy are exactly why I keep baking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
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While fresh strawberries work best for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Thaw and drain them well before dicing to prevent excess moisture in the dough. For best results, pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the cookie mixture.
- → What type of chocolate kisses work best?
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Milk chocolate kisses are traditional, but you can experiment with different varieties. White chocolate kisses create a sweeter contrast, while dark chocolate offers a more intense flavor profile. Choose based on your personal preference and the occasion.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
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Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if the cookies spread excessively. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for even baking.
- → Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
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Yes, these cookies store well. They can be made a day in advance and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
- → What's the best way to dice strawberries for these cookies?
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Dice strawberries into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough and prevents large chunks that might make the cookies difficult to shape or bake evenly.
