Oh, are you ready for a little bit of baking magic? Because that’s exactly what these Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Soft, Pretty & Easy!) are! Seriously, if you’re looking for a cookie that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to eat, and won’t keep you in the kitchen all day, you’ve found your match. I’ve been baking for years, and I can tell you, these little gems hold a special place in my heart because they’re just SO darn fuss-free and always bring a smile. They’ve got this melt-in-your-mouth softness with just the right hint of sweet strawberry and a pop of white chocolate – pure happiness!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Trust me, you’re going to be obsessed with these cookies for so many reasons:
- Super Speedy: They come together in a flash, perfect for when that sweet craving hits hard!
- Seriously Easy: No fancy techniques needed here, just simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Taste Sensation: That perfect combo of soft, buttery cookie, sweet strawberry jam, and creamy white chocolate? Divine!
- Pretty as a Picture: They look so charming with their pops of pink and white, making them ideal for any occasion.
Gather Your Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Alright, let’s get our ingredients lined up for these adorable Strawberry Kiss Cookies! You probably have most of this in your pantry already. The key here is to make sure your butter is nice and soft – not melted, but soft enough that you can easily make an indent with your finger. This makes all the difference for that lovely creamy texture we’re going for. And for the jam, any good quality strawberry jam will do the trick; it’s what gives these little guys their signature pretty hue and sweet punch!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (your favorite kind!)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, but they’re so good!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Okay, let’s get down to business and whip up these absolute beauties! Following these steps is super easy, and I promise, the result is worth every second. My oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) – make sure yours is too, and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment is my best friend for cookies; no sticking, no fuss! Just like you’d do for my classic chocolate chip cookies, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Creaming the Base for Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies
First things first, grab your biggest mixing bowl. We need to cream together that softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use my stand mixer for this, but honestly, a good old sturdy whisk and some elbow grease work just fine! Beat them together until the mixture is nice and fluffy, looking almost like pale yellow clouds. This step is crucial for getting that soft, tender cookie texture we all adore.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients for Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Next up, let’s add the wet ingredients. Beat in that large egg and the vanilla extract until everything’s nicely combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This just ensures the leavening and salt are distributed evenly so you don’t get any weird pockets of flavor or texture. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or gently by hand) until *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! We’re going for tender, not tough. Then, gently stir in your lovely strawberry jam and those yummy white chocolate chips. The jam might make the dough look a little swirled, and that’s perfectly fine!
Baking and Cooling Your Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Now for the fun part! Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give them a little space to spread out, about 2 inches apart. Pop them into that preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just lightly golden. They might still look a little soft in the center, but that’s exactly what we want! Let them hang out on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up a bit before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for that perfect texture – resist the urge to eat them burning hot!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies
You know, I’ve definitely made a batch or two (or twenty!) of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. First off, don’t rush the creaming of the butter and sugar! That fluffy texture is the backbone of a soft cookie. Also, when you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined – overmixing is the quickest way to tough cookies. And for those gorgeous pink swirls from the jam, make sure it’s not too watery, or it might make the dough spread too much. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a jam swirl like in my white chocolate raspberry thumbprint cookies!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Sometimes you just don’t have exactly what a recipe calls for, right? Don’t sweat it! For these Strawberry Kiss Cookies, the jam is pretty forgiving. If you don’t have strawberry jam, raspberry, apricot, or even a nice cherry jam would be delicious. Just make sure it’s not too thin! And those white chocolate chips? Totally optional, but they add a lovely creamy sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out, or try mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Once these yummy Strawberry Kiss Cookies have completely cooled, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Honestly, they usually don’t last that long, but it’s good to know! Freezing isn’t really my favorite for these as they’re best when fresh and soft.
Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Got a question about these sweet little Strawberry Kiss Cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask:
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
While using jam is super easy and gives you that lovely concentrated flavour and colour, you *could* try using very finely chopped fresh strawberries. Just be aware that fresh strawberries have a lot more moisture, which might make your dough spread more and change the cookie’s texture. You might need to add a little more flour. For the easiest, prettiest results, jam is the way to go!
Why are my Strawberry Kiss Cookies flat?
Oh, a flat cookie can be a sad cookie! Usually, this happens if your butter was too soft or even melted when you started creaming it. Also, overmixing the dough after adding the flour can develop too much gluten, making them spread. Make sure your butter is just softened, not greasy! And remember, mix the dry ingredients in just until they disappear – no more! It’s similar to what can happen if you’re not careful with other cookie recipes, like my easy 3-ingredient Christmas cookies if you’re not precise with them.
Can I make these cookies without white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The white chocolate chips are a yummy addition, but they’re totally optional. The cookies will still be wonderfully soft, strawberry-y, and delicious without them. You could also try swapping them for mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or even some chopped nuts if you like!
How do I get that pretty swirled look with the jam?
When you gently stir the jam into the dough, you don’t want to fully incorporate it. Just a few gentle folds will leave beautiful pink swirls throughout the cookie. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the charm is in those lovely, rustic-looking swirls!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Now, about the delicious details! As with all homemade goodies, these numbers are just estimates, and they can bounce around a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how generous you are with that jam! But generally, one of these soft and yummy Strawberry Kiss Cookies is roughly:
- Calories: around 150
- Fat: about 8g
- Carbohydrates: roughly 18g
- Sugar: ~12g (that jam adds up!)
- Protein: around 2g
It’s always fun to know, but honestly, these are meant to be enjoyed!