Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Last spring my daughter came home from school clutching a basket of strawberries from a class field to a local farm. She was so proud of those berries and begged us to bake something special together. We ended up making these cookies on a rainy Sunday afternoon with flour dusted everywhere and chocolate on our faces.

I took these to a mothers day brunch and watched three different people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first cookie. Something about that chocolate kiss nestled in strawberry cookie dough just makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for proper aeration and the softest cookie texture
• Granulated sugar: Creates the perfect crisp edge while keeping centers tender
• Large egg: Bind everything together and add structure
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the natural strawberry flavor
• Allpurpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet tender cookie
• Baking powder: Gives these cookies just enough lift without spreading too much
• Salt: Balances sweetness and makes flavors pop
• Fresh strawberries: Dice them small so they distribute evenly and bake into the dough
• Strawberry jam: Concentrated strawberry flavor in every bite
• Milk chocolate kisses: The crowning glory that melts beautifully into warm cookies

Instructions

Prepare your space:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Cream butter and sugar:

Beat until mixture looks pale and fluffy about 2 to 3 minutes

Add wet ingredients:

Mix in egg and vanilla until everything is fully incorporated

Combine dry ingredients:

Whisk flour baking powder and salt in a separate bowl

Bring it together:

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture stopping as soon as flour disappears

Add strawberry magic:

Gently fold in diced strawberries and jam until just swirled through

Scoop and space:

Drop tablespoon balls onto prepared sheets leaving 2 inches between each

Bake to perfection:

Bake 11 to 13 minutes until edges barely hint at golden

Add the kisses:

Immediately press chocolate kisses into warm cookies so they settle in perfectly

Patience pays off:

Let cookies rest 5 minutes on sheets then move to wire rack

Save

My niece now calls these her special occasion cookies and requests them for every birthday celebration. The way the chocolate gets soft and gooey while the strawberry bits bake into jammy pockets makes each one feel like a little surprise.

Making Them Your Own

I have tried swapping the milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate and the result was absolutely sophisticated. White chocolate works too creating a cookies and cream vibe that kids go crazy for. You can also experiment with different jams depending on what you have in the refrigerator.

Storage Secrets

These cookies actually develop more flavor on day two as the strawberry melds with the chocolate. Keep them in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness. They freeze beautifully too just wrap individually and thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that feels fancy. They also make brilliant gifts packaged in clear bags with pretty ribbon. These cookies work equally well for bake sales holiday platters or just because Tuesday needs brightening up.

• Try them with a cup of fresh strawberry milk for the ultimate strawberry experience
• Crumble them over vanilla yogurt for a breakfast that feels like dessert
• Pair with champagne for a surprisingly elegant dessert course

Save

Every time I make these I am transported back to that rainy afternoon with flour on the counter and my daughter learning to gently fold in berries. These cookies are more than dessert they are little moments of joy waiting to happen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before dicing. Frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture, so you may need to reduce the strawberry jam slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.

→ What type of chocolate kisses work best?

Milk chocolate kisses are traditional, but you can experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter taste. The key is using quality chocolate that will hold its shape when pressed into the warm cookies.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, the cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best freshness, add the chocolate kisses immediately after baking rather than storing them separately.

→ What's the best way to dice strawberries for these cookies?

Dice strawberries into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size. This ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dough and cook properly without making the cookies too moist.