Buttery • Sweet • Festive • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat
Quick Description
Soft and delicate sugar cookies with a colorful, creamy strawberry meringue topping, finished with a decadent chocolate kiss. These festive cookies are perfect for Christmas or any occasion when you need a little extra sweetness.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 20–24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Topping
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnishing
- 20–24 chocolate kisses (or similar chocolate candy)
Instructions
1. Preheat & prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
Once smooth, sift in:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Mix until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Form the cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
Flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
4. Prepare the strawberry topping
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold in:
- Strawberry puree
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
Spoon a small dollop of the strawberry mixture onto each cookie.
5. Bake the cookies
Bake the cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden around the edges.
6. Add chocolate kisses
Immediately after baking, place one chocolate kiss in the center of each warm cookie.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
Storage
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature and store in an airtight container.
Flavor Upgrade Tips
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough for extra warmth
- Use white chocolate or peanut butter cups instead of chocolate kisses
- Add a swirl of strawberry jam on top of the meringue for more flavor
- Top with crushed nuts like pistachios for extra texture
