Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat with these Pink Kiss Cookies! Perfectly soft, with a lovely blush of pink and a surprise chocolatey center, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and joy to everyone who takes a bite. The combination of buttery dough, a hint of almond, and the rich sweetness of chocolate makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pink food coloring
- Hershey’s Kisses or similar chocolate candies
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting the stage for your cookie masterpiece.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, resembling clouds of sweetness.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the buttery mixture. Beat well until everything is combined and you have a smooth, creamy batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, forming a dry mix that will bring structure to your cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want soft cookies!
- Stir in pink food coloring until you reach your desired shade of pastel pink — just enough to give your cookies that charming hue.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and space them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have room to spread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling that your cookies are perfectly baked.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing the chocolate to slightly melt into the soft dough.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen!
Notes or Tips
For an even more vibrant pink, add a few extra drops of food coloring. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can reduce the almond extract a little.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate candies on top for a unique twist!
Cooking Techniques
Remember to make sure your butter is softened — this helps to create that lovely fluffy cookie texture. When rolling the dough into balls, try to keep them uniform in size for even baking. If you’re unsure about the doneness, it’s better to take them out a little early, as they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.
Can I replace the almond extract? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, vanilla extract can be used instead for a delicious vanilla flavor.
Conclusion
These Pink Kiss Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also a feast for the eyes! With their cheerful color and delectable chocolate center, they make any gathering feel festive and fun. Bake a batch today, and watch as they disappear — you might just find yourself making them again and again!