Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A Sweet and Buttery Treat

Instructions:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with non-stick spray.

**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, usually for about 3-4 minutes.

**Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla**
Once your butter and sugar are well mixed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is fully combined.

**Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together to form a soft dough.

**Step 5: Roll the Dough into Balls**
Take a small amount of dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Once all the dough is rolled into balls, place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them out about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.

**Step 6: Bake the Cookies**
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. The centers may look a little soft, but that’s perfectly fine!

**Step 7: Add the Strawberry Kiss**
Immediately after the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will give them the signature “kiss” look and infuse each bite with a delicious burst of strawberry flavor.

**Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!**
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the strawberry Kiss doesn’t slide off as the cookie sets.

### Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
1. **Freeze-dried Strawberry Powder:** Freeze-dried strawberries bring a natural strawberry flavor without any added moisture. Crushing them into powder form is key to infusing the cookies with a strong strawberry taste.

2. **Butter Quality:** Using high-quality butter will result in a more flavorful and tender cookie. Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the perfect texture.

3. **Flavor Variations:** If you can’t find strawberry-flavored Kisses or want to experiment, you can also use other fruit-flavored Kisses or chocolate Kisses for a different flavor profile. Raspberry or cherry Kisses could add a unique twist!

4. **Storage:** These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

### Why You’ll Love Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
The combination of buttery cookie dough, the subtle flavor of freeze-dried strawberries, and the gooey, sweet strawberry Kiss on top is truly irresistible. The contrast of the crisp edges and soft center with the creamy Kiss creates a delightful texture in every bite. Plus, the fun, vibrant pink color makes them visually appealing, especially for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or springtime gatherings.

Whether you bake them for yourself or share them with loved ones, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet moments with these adorable, tasty treats that are as charming as they are delicious!