There’s something undeniably magical about cookies, especially during the holidays! But let’s be honest, we’ve all been there: you envision beautiful, festive cookies adorned with chocolate kisses, only to have the kisses melt into a sad, shapeless puddle. Fear not, fellow bakers! This Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies recipe is your secret weapon to achieving cookie perfection, guaranteeing those chocolate kisses stay tall and proud.
Why You’ll Love These Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with a few extra perks:
- Picture-Perfect Presentation: The crinkled, powdered sugar exterior combined with the upright chocolate kiss creates a stunning visual appeal.
- Deliciously Soft and Chewy: The texture is incredibly soft and satisfying, making them irresistible.
- Subtle Pink Hue: The delicate pink color adds a touch of whimsy and elegance.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the color and flavor to suit your preferences.
- The Melt-Proof Kiss Trick: Our simple technique ensures the chocolate kisses maintain their shape, even after baking.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies
Creating these delightful cookies starts with carefully selected ingredients. The combination of these elements creates a soft, chewy texture with a beautiful pink hue and a touch of sweetness. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why each ingredient plays such an important role.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour form the structure of these cookies. We use all-purpose for its consistent results, but you can explore other options. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon of baking powder helps the cookies rise and creates their signature crinkled texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results!
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened, provides richness and moisture. Using softened butter is crucial for proper creaming, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light and airy texture when creamed with the butter.
- Large Egg: 1 large egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. A high-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference!
- Milk (or Pink Cake Mix Liquid): 1 Tablespoon of milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth dough. For an extra boost of pink color and flavor, you can substitute the milk with liquid from pink cake mix.
- Pink or Red Food Coloring/Extract: A few drops of pink or red food coloring, or a strawberry/red velvet extract/mix, create the signature pink hue. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired color intensity.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup of powdered sugar is used for rolling the cookies, creating a beautiful coating and contributing to the crinkled effect.
- Chocolate Kiss Candies: About 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped, are the crowning glory of these cookies. Opt for your favorite variety – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled!
Crafting Your Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies: Step-by-Step
Ready to bake? Don’t worry – this recipe is surprisingly simple! The key is to follow the steps carefully, especially that one crucial trick for preventing melted kisses. Let’s get started!
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is essential for uniform rising and that beautiful crinkle. Set this mixture aside for now.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is the foundation of a tender cookie. Creaming incorporates air, which contributes to a soft and airy texture. Use an electric mixer for best results and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. Adding the egg one at a time and mixing well after each addition ensures a smooth emulsion. The vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the chocolate kisses perfectly.
- Add Milk and Coloring: Stir in 1 Tablespoon of milk (or liquid from pink cake mix) and enough pink food coloring or extract to achieve a vibrant pink color. This is where you can get creative! Adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference. If using extract, keep in mind that it might also add a subtle flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in tough cookies. The dough will be soft – that’s perfectly normal!
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll. Chilling is essential! It allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Prepare Powdered Sugar: Place 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the cookies before baking, creating their signature crinkled appearance.
- Roll and Coat: Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring it is fully coated. The powdered sugar coating is what creates the beautiful crinkled effect as the cookies bake.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This allows for adequate air circulation and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies should look crinkled. Don’t overbake them! They will continue to set as they cool.
- The Key to Perfect Kisses: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie. This is the secret to preventing melted kisses! The residual heat from the cookie will soften the chocolate just enough to adhere without losing its shape.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set properly and prevents the cookies from breaking.
Tips for Perfect Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies Every Time
Want to take your Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure baking success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This is crucial for creating a light and airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Be generous with the powdered sugar coating. This is what creates the signature crinkled appearance.
- Perfectly Placed Kisses: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. This ensures they adhere properly without melting.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to customize the flavor. You could even use different flavors of chocolate kisses! For more holiday baking ideas, check out our recipe for Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Whisper Sweet Glaze.
What to Serve With Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
Your Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies Questions Answered (FAQ)
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
There are several reasons why your cookies might be spreading too much. The most common culprits are using butter that is too warm, not chilling the dough long enough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, chill the dough for at least 1 hour, and mix the dough until just combined.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour. If you use a different flour, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid. As previously mentioned, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. You might also want to try our recipe for Golden Cloud Cookies, which have a unique texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
My chocolate kisses melted. What did I do wrong?
The most common reason for melted chocolate kisses is not pressing them into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. The residual heat from the cookie is essential for softening the chocolate without melting it completely. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. A too-hot oven can also melt the kisses too much. For another treat using chocolate, take a look at our Decadent Double Chocolate Espresso Muffins.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Pink Crinkle Kiss Cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These festive cookies are perfect for holiday baking, parties, or simply enjoying a sweet treat. Give them a try and prepare to impress your friends and family with your baking prowess! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your cookies turned out. Happy baking!
