There’s something magical about the combination of tender butter cookies and sweet strawberry jam that instantly brings back childhood memories of afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. These Strawberry Kiss Cookies have become one of my most requested treats, and it’s easy to see why, they’re beautifully golden, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and feature a delightful surprise of strawberry jam nestled in the center like a little sweet kiss.
What makes these cookies truly special is their simplicity paired with elegant presentation. The rich, buttery cookie base provides the perfect canvas for the bright, fruity strawberry center, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to fill your home with the warm aroma of fresh cookies, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time.
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling & Finishing:
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
Substitution Ideas:
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
- Dairy-free: Substitute butter with vegan butter stick (not margarine)
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and replace egg yolk with 1 tablespoon aquafaba or ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- Flavor variations: Try raspberry, apricot, or cherry preserves instead of strawberry
Time & Planning
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
Make-ahead tips: Cookie dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. You can also shape the cookies and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months, just add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
Time-saving advice: While the dough chills, preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets. This overlapping approach keeps the process moving smoothly and ensures your cookies bake evenly.
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky, if it feels too soft, don’t worry, the chilling step will firm it up perfectly.
2. Chill and Shape
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.
3. Add the Strawberry Kiss
Carefully spoon about ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill, the jam will bubble and spread slightly during baking. Choose a good-quality jam with visible fruit pieces for the best flavor and texture.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft, they’ll continue to set as they cool. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen fills with that irresistible buttery aroma and the cookie edges have a beautiful golden hue.
5. Cool and Dust
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that makes them look bakery-worthy.
Nutrition Overview
Each Strawberry Kiss Cookie (makes approximately 24 cookies) contains roughly 145 calories, with about 6 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. These treats provide small amounts of calcium and iron from the flour and butter. Since they’re made with real butter and minimal processed ingredients, they offer a more wholesome indulgence compared to store-bought alternatives.
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Healthier Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce, though this will create a slightly more cake-like texture. Using sugar-free strawberry preserves reduces the overall sugar content without significantly affecting taste.
Whole wheat pastry flour can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients, giving the cookies a subtle nutty flavor. If you’re watching sodium intake, you can reduce the salt to ⅛ teaspoon without compromising the overall taste balance.
Serving Ideas
These delicate cookies shine on afternoon tea platters alongside fresh berries and cream. They pair beautifully with coffee, Earl Grey tea, or even a glass of cold milk for children. For special occasions, arrange them on tiered serving stands or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as charming homemade gifts.
Consider serving them as part of a cookie assortment for holidays or parties, their bright strawberry centers add lovely color to any dessert spread. They’re also perfect for brunch gatherings, baby showers, or Mother’s Day celebrations.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
One of the most common issues bakers encounter is cookies that spread too much during baking. This usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough hasn’t been chilled adequately. Always ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t skip that crucial 30-minute chilling period.
Another frequent mistake is overfilling the jam centers. While it’s tempting to load up on that delicious strawberry flavor, too much jam will cause overflow and potentially burn on the baking sheet. Start with less than you think you need, about ½ teaspoon is perfect.
Sometimes bakers worry when the jam appears to bubble during baking, but this is completely normal. The jam will settle as the cookies cool, creating that perfect “kiss” appearance you’re looking for.
Storage & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the jam centers from sticking together. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t typically require reheating. If you prefer them slightly warm, place them in a 300°F oven for just 2-3 minutes, any longer and the jam may become too hot and lose its perfect consistency.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies offer the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance that makes them ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions. The tender, buttery texture paired with bright strawberry sweetness creates a memorable cookie that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
The recipe is forgiving enough for beginner bakers yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at any gathering. I encourage you to make them your own by experimenting with different jam flavors or adding your personal touches, baking should always be an expression of creativity and love.
For more Recipes follow me in Pinterest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and won’t hold their shape during baking. Stick with jam or preserves for the best results, as they’ve been cooked down to the perfect consistency.
How do I prevent the jam from burning?
Keep the jam level slightly below the cookie surface and avoid overfilling. If your jam tends to darken quickly, try covering the cookies loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. You can also freeze shaped cookies before baking for up to 3 months.
What’s the best type of jam to use?
High-quality preserves with visible fruit pieces work best. Avoid jams that are too thin or runny, as they may not hold their shape during baking.
Why did my cookies turn out too crumbly?
This usually indicates the dough was overworked or the flour measurement was too high. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and oven space to accommodate the larger batch, or bake in multiple rounds.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe – Sweet & Buttery Treats
- Total Time: 35m
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet treats with bright strawberry flavor and a chocolate kiss center in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling & Finishing:
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
Substitution Ideas:
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
- Dairy-free: Substitute butter with vegan butter stick (not margarine)
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and replace egg yolk with 1 tablespoon aquafaba or ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- Flavor variations: Try raspberry, apricot, or cherry preserves instead of strawberry
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes). Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill and Shape
Wrap and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Press a deep indentation into the center of each.
3. Fill with Jam
Spoon about ½ teaspoon strawberry jam into each indentation. Do not overfill.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are slightly soft.
5. Cool and Finish
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cool, dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20m
- Cook Time: 12m
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 145 calories
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g