Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combine soft, buttery cookies with a burst of fruity strawberry flavor topped with a sweet, melty kiss in the center. These cookies have a gentle crumb and just the right hint of jammy goodness that makes them feel special without being too fussy.
I love making these cookies when I want something that feels cozy and cheerful all at once. The strawberry jam or preserves give them that lovely pop of color and taste, and the chocolate kiss in the middle adds a little surprise that everyone enjoys. They’re easy to dunk in milk, which is my favorite way to eat them—such a simple joy!
They also make great gifts or a lovely addition to any holiday cookie tray. I remember making them with my family as a kid, and the kitchen always smelled like summer berries and chocolate. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family because they’re both nostalgic and comforting, yet bright and fun. I always keep a batch around when I want to cheer someone up or treat myself to a sweet little moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter gives these cookies their tender, rich texture. Use unsalted to control salt levels. If needed, margarine or dairy-free butter substitutes work but the flavor will be milder.
Strawberry Jam: The jam adds a bright, fruity center. Try using any strawberry preserves you like or swap for raspberry or cherry jam for a twist.
Candy Melts/Chocolate: Strawberry candy melts add color and sweetness. If you don’t have these, melt white chocolate and add a few drops of red food coloring, or use plain white chocolate for a classic look.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour and baking powder create a soft, delicate crumb. If gluten-free, try a blend suited for baking, but texture might change slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Jam Pocket and Cookie Shape?
Making the indentation and filling the jam without spilling is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Roll dough balls evenly sized for uniform baking.
- Press your thumb or spoon gently to make a small well—not too deep to avoid breaking through.
- Spoon the jam carefully using a small teaspoon or piping bag to control the amount and keep it inside.
- Roll the dough balls in sugar before pressing so the outside stays pretty and doesn’t stick.
- Bake just until edges turn light golden; overbaking dries them out.
This method helps the jam stay bubbly and centered, while the cookies remain soft and round.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use large bowls to mix the dough and beat ingredients comfortably.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar easy and quick.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps shape evenly-sized cookie balls effortlessly.
- Paring knife or spoon – use to make indentations in the dough.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy surface for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – for melting candy melts or chocolate.
- Small spoon or piping bag – for filling jam into the cookies and drizzling melted chocolate on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try filling with raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam for different fruity flavors.
- Add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Use white, dark, or milk chocolate instead of candy melts for different chocolate flavors.
- Mix in chopped nuts or sprinkles into the dough for extra texture and fun appearance.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Filling and Decoration:
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves (for filling)
- Red sanding sugar or colored sugar (for rolling and decorating)
- Strawberry-flavored candy melts or white chocolate with red food coloring (for drizzling)
- Heart-shaped strawberry or red candy pieces (optional, for decoration)
Time You’ll Need:
About 15 minutes to prepare the dough and shape cookies, then 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow another 10-15 minutes for cooling and decorating with melted candy or chocolate. Overall, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer until the texture is light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape and Fill the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with a few tablespoons of red sanding sugar, then roll each dough ball in the sugar mixture to coat.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon gently into the center of each ball to form a small indentation.
Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden and the centers are set. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate the Cookies:
While the cookies cool, melt your strawberry-flavored candy melts or white chocolate tinted with red food coloring in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler.
Drizzle this melted candy over the cookies in pretty patterns. Before the drizzle sets, sprinkle additional red sanding sugar for sparkle.
If you like, press a small heart-shaped strawberry candy or similar decoration into the jam center for an extra sweet touch.
Allow the decorations to set fully before serving.
Enjoy making and sharing these festive and fruity Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming so the dough mixes properly. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften quickly by microwaving in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until just soft but not melted.
Can I Substitute the Strawberry Jam?
Yes! Raspberry, cherry, or apricot preserves work beautifully and add a different fruity twist. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny to avoid spreading out during baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the cookies, then freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.