Whenever I pull out my grandmother’s old cookie tin and open it up, the sweet scent of Strawberry Kiss Cookies takes me right back to cozy afternoons in her kitchen. These little treats, bursting with tender strawberry jam nestled in buttery soft cookies, have been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. You know, there’s just something special about a delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe that feels like a warm hug, especially during the busy holiday seasons when everyone’s rushing but still wants to share something homemade and meaningful. I first stumbled upon this strawberry thumbprint cookies style when I was experimenting with classic kiss cookies recipes, and it quickly became a treasured tradition in our house.
Let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of kitchen mishaps with these strawberry jam cookies—like that one winter when I forgot to chill the dough and ended up with spread-out, flat cookies! But those little “oops” moments taught me so much about the importance of patience and precision when crafting the perfect soft strawberry cookies. Now, each time I make these holiday fruit cookies, it’s a little celebration in itself. The kids love to help press their little thumbprints, and my husband always sneaks a couple before dinner.
If you’re juggling a busy family life like me, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe won’t let you down—it’s straightforward, forgiving, and yields a batch of cookies that disappear fast! Plus, it pairs wonderfully with warm drinks on chilly evenings or as a sweet surprise for an afternoon snack. Honestly, I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to comforts too, just as it has for our family. And if you’re interested, after you try this, you might want to check out my Strawberry Crunch Cookies recipe for another crumble-topped favorite. Ready to get baking and share some of this sweetness? Let’s jump right into what you’ll need to make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies exactly right.
What You’ll Need for This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Here’s the scoop on ingredients before we mix, roll, and bake our Strawberry Kiss Cookies! I always stick to simple, wholesome staples that give these strawberry thumbprint cookies their tender, buttery texture and perfect flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – I love using a soft flour for the best soft strawberry cookies, and you can find great quality ones at your local grocery store or even bulk bins.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little addition keeps the cookies light but not too puffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness perfectly.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – I swear by using good butter—real flavor is worth it in kiss cookies recipe like these!
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar – For that sweet kiss without overpowering the strawberry jam.
- 1 large egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Always fresh if you can!
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam – Here’s a little trick: I prefer homemade or high-quality strawberry jam with visible fruit chunks to really bring out that homemade touch in my strawberry jam cookies.
- Powdered sugar for dusting – It’s all about that final touch of sweetness and presentation.
When shopping, I find that picking small jars of specialty jam can be pricey, but don’t be shy—local farmer’s markets or seasonal sales often have delicious preserves perfect for these holiday fruit cookies! For busy families, I’ve learned that preparing your ingredients—like softening your butter ahead of time or measuring jam into small bowls—really speeds things up and keeps the Strawberry Kiss Cookies baking stress-free.
And here’s a little kitchen wisdom: always keep your strawberry jam refrigerated after opening to keep that flavor bright for your next batch of strawberry thumbprint cookies. Leftover flour and sugar stash well in airtight containers, so you’re ready for baking any time a craving hits. By the way, if you want a few more ingredient inspiration tips for similar recipes, this page from Two Peas & Their Pod’s thumbprint cookies has some great ideas to mix and match.
Let’s Make This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Together
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is like a sweet little adventure, and I’m right here with you every step!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While you prepare the dough, your kitchen will start warming up with the most inviting cookie aroma.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combo keeps your sugar and butter from overpowering the soft strawberry cookies’ delicate crumb.
- Cream your butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. This step is key—I always use a hand mixer on medium speed and love seeing the sugar dissolve into the butter, creating that perfect kiss cookies recipe base.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Your dough will be silky and ready to roll.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Don’t worry if the dough feels a little crumbly—that’s normal for strawberry thumbprint cookies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Here’s my favorite part: use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into each ball for that jam.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam. Pro tip: thicker jam works best to prevent it from seeping and burning on the pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies should smell sweet and fruity, filling your kitchen with that homemade magic.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just right without losing that soft strawberry cookie texture.
I usually spend this time cleaning up the kitchen or prepping a cozy spot for our family to gather and enjoy. The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, which is pretty manageable for busy afternoons. If you want some tweaks or visual tips on technique, don’t forget to peek at The Wedding Cookie Table’s strawberry and winter cranberry thumbprint cookies for their excellent advice.
Trust me, even if you’re new to baking Strawberry Kiss Cookies, these steps are foolproof. I’ve made plenty of batches where things went a bit sideways—overpressing the jam, baking too long, or using watery preserves—but it’s all part of learning to love homemade cookies that truly taste like family.
How I Love to Serve This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
The best part about making a fresh batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Watching everyone rush over for their first bite. My family especially loves these as holiday fruit cookies around Christmas, where they complement the bright flavors of cocoa or spicy cider perfectly.
Sometimes, I like to serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies alongside a warm bowl of vanilla ice cream or a cup of chamomile tea in the afternoons. There’s a reason these strawberry jam cookies feel like little delights of happiness—they’re soft, sweet, and just fruity enough to pair well with something creamy or soothing.
For holiday parties, I’ve found that arranging the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkling powdered sugar right before serving gives them a festive, almost snow-dusted look. It’s a simple trick that impresses guests every time. My friends often rave how “light and melt-in-your-mouth” these soft strawberry cookies are, and I always feel proud sharing a kiss cookies recipe that’s both classic and crowd-pleasing.
If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Kiss Cookies, try crumbling them over plain yogurt for an impromptu breakfast treat or sandwiching two together with a little cream cheese spread for an upgrade that’s just as delightful. For seasonal twists, I’ve swapped the strawberry jam for raspberry or mixed berry preserves with great success, especially around Easter or Valentine’s Day.
And since we’re talking treats, if you want a festive touch of white chocolate in your holiday fruit cookies, this holiday baking recipes with white chocolate chips community shares some wonderful ideas you might want to bookmark. For something a little different too, check out my Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for another family favorite twist!
Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Questions Answered
You know, over the years, so many wonderful questions have come my way about making Strawberry Kiss Cookies—from perfecting the jam filling to nailing that soft texture. Here are some answers I love sharing with friends who just can’t get enough of these strawberry thumbprint cookies.
Q1: Can I use any kind of jam for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is traditional and really shines in this recipe, I’ve used raspberry, blackberry, and even marmalade. Just make sure your jam isn’t too runny; otherwise, it can spread in the oven. Thick jams, like homemade strawberry jam, work best to keep the kisses pretty and intact.
Q2: Why do my Strawberry Kiss Cookies spread out too much?
This happens to me when I skip chilling the dough or use too much butter. I learned the hard way with Strawberry Kiss Cookies that chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping helps keep everything neat and the cookies soft rather than flat. Also, be careful not to press the thumbprints too hard.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for making in advance. You can shape and fill them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to your baking time. This method is a lifesaver during the bustling holidays!
Q4: Do you recommend any substitutions?
I usually stick to the basic recipe for the best texture, but for a vegan twist, some readers have had luck with coconut oil instead of butter and flaxseed “eggs.” The crumb will be slightly different, but still lovely soft strawberry cookies. And if you’re avoiding refined sugar, try swapping out sugar for coconut sugar—just note it may change color slightly.
Q5: Why do my Strawberry Kiss Cookies come out dry sometimes?
Overbaking is the usual culprit. Keep a close eye from minute 12 onward; these cookies should come out with edges lightly golden but still very soft in the center. Remember, they continue to set as they cool!
Q6: How do you store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
If they last that long! I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them in a sealed bag for a couple of months. Thaw at room temperature, and they’re just as good.
Q7: Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely. I find stand mixers make creaming the butter and sugar super easy and hands-free, especially when handling large batches. Just don’t overmix after adding flour to keep those soft strawberry cookies tender.
If you want even deeper tips on thumbprint cookie techniques, Two Peas & Their Pod’s thumbprint cookies guide has fantastic visuals and tricks that can help with troubleshooting. And if you’re curious about pairing strawberry thumbprint cookies for special occasions, my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe shares some delicious ideas that your family might love after these.
My Final Thoughts on This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe is a treasure chest of sweet memories, kitchen lessons, and family love all rolled into one. It’s held a special place on our holiday dessert table for years, and I treasure how it brings us together, no matter how hectic life gets. The simple joy of biting into a soft strawberry cookie, with that little burst of jam, still feels like a small celebration.
My Strawberry Kiss Cookies Pro Tips:
– Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling for perfect shapes every time.
– Use thick, chunky strawberry jam for the best flavor and presentation.
– Don’t overbake—cookies should be soft and just golden at the edges.
Over the years, we’ve tried a few lovely variations: swapping straight-up strawberry jam for raspberry preserves or adding a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist; making mini versions for bite-size treats perfect for children; or even topping the jam with a small white chocolate chip for a hint of festive sweetness. My husband swears by the classic strawberry version, but my daughter loves when we add a little citrus zest into the dough for a zingy surprise.
I encourage you to take this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe and make it your own—whether that means switching up jams, experimenting with shapes, or sharing your batches as gifts to neighbors and friends. Baking is one of those simple joys that feel endless when shared, just like these cookies.
I really hope your kitchen fills with the delightful scent of fresh Strawberry Kiss Cookies soon—and your family and friends love them as much as mine do. If you want a few tasty baking friends to keep on hand, check out my recipes for Strawberry Crunch Cookies or Peanut Butter Spider Cookies to keep the cookie jar busy year-round!
Happy baking, my friend—may your days be sweet and your cookie tins never empty!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Delight in these soft and buttery Strawberry Kiss Cookies, featuring a tender cookie base topped with a sweet, fruity strawberry-flavored kiss candy. Perfect for spring gatherings or a charming treat any time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- About 30 strawberry-flavored kiss candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Immediately press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes until the kiss softens slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra color and flavor, try using assorted fruit-flavored kisses or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.