Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat to add a touch of sweetness and fun to any occasion! These soft, chewy cookies have a delightful strawberry-flavored base, topped with a heart-shaped kiss of strawberry jam right in the center. They’re not just delicious—they’re also absolutely adorable! Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, yet the results are so impressive! The strawberry flavor is light and sweet, making these cookies a refreshing change from the usual chocolate varieties. Plus, the jam in the middle gives them a burst of fruity goodness that perfectly complements the soft texture. They’re perfect for a cozy treat with a cup of tea, or as a fun addition to a holiday cookie spread.

These cookies are a great way to show someone you care, especially with that adorable heart-shaped jam center! I’ve baked them for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and even just as a special little treat for myself when I’m craving something sweet. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

• Sweet and Fruity Flavor: The sweet strawberry flavor in the dough and the gooey strawberry jam in the center create the perfect fruity cookie experience.
• Fun to Make: These cookies are not only fun to eat but also fun to make! The thumbprint technique for adding jam makes the process feel like a mini craft project.
• Soft and Chewy: The texture is soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day treat, a birthday, or just a regular afternoon snack, these cookies are perfect for any celebration.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make these cookies. Simple, accessible ingredients mean you can bake them without stress.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of strawberry, you can swap the jam for your favorite fruit flavor—raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd would work beautifully.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 130 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Let’s gather the essentials for these adorable Strawberry Kiss Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or any fruit jam you prefer)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: A key ingredient that gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, creating the perfect balance with the tart jam filling.
• Strawberry Jam: The star of these cookies, giving them a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite.
• Flour and Baking Powder: These ingredients help form the perfect dough with the ideal structure and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake some delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Let’s get started!

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You should have a soft dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Form the Cookies

1. Shape the Dough: After the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, coating them evenly.
3. Make an Indentation: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

Add the Strawberry Jam

1. Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spill over during baking.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
2. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

1. Gift-Worthy: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
2. Holiday Treats: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or even a summer picnic.
3. Snack: Great for snacking throughout the day with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk.
4. Dessert Spread: Serve these cookies alongside other treats at a dessert buffet or party.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for making these cookies even more special:

1. Use Quality Jam: The jam is the star of these cookies, so use a high-quality fruit jam for the best flavor. You can even use homemade jam if you’ve got it on hand!
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. Don’t Overfill the Jam: Add just a small spoonful of jam—too much can cause it to spill over and make a mess while baking.
4. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just let them cool completely before freezing.
5. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be golden around the edges, but still soft in the center.

Recipe Variations

Make these cookies your own with these fun variations:

• Different Jam Flavors: Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a twist on the classic.
• Chocolate Kiss: Add a small piece of chocolate in the center of the indentation before baking for a fun, chocolatey version of these cookies.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the jam.
• Nutty Twist: Roll the dough balls in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans before baking for added texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

To keep these cookies fresh, try the following storage options:

• Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze. Once frozen, store the dough balls in a zip-top bag or container and bake them directly from the freezer (just add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

To make your baking process smoother, here’s a list of helpful tools:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet will ensure your cookies bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Allow your cookies to cool on a rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

FAQ Section

Got questions? Here are answers to common ones:

• Can I use a different type of jam?
  Yes! You can swap strawberry for raspberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade.
• Do I need to chill the dough?
  Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps prevent spreading while baking, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
• How long will these cookies stay fresh?
  These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat to share with loved ones or enjoy yourself. With their chewy texture, sweet jam center, and easy-to-make process, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy baking and eating these cookies as much as I do. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!