Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
There’s something downright magical about Strawberry Kiss Cookies: imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that come alive with a swirl of strawberry jam and a sweet pop of strawberry chocolate at their center. These charming pink cookies are a celebration on a plate—perfect for Valentines, birthdays, spring picnics, or any day you want to share a little extra love. Every bite is soft and fruity, with a hint of nostalgia that always brings a smile. If you adore the flavors of strawberries and chocolate blended with a classic thumbprint twist, you’re about to discover your newest favorite treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Kiss Cookies is how they transform a handful of simple ingredients into a showstopping treat! Each ingredient has its own delicious job to do, whether it’s making the cookies tender, infusing berry flavor, or adding that sparkling finish everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of the cookie, providing a rich, creamy texture and helping everything bake up soft and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, delicate crumb.
- Strawberry jam: Brings a vibrant berry flavor and subtle pink hue—use your favorite for the fruitiest punch!
- Large egg yolk: Adds richness, helps bind the dough, and gives a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint deepens the aroma and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure while keeping the texture soft.
- Salt: A little pinch brightens and enhances every sweet flavor in the dough.
- Baking powder: Ensures these cookies have that perfect, pillow-soft rise.
- Pink or red sanding sugar (optional): Adds a fun, sparkly finish and a tiny bit of extra crunch on the edges.
- Strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses (unwrapped): The signature center! Each one melts just slightly atop the cookie to create the prettiest (and tastiest) kiss.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures the cookies bake evenly every time. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep sticking at bay and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this step creates that irresistible cookie texture we all crave. Don’t rush—creaming well is what makes these Strawberry Kiss Cookies extra tender!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the strawberry jam, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. The jam tints the dough with a lovely blush and infuses each cookie with authentic strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix—it’s fine if there are a few small streaks of flour left.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls between your palms. For an extra festive touch, roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to leave room for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned. The goal is soft, pillowy centers! Take them out and get ready for the final (and most fun) step.
Step 7: Add the Signature Strawberry Kiss
Immediately press a strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss into the center of each hot cookie. The heat will gently melt the bottom of the kiss, anchoring it perfectly on top. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack. Let them cool completely and watch the kisses set into their sweet strawberry thrones!
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle (and who can resist?), sprinkle a touch more sanding sugar over the cookies right after adding the kisses. If you’re feeling playful, a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate or a scattering of freeze-dried strawberry crumbs makes each Strawberry Kiss Cookie look truly special.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine next to a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or even a glass of chilled strawberry milk. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a dessert platter that’s pure nostalgia and joy in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are so pretty, they’re practically begging for a party! Try packaging them in a pink bakery box tied with a ribbon, stacking them high on a tiered cake stand, or gifting them in little cellophane bags with heart-shaped tags. They make delightful favors at baby showers, birthday parties, and Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies irresistibly soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent the kisses from smudging the tops of other cookies.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Lay the cooled cookies in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the cookies without the kisses and add them after thawing.
Reheating
If you love your Strawberry Kiss Cookies slightly warm and gooey, heat them in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. This brings the cookies back to that just-baked softness and gently melts the kiss in the center—like a hug in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use different flavored kisses?
Absolutely! If you can’t find strawberry-flavored kisses, classic milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate kisses work beautifully with the jammy cookie base.
Is there a substitute for strawberry jam?
Yes, raspberry jam or cherry preserves are delicious alternatives. You can experiment with other favorites, but the classic strawberry really gives the most iconic flavor here.
Do I have to use sanding sugar?
Not at all—it’s just for sparkle and a touch of crunch. If you skip it, your Strawberry Kiss Cookies will still turn out just as soft and delightful.
How do I keep the chocolate kisses from melting too much?
Try freezing the kisses for 10 minutes before topping the hot cookies. This little trick helps them keep their classic shape as the cookies cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily, and with how quickly Strawberry Kiss Cookies disappear, making a big batch is always a good idea for parties or gifting.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a joyful, berry-packed treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Share them with friends, tuck them into lunchboxes, or savor one all to yourself with a cup of something cozy. However you enjoy them, I hope they become a new sweet tradition in your kitchen!
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion. Soft, buttery cookies with a burst of strawberry jam flavor topped with a Hershey’s kiss.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Additional:
- Pink or red sanding sugar (optional)
- 24 strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add strawberry jam, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Prepare dough: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Optionally, coat in sanding sugar and place on baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Press a strawberry kiss into each cookie immediately after removing from the oven. Cool on sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To help kisses hold shape, freeze them briefly before placing on cookies. Chocolate kisses can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg