Step 1

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and help with even baking.

Step 2

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step creates the perfect texture for your cookies by incorporating air into the dough.

Step 4

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined. For a vibrant pink hue, add a few drops of pink food coloring at this stage, blending until evenly colored.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a shallow dish of granulated sugar, coating evenly. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s about 2 inches of space between each.

Step 7

Using your thumb, gently press down the center of each cookie to create a small indentation. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.

Step 8

Remove the cookies from the oven, and while still warm, spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into each cookie’s center. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.