Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet, simple treats that bring a little happiness to any special day. These cookies combine soft, buttery dough with a bright, fruity burst of strawberry from the classic candy kiss placed right in the center. They’re as charming as they are tasty, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share a bit of love.
I especially love how easy these cookies are to make, and the way the strawberry kiss melts just enough to become gooey and delicious while still holding that pretty heart shape. I usually bake a batch with my kids because mixing, rolling, and pressing in the candy feels like part of the fun. Plus, they make a fantastic gift when wrapped up in a cute bag or box.
These cookies are great for sharing at parties, giving in lunchboxes, or just sneaking one (or two) with a cup of tea. I find they bring smiles and a little warmth, perfect for those chilly February afternoons. If you’re looking for a simple, cheerful recipe to celebrate love in all its forms, these Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies fit the bill every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is key for a tender cookie. If you only have salted butter, just skip adding extra salt. I like using real butter for the rich flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This adds color and strawberry flavor all at once. If you don’t have this, you can swap with strawberry Jell-O or use freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more natural flavor.
Strawberry Candy Kisses: These give the cookie its signature look and strawberry punch. If you can’t find strawberry kisses, you can use white chocolate or vanilla candy kisses and add a drop of red food coloring or a tiny bit of strawberry extract on top.
How Do You Keep Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft and Perfectly Centered?
Soft cookies come from not overbaking and adding the candy kiss at the right time. Here’s how:
- Bake just until edges are set but tops look soft—which is usually a few minutes less than a normal cookie.
- Right after baking, gently press a candy kiss into the warm cookie center. The warmth makes the candy soft but it won’t melt completely.
- Let cookies cool before moving them so the candy sets nicely without sliding or cracking.
These small steps make sure your cookies stay tender with a pretty kiss center every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately and avoiding overmixing.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
- Baking sheets – flat pans help cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of each ingredient for perfect cookies.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – ensures cookies are all about the same size and bake evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – cools your cookies fast and keeps them from getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry to change the fruity flavor but keep the pretty color.
- Add white chocolate chips or chunks for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Mix in finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to boost strawberry flavor and add a little crunch.
- Try using red velvet cookie dough instead of vanilla for a richer, chocolatey twist that pairs well with the candy kiss.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- About 15–20 strawberry-flavored candy kisses (or pink strawberry candy kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 8-10 minutes to bake. Plus, add a few extra minutes to cool the cookies before enjoying. All together, you’ll spend about 25-30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies won’t stick.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined well.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, strawberry gelatin powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until all combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread evenly while baking.
5. Bake and Add Candy Kisses:
Bake the cookies for about 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the tops still look soft and not browned. Take the baking sheets out of the oven, and while the cookies are still warm, gently press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each cookie. This softens the candy perfectly without melting it too much.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then carefully move them onto wire racks to cool completely. Now they’re ready to share or keep for yourself—stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for several days.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter so it creams well with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, you can use regular strawberry-flavored Jell-O or try freeze-dried strawberry powder. Both will add flavor and color, but the texture might vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them softer, you can add a slice of bread in the container to help keep moisture in.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before baking, then press the candy kisses in while cookies are warm as usual.
