Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a burst of fruity flavor and a pop of color to any celebration. These cookies are soft and buttery with a kiss of bright strawberry flavor hidden right in the center, topped with a cheerful red candy that looks just like a tiny heart. They’re the perfect way to say “I care” with every bite.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple but feel special enough to share with friends, family, or that special someone. The strawberry center adds a fun twist that makes them different from your usual sugar cookie, and I always find myself sneaking one or two while they’re fresh and warm from the oven. If you want them to last a little longer, keeping them in an airtight container is the way to go.
These cookies are wonderful to make as a fun Valentine’s Day project or any time you want to add a little sweetness to your day. I like serving them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, and they always bring smiles around the table. They’re great for baking with kids too, as the red kisses are such a fun little surprise that makes everyone feel special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Powdered Strawberry Drink Mix: This gives the cookies a bright strawberry flavor and lovely pink color. If you can’t find it, you can try freeze-dried strawberry powder or a mix of strawberry gelatin powder. These keep the flavor vivid.
Strawberry Extract or Puree: Strawberry extract adds a strong, sweet flavor, while puree brings a natural, fresh taste. Puree may make the dough a bit softer, so adjust flour if needed. No extract? Vanilla alone works too, just less strawberry taste.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. Softened butter creamed well creates a tender, chewy cookie texture. You can substitute with margarine, but butter gives the best flavor.
Strawberry Candy Kisses: These add a cute, festive touch with a burst of strawberry sweetness in the center. If you don’t have candy kisses, try pink chocolate melts or any strawberry-flavored chocolate candy. Red or white chocolate can be playful alternatives.
How Do You Keep Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft and Chewy?
Getting that tender and chewy bite is all about how you mix and bake these cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Beat the softened butter with sugar until fluffy. This traps air, making cookies light but chewy.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Bake until edges are set but centers look soft—usually about 8-10 minutes. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Press Candy Kiss While Warm: Add the candy immediately when cookies come out of the oven. This softens the candy slightly without melting it completely, so you get a nice center.
- Cool on Baking Sheet First: Leaving cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes after baking helps them finish cooking gently and stay soft.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy are best to keep cookies from spreading too much.
- Parchment paper – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients to keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and consistent results.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and keeps bottoms from getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry extract for raspberry or cherry extract for a fruity twist that pairs well with the candy kisses.
- Add white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet contrast to the tart strawberry flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to boost strawberry flavor and add slight crunch.
- Use mint-flavored candy kisses for a refreshing, unexpected flavor that’s great around the holidays.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or 1 tablespoon strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup powdered strawberry drink mix (like Kool-Aid or similar powder)
- About 30 strawberry-flavored candy kisses or chocolate candies (pink or red)
How Much Time Will You Need?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25 minutes. That includes 10 minutes to prepare the dough, around 8-10 minutes to bake the cookies, and about 5-7 minutes to cool and add the candy kisses.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and powdered strawberry drink mix until well combined.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps make your cookies tender and soft.
3. Add Egg and Flavors:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract or puree until everything is mixed just right. Try not to overmix here!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in size. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to give the cookies room to spread.
6. Bake and Add Kisses:
Bake the cookies in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Take the cookie sheets out of the oven and quickly press one strawberry candy kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Don’t push too hard; just enough to nestle the candy in place.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are now ready to share and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Yes! If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps keep the dough from becoming too wet and ensures the cookies maintain the right texture.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store leftovers 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 the cookies moist.
Can I Substitute the Candy Kisses?
Yes, feel free to use any strawberry or pink-colored chocolate candies if you can’t find strawberry candy kisses. White chocolate or red chocolate melts also make a lovely alternative with a similar festive look.
