Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet and simple treat perfect for sharing a little love. These cookies have a soft, buttery base with a bright pop of strawberry flavor right in the center thanks to a delicious strawberry-flavored kiss. Their pinkish hue and cute heart shape make them extra festive for Valentine’s Day or any day when you want to spread some cheer.
I love making these cookies because they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat. The smell of fresh strawberries mixed with vanilla as they bake fills the kitchen and always makes me smile. One little tip I’ve learned is to gently press the kiss into the cookie when they come out of the oven so they melt slightly and give that perfect gooey center.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone. I often package them up in a pretty box and give them as a small gift that’s sure to brighten someone’s day. Plus, they’re easy enough to make with kids, making them a fantastic way to enjoy some hands-on baking time together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for controlling salt levels. If needed, margarine works, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Strawberry gelatin powder: This is what gives the cookies their strawberry flavor and pink tint. If you can’t find it, mix a small amount of strawberry extract with a pinch of food coloring as a substitute.
Strawberry kisses: These add a melty, fruity center. If strawberry kisses aren’t available, try other fruit-flavored chocolates or use small pieces of white chocolate with a drop of flavoring.
Pink food coloring: This is optional but gives the cookies a brighter Valentine’s Day look. You can skip it if you prefer no artificial color.
How Do I Get the Perfect Soft Texture and Melty Center?
The secret to soft cookies is not overbaking them. Bake just until the surface looks set and slightly cracked, usually 8-10 minutes. The centers will stay soft and tender.
- Use softened butter for easy mixing, but don’t melt it.
- Press the kiss candy into the warm cookie right as it comes out of the oven. This melts the candy slightly, creating that gooey center.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before moving them. This helps keep their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a couple of sizes help you mix wet and dry ingredients separately with less mess.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar easy and smooth.
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy, perfect for even cookie baking.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements help the cookies turn out just right.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for making uniform cookie dough balls that bake evenly.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry kisses for white chocolate or peanut butter kisses for a different but tasty center.
- Add finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to the dough for extra real fruit flavor and texture.
- Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist that pairs well with strawberry.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar or sanding sugar on top before baking for a sparkling finish and slight crunch.
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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O strawberry)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
- About 36 strawberry-flavored kiss candies (or strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 8 to 10 minutes of baking per batch. Including cooling time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 30 to 40 minutes total. Easy and quick for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you want brighter pink cookies, add a few drops of pink food coloring now.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make tablespoon-sized dough balls. Place each on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the cookies to be set on top and show slight cracks, but still soft when you touch them.
4. Add the Strawberry Kiss and Cool:
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each cookie. The cookie’s warmth will soften the candy, giving you a yummy gooey strawberry center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your sweet, soft Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies, a perfect treat to brighten any day!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for easy mixing and a smooth dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by cutting into small pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Can I Substitute Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin Powder?
If you can’t find strawberry gelatin powder, try using strawberry extract along with a tiny bit of red or pink food coloring to mimic the flavor and color. Just add about 1 teaspoon of extract to the wet ingredients and adjust coloring as desired.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the center melty, reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking as usual.
