Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are little bites of sweet love, perfect for sharing on a special day or anytime you want to add a touch of pink and happiness to your kitchen. Soft, buttery cookies flavored with a hint of strawberry and topped with a shiny, sugary kiss in the center make these cookies as charming as they are tasty.
I love making these cookies because they feel festive without needing a lot of extra fuss. The strawberry flavor adds just the right fruity twist, and the little candy kiss in the middle always makes me smile when I see them fresh out of the oven. Baking them brings a bit of joy and excitement, whether I’m packing them for friends or leaving a surprise treat for my family.
My favorite way to serve these is with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re great for a cozy afternoon snack or as a sweet finishing touch after dinner. No matter who you share them with, these cookies have a way of making moments feel a little sweeter and a lot more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in these cookies. If you don’t have unsalted, just reduce added salt slightly. Softened butter is key for a smooth dough.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This gives the cookies their lovely pink color and strawberry taste. If you can’t find strawberry flavor, raspberry or cherry gelatin can work as a fun substitute.
Strawberry Candy Kisses: These add a cute and tasty finishing touch. If you can’t get strawberry kisses, try white or pink chocolate kisses, or another candy that melts nicely.
Flour and Leavening: All-purpose flour and a little baking powder create a soft and slightly chewy cookie texture. Don’t skip the baking powder—it helps lighten the dough.
How Do You Get That Perfect Soft, Cracked Cookie Texture?
The secret is in how you mix and bake the dough to keep it soft and moist while still holding its shape.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat well to trap air, making cookies tender and light.
- Don’t overmix: Just mix until flour is combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Watch the baking time: Bake until edges are set but centers still feel soft—this keeps the center chewy.
- Press candy kisses immediately: Right after baking, gently press a candy kiss into each cookie while still warm, so it softens slightly and melts a little for a glossy center.
By following these steps, you create cookies that are soft with gentle cracks on top, and that beautiful strawberry kiss in the middle that makes them so special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a large one for the dough and a smaller one for dry ingredients keeps things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar easy and smooth.
- Baking sheet – a flat one helps cookies bake evenly; line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements help get the cookie texture just right.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool completely without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry to change the fruit flavor while keeping the pretty pink color.
- Use white chocolate kisses instead of strawberry ones for a creamy, sweet center and a slightly different look.
- Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast with the soft cookie.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten and freshen the strawberry flavor with a citrus twist.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (such as Jell-O strawberry)
- 24 pink or red candy kisses (e.g., Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses or similar)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Add about 10 more minutes for cooling, so plan for roughly 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder until fully blended.
4. Bring It All Together:
Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Shape and Bake:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart because the cookies will spread as they bake. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges look set but the centers are still a bit soft.
6. Add the Strawberry Kisses:
Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry kiss candy into the center of each cookie. The warmth will soften the candy slightly, giving the cookies a glossy, sweet center.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy these soft and sweet strawberry treats!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for the creamiest dough and best texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently soften it at room temperature until it’s spreadable but not melted.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, you can use raspberry or cherry gelatin powder for a similar fruity flavor and color. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Press the candy kisses into the cookies right after baking for the best results.
