Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet and simple treat perfect for sharing love in cookie form. These cute cookies are soft and buttery, with a little burst of fruity strawberry right in the center thanks to a bright, glossy kiss candy. They’re a fun twist on classic sugar cookies, adding a pop of color and a touch of Valentine’s Day cheer.
I love making these cookies because they’re quick to whip up and bring so much joy to the kitchen. The little strawberry kisses always make me smile—they remind me of bright spring days and the way simple things can brighten your mood. Plus, the cookies have just the right amount of sweetness without being too heavy, which keeps everyone coming back for another.
These cookies are great to share with family, friends, or even to leave as a surprise on someone’s desk. I like packing them in a small box with a ribbon for a homemade Valentine’s gift, and they always feel special. If you’re looking for a sweet way to say “I care,” these Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a heartfelt choice that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the base that gives the cookies their fruity flavor and soft texture. If you can’t find strawberry cake mix, you can use plain vanilla or white cake mix and add 1/4 cup strawberry jam or freeze-dried strawberry powder for flavor.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cookies moist and tender. You can swap it with melted butter for a richer taste, but the texture might be a little denser.
Strawberry Kisses: These candies add a sweet, gooey center and a pop of color. If you don’t have strawberry kisses, try any fruit-flavored candy kisses, mini chocolate chips, or even a small fruit jelly.
Powdered Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar helps create the pretty crackled look as they bake. Don’t skip this step for the best appearance!
How Do I Get the Perfect Soft and Crackled Cookies?
The secret lies in the dough preparation and baking time. Here’s how to make your cookies just right:
- Fully mix the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. This helps the cookies bake evenly and stay soft.
- Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking is key for the crackled top look.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set—about 10-12 minutes—to keep them soft inside.
- Press the warm strawberry kiss gently into the center as soon as you take the cookies out of the oven. This melts the candy slightly for a perfect finish.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet first; they will firm up without losing softness.
With these simple tips, you’ll have cute, soft Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy, perfect for even baking and easy handling.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – these help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls – a large bowl for mixing all your ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes blending the cake mix, oil, and eggs quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right every time.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for evenly sized dough balls to bake uniformly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white or vanilla cake mix with a teaspoon of almond extract for a different but tasty twist.
- Swap strawberry kisses with milk chocolate or white chocolate kisses to change the flavor balance.
- Add freeze-dried strawberry pieces into the dough for extra texture and natural fruit bursts.
- Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a fun surprise inside the cookie.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- About 20 strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses or similar strawberry candy kisses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 10-12 minutes for baking, and an additional 10 minutes for cooling. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick, easy recipe perfect for a fun baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, put in the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until you have a smooth dough.
3. Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll the balls in powdered sugar to cover them completely. This will give the cookies a lovely crackled effect once baked.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches of space between each. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when they look set but still feel soft on top.
5. Add the Strawberry Kisses:
Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie’s warmth will soften the candy a little, making it stick nicely.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so they firm up slightly, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!
These cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with strawberry flavor, topped with a shiny, melty strawberry kiss. They’re a great treat to share for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want a cute, fruity cookie!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberry Kisses for This Recipe?
It’s best to use room temperature candy kisses. If your strawberry kisses are frozen, let them thaw completely before pressing into the warm cookies to ensure they soften properly.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking. Finished cookies store well for a few days in an airtight container.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without kisses) and add fresh kisses after thawing and warming slightly.
Can I Substitute Another Type of Candy for the Strawberry Kisses?
Definitely! Use any fruit-flavored candy kisses, mini chocolate chips, or even small fruit gummies for a different twist. Just press them into the warm cookies right after baking.