Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are little bites of sweet joy perfect for sharing with someone special. These soft cookies have a wonderful strawberry flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, topped with a cute, glossy kiss of strawberry-flavored candy right in the center. They’re as charming to look at as they are to eat!
I love making these cookies because they’re simple but feel extra special, especially around Valentine’s Day. The strawberry candy adds just the right pop of sweetness and a fun twist that makes these cookies stand out from the usual sugar cookie. I usually bake a batch to share with family, and it’s always a hit—there’s something about the fruity flavor and the little candy kiss that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
My favorite way to serve them is with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea, making them a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon. They also make a sweet little gift if you package them up with some colorful wrapping or a handwritten note. These cookies make sharing love tasty and fun, and that’s what I love most about them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: It gives the cookies their lovely pink color and fruity flavor. If you can’t find strawberry gelatin, you can try raspberry gelatin or even a mix of strawberry extract with a pinch of red food coloring.
Butter & Sour Cream: Butter adds richness and softness, while sour cream keeps the cookies tender and moist. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.
Strawberry-Flavored Candy Kisses: These are the signature “kiss” on top. If you can’t find strawberry ones, try pink chocolate kisses or small strawberry candy melts. You can also use regular milk chocolate for a different but tasty twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft Texture for the Cookies?
Soft cookies are all about not overmixing and the right baking time. Here’s what helps:
- Cream the butter and sugar just until fluffy—don’t overbeat or the cookies can get tough.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream gently until the dough is just mixed. Overmixing develops gluten and makes cookies chewy.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Press the candy kiss in right after baking so it softens nicely without cracking much.
Following these steps gives you tender, moist cookies with that lovely melt-in-your-mouth feel!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet; keeps things organized and mixing easy.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until fluffy, which is key for soft cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get the right texture.
- Baking sheets – use non-stick or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – to shape even cookie dough balls so cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and prevents sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry for a different fruity twist while keeping the pink color.
- Add white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness and creamy bites.
- Mix in finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for a little crunch and stronger berry flavor.
- Use vanilla or almond-flavored candy kisses instead of strawberry for a milder, nutty finish.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O strawberry)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- About 20 strawberry-flavored candy kisses (or pink chocolate kisses or strawberry candy melts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 8-10 minutes for baking each batch. Allow another 5 to 10 minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, it’s a quick and easy sweet treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder until well mixed. Set this aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Now, add the dry ingredients to this mixture gradually, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep your dough soft and thick.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but centers still look soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kiss:
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored candy kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie might crack a little around the candy, which is perfectly normal.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these soft, pink, strawberry-flavored treats with a delicious kiss on top!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for this recipe to ensure it creams well with the sugar. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream with Yogurt?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep the cookies moist and tender. Use the same amount (1/2 cup) as the recipe calls for.
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 to stay fresh longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What If I Can’t Find Strawberry-Flavored Candy Kisses?
No worries! You can use pink chocolate kisses, strawberry candy melts, or even regular milk chocolate kisses. Just pick your favorite candy to create that lovely “kiss” center.