Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet and simple treat that’s perfect for sharing with someone you care about. These cookies are soft and buttery with a little burst of strawberry flavor right in the middle, thanks to the bright, chewy strawberry candy kiss topping. They make any day feel a bit more special, especially around Valentine’s Day.
I love making these cookies because they’re easy to put together, and the strawberry kiss on top always brings a smile. It’s fun to watch the candy soften slightly in the warm cookies, creating a little pink surprise with every bite. Whenever I bake these, the whole kitchen smells like a fresh strawberry patch, which just adds to the cozy feeling.
The best part for me is sharing these cookies with friends and family. I like to pack them in pretty little boxes or wrap them in tissue paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re a simple way to say “I’m thinking of you” without needing a special occasion. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a sweet treat? These cookies always bring a little happiness and warmth wherever they go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. Make sure it’s softened so it blends well with sugar for a fluffy dough. If needed, you can swap with margarine, but the flavor may change slightly.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This gives the cookies their pink color and strawberry flavor. If unavailable, you could try powdered freeze-dried strawberries plus a bit of red food coloring, though flavor may be less intense.
Strawberry-Flavored Candy Kisses: These are key for that classic center. If you can’t find strawberry flavor, any flavored candy kiss or chocolate kiss will work, though it changes the taste. I love sticking to strawberry for the Valentine’s vibe.
Flour and Leavening: Regular all-purpose flour and baking powder help keep the cookies soft but structured. Don’t overmix to avoid tough cookies!
How Can You Keep Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft and Tender?
The secret to these cookies’ softness lies in careful mixing and the right baking time. Here’s how I do it:
- Cream the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy—this traps air and makes the cookies tender.
- Add dry ingredients gradually and mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing toughens the dough.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges set but centers look soft. They’ll firm up while cooling.
- Press the candy kiss in right after baking so it softens nicely and melts a little, adding moisture and flavor.
I’ve found these steps help maintain a soft texture and keep those cookies tasting fresh and sweet every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and roomy for even baking without crowding the cookies.
- Parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Electric mixer (hand or stand) – helps cream butter and sugar into a light, fluffy dough.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients to keep things neat.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for evenly sized dough balls so cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry powder to vary the fruity flavor and color.
- Use chocolate candy kisses instead of strawberry for a classic chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the flavor.
- Mix in mini white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creamy texture.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O)
For the Topping:
- About 40 strawberry-flavored candy kisses or strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 8-10 minutes of baking per batch. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet, plus some more time to cool completely on a wire rack. Overall, you can expect around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form the dough into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kisses:
Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored candy kiss into the center of each cookie. You’ll notice the cookie may crack slightly around the kiss, which is perfectly normal.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up a little, then carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are ready to enjoy or gift to your loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter rather than frozen. If your butter is frozen, let it thaw at room temperature until soft but not melted to ensure the dough mixes properly.
Can I Substitute the Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
Yes! You can use raspberry or cherry gelatin for a similar fruity flavor, or mix in some freeze-dried strawberry powder with a drop of red food coloring. The flavor and color might 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. To keep them softer longer, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.
Can These Cookies Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.