Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are the perfect little treats for celebrating love and friendship. These cookies blend a soft, buttery base with the sweet burst of strawberry flavor, topped off with a cheerful, glossy kiss of strawberry candy right in the center. They look as lovely as they taste, making them a delightful way to share a bit of sweetness on Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread some joy.
I love making these cookies because they feel special but aren’t difficult at all. The strawberry kiss candy in the middle adds a fun pop of color and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite a little celebration. Whenever I bake these, the whole kitchen smells wonderful, and I can’t help sneaking a cookie or two before anyone else spots them.
These cookies are great to pack in little gift bags for friends, family, or coworkers. I like pairing them with a cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. They’re sweet but not too sugary, and the strawberry flavor feels fresh and bright. Making these as a homemade gift is such a warm way to show someone you care, and I always find myself wishing I had made a double batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter, just skip or reduce added salt.
Strawberry Puree or Jam: This gives the cookie its fresh strawberry taste and pink tint. If unavailable, you can use freeze-dried strawberry powder or strawberry extract for flavor, but color may be less vibrant.
Red Strawberry-Flavored Candy Kisses: These are the cookie’s signature topper. You can substitute with red candy melts or even small pieces of red chocolate or hard candy, but avoid things that melt too quickly.
How Can You Get Soft, Tender Cookies with Strawberry Flavor?
Follow these tips to keep your cookies soft and flavorful:
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Beat until fluffy to add air, making cookies lighter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Gently: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt first, then fold into wet ingredients just until combined to avoid tough dough.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until cookies are set but not browned to keep them tender.
- Add Strawberry Puree Carefully: Too much liquid can change texture, so stick to the amount in the recipe.
- Press Candy Kisses While Warm: This ensures the candy melts a bit and sticks without cracking the cookie.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy for even baking without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar smoothly for tender cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – to shape uniform cookie balls for even baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh, bright twist that pairs well with strawberry.
- Try swapping strawberry puree for raspberry or cherry jam for a different berry flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough for a warm, cozy hint that balances the fruitiness.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam (for flavor and color)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for the cookie dough)
- Red strawberry-flavored candy kisses or red candy melts (for topping)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Plan for about 30-40 minutes in total to complete the cookies from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree or jam to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is combined and you have a smooth batter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. If you’d like a pink dough, add a few drops of pink food coloring here.
5. Shape and Bake Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set with slight cracks and lightly firm, but not browned.
6. Add Strawberry Kiss Topping
While the cookies are still warm on the baking sheet, gently press one red strawberry-flavored candy kiss or candy melt into the center of each cookie. The warmth will soften the candy just enough to stick without melting completely.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, letting the candy kisses harden again. Once cool, your Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are ready to enjoy or share!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberry Puree or Jam?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the dough too wet.
Can I Substitute the Candy Kisses with Another Topping?
Absolutely! You can use red candy melts, small pieces of red chocolate, or heart-shaped candies that won’t melt too quickly in the warm cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help the flavors develop and keep the cookies from spreading too much.
