Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that perfectly mix soft, buttery cookie dough with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor right in the center. The highlight is a cute, fruity kiss of strawberry jam or a strawberry candy that makes these cookies special and perfect for sharing love on Valentine’s Day.
I love making these cookies because they’re not only delicious but also fun to bake, especially if you’re doing it with someone you care about. The smell of strawberries and vanilla filling the kitchen always puts a smile on my face. Plus, I find that pressing the kiss or jam gently into the cookie dough gives it that adorable, homemade look that everyone appreciates.
These cookies are great for giving as gifts in little boxes or plates, or just enjoying at home with a cup of milk or tea. I like to keep some in the fridge so the strawberry filling stays fresh, and they make such a lovely treat when the mood calls for something sweet and heartwarming. It’s a simple way to show love with a tasty, homemade touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted, softened butter helps control salt levels and gives a tender cookie. If you’re out of butter, margarine can work but the flavor might be less rich.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This adds that lovely pink color and strawberry flavor. If you can’t find it, try strawberry-flavored drink mix or a few tablespoons of strawberry jam instead.
Strawberry Kiss Candies: These candy kisses create the signature look and flavor. If unavailable, use small dollops of strawberry jam or even white chocolate kisses tinted with pink food coloring.
How Do I Make Sure the Candy Kiss Melts Perfectly on Top?
Press the kiss candy into the cookie the moment it comes out of the oven while the cookie is still soft and warm. The heat gently melts the candy, making it stick and creating a smooth, shiny top.
- Remove cookies from oven.
- Quickly press one candy kiss gently into each cookie’s center—don’t push too hard or the cookie will crack.
- Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes to set the candy peak.
This timing is key for that perfect melting without losing shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – essential for holding your cookies while they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one large for creaming butter and sugar, one for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for shaping uniform cookie dough balls.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry to change the fruity flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough to brighten the taste.
- Use white chocolate kisses instead of strawberry for a sweeter, creamier topping.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey bites.
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 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
For The Topping:
- 1 package (about 12 pieces) strawberry-flavored candy kisses (such as Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to cool the cookies for at least 5 minutes so the candy kisses can set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until nice and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is mixed smoothly.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder until evenly combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Slowly add the dry mix to the butter mixture in parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix each time until just combined, but don’t overmix or the cookies could be tough.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to scoop rounded tablespoons of dough. Roll each into a ball and place on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread.
6. Bake and Add Candy Kisses:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They’ll still be soft but set. Right after you take them out of the oven, gently press a strawberry kiss candy in the center of each warm cookie. This melts the kiss just enough to stick and create a pretty shiny top.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps the candy kisses harden to a nice finish.
Enjoy your festive Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies with friends, family, or anyone you want to share a little love with!
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberry Jam for the Candy Kisses?
Yes, you can! Instead of pressing candy kisses into the warm cookies, add a small dollop of strawberry jam after baking. Just be sure to let the cookies cool a bit before adding jam to avoid it melting away.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store your Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving to keep the candy kisses from getting too hard.
Can I Use Regular Gelatin Instead of Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin Powder?
You can use unflavored gelatin if strawberry-flavored isn’t available, but your cookies won’t have the pink color or strawberry taste. To compensate, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract or a small amount of jam to the dough for flavor.
Is It OK to Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Absolutely! Plain milk works fine as a substitute for buttermilk. To mimic buttermilk’s tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
