Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet little treat perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to spread a bit of love. These cookies are soft and buttery, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, topped off with a bright, juicy strawberry-flavored kiss candy right in the center. It’s that simple pop of fruity flavor that makes them stand out and feel extra special.
I love making these cookies because they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat. One of my favorite parts is pressing the kiss candy on right when the cookies come out of the oven so it softens just perfectly without melting away. It adds that little burst of sweetness and a beautiful splash of color that everyone seems to smile at. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen—they love picking out the candy for each cookie.
These cookies always make a great gift or centerpiece at any Valentine’s gathering. I like to arrange them on a pretty plate with a few fresh strawberries nearby to amp up the strawberry theme. They’re not only tasty but also super festive, spreading a bit of joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies never disappoint.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, but the flavor may change slightly.
Strawberry gelatin powder: This is what gives the cookies their special strawberry flavor and pink tone. If you can’t find it, try raspberry or cherry gelatin for a similar effect, or add a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses: These add that sweet, fruity surprise right in the center. You can swap for any fruit-flavored or pink candy kisses you like, or try raspberry or cherry flavored chocolates.
Food coloring: This is optional to boost the pink color. You can skip it if you prefer, and the raspberry seeds or gelatin powder give enough color naturally. Gel or liquid food coloring both work fine.
How Do You Get the Perfect Kiss Candy Melting Without Losing Its Shape?
The key is to add the kisses right after baking while the cookies are hot, but don’t wait too long! Here’s how I do it:
- Remove cookies from the oven and quickly press an unwrapped Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie.
- The heat from the cookie softens the candy, allowing it to slightly melt and spread but not totally flatten or lose its signature pointy top.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the candy, then move them to a wire rack.
Adding the candy too early or too late can cause different results—too early and the kisses flatten too much; too late and the candy stays too hard. Timing makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Baking sheets – choose rimmed ones to keep cookies from sliding off.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – helps cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients, one for dry, to keep things tidy.
- Scoop or spoon – for portioning even cookie dough balls.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry for a new fruity twist.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty contrast with the sweet kiss.
- Use white chocolate kisses in place of strawberry for a creamy, sweet center.
- Stir in finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture and punchy berry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pink or red food coloring (optional, for deeper pink color)
- 1 package strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kisses (or similar strawberry candy kisses, unwrapped)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 8 to 10 minutes to bake each batch. Allow an additional 5 to 10 minutes for cooling, so plan for roughly 30 to 40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well combined. Next, add the strawberry gelatin powder gradually and mix until it’s evenly blended. If you want a brighter pink color, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring and stir well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until you get a soft dough.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft.
4. Add the Strawberry Kisses and Cool:
Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, press an unwrapped strawberry Kiss candy into the center of each warm cookie. The cookies will slightly crack around the candy as it softens but won’t melt completely. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoy and Share:
Once cooled, your Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are ready to serve. These soft, chewy treats with their lovely strawberry flavor and a sweet candy center are perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to spread a little sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for easy creaming and the right cookie texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by microwaving in short bursts, being careful not to melt it.
Can I Substitute the Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
Yes! You can swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry gelatin powder for a different fruity twist. If you don’t have gelatin powder, a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder can work too, but the texture might be slightly different.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the kisses firm, avoid stacking the cookies or place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Can I Use Other Flavored Candy Kisses?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any flavor of Hershey’s Kisses or similar candies you like. Just make sure they are unwrapped and pressed into the cookies immediately after baking for the best look and texture.
