Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet little treat that feels just right for a special day. With soft, buttery cookie bases topped by a bright, chewy strawberry candy center, these cookies bring together a fun mix of flavors and textures that are perfect for sharing.
I love making these cookies because they’re simple but always get smiles. The way the strawberry candy melts just a little while keeping its shape gives each cookie a cute, shiny heart in the middle. It reminds me of the joy in little homemade gifts and why I keep baking for the people I care about.
These cookies are great to pack up as gifts or to set out on a plate when friends stop by. I usually pair them with a warm cup of tea or cocoa, and it feels like a perfect little moment of love and sweetness any time of the day. They’re a cheerful reminder that small things can make big smiles.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the cookies. If needed, you can swap in a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option, but the flavor may be a bit different.
Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin: This is what gives the cookie that lovely pink color and strawberry taste. If you don’t have gelatin, you can try using strawberry powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a natural flavor boost.
Strawberry Baking Chips or Candy Kisses: These create the cute, melted center. If you can’t find strawberry-flavored ones, white chocolate or regular candy kisses add a nice touch too, just without the fruity twist.
Nonpareil Sprinkles: These add a festive look. You can switch to other sprinkles like sanding sugar or colored sugar crystals to fit your theme.
How Can I Make Sure the Strawberry Kiss Stays Perfectly Centered?
Right after baking, the cookies are warm and soft—this is the best time to add the strawberry kiss. Here’s the trick to get that neat center:
- Take the cookies out of the oven and immediately press one strawberry kiss gently into the center of each cookie.
- Don’t press too hard; just enough so the kiss sits snugly but doesn’t flatten completely.
- The heat will melt the kiss slightly, making it shiny and smooth while keeping its shape.
- Allow cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before moving them, so the kiss sets well.
Doing this right away keeps the cookie edges soft, the center kiss look perfect, and your cookies will look as lovely as they taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things tidy.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and easier.
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed pan for even baking of your cookies.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get perfect cookies every time.
- Spoon or small cookie scoop – to form uniform cookie dough balls quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate chips instead of strawberry baking chips for a creamy melt without fruit flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the strawberry taste.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra texture and a bit of rich contrast.
- Mix finely chopped freeze-dried raspberries into the dough for a tangy berry burst alongside the strawberry flavor.
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 soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strawberry-flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
- Pink and white nonpareil sprinkles
- 1 cup strawberry-flavored baking chips or strawberry-flavored candy kisses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Plus, you should allow around 5 minutes of cooling time before transferring the cookies. Overall, you’ll be done in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined well. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and strawberry-flavored gelatin together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until the dough forms and everything is combined.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball a little with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle pink and white nonpareil sprinkles on top of each cookie. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
4. Add the Strawberry Kiss and Cool
Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, press a strawberry-flavored baking chip or candy kiss into the center of each, letting the warm cookie soften the kiss for a glossy finish. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter for creaming with sugar, which helps achieve a light, fluffy dough. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before starting.
Can I Substitute Strawberry Gelatin with Another Flavor?
Yes! You can swap strawberry gelatin for any fruit-flavored gelatin you like to change the taste. Just keep in mind that it will also affect the color of your cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the strawberry kisses looking fresh, avoid stacking the cookies until they’re completely cooled.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Add the strawberry kisses right after baking to get that perfect melted center effect.
