Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet little treat that’s perfect for sharing love and smiles. These soft cookies are bursting with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries and topped with a classic chocolate kiss right in the center, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
I love making these cookies around Valentine’s Day because they bring such a cheerful vibe to the kitchen. The mix of tender cookie dough with that melting chocolate kiss on top feels like a tiny surprise in every bite. Plus, the strawberry flavor adds just the right touch of fruity sweetness that balances out the richness of the chocolate perfectly.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re great for sharing with friends, family, or even for a little treat to yourself on a cozy afternoon. It’s always fun to watch how quickly they disappear once everyone sees those pretty pink cookies with their shiny chocolate centers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Jam: This adds the main strawberry flavor and moisture to the cookies. If you don’t have jam, you can use preserves or a strawberry puree. For a less sweet option, try mashed fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt and flavor. If needed, you can use margarine, but butter usually provides a richer taste and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookie’s structure. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free baking blend, but expect the texture to be slightly different.
Strawberry-Flavored Kisses: These are the cute finishing touch. If you can’t find strawberry ones, regular milk chocolate or white chocolate kisses work well too.
Food Coloring: Adds a fun pink color but is optional. You can skip it if you prefer natural-looking cookies or use a small amount only for a softer hue.
How Do I Get Soft, Tender Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Soft cookies depend mostly on how you handle the dough and baking time. Here’s how to get them right:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat these well until fluffy to trap air, which helps the cookie stay soft.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use Jam for Moisture: The strawberry jam adds chewiness and moisture, so don’t skip it!
- Watch Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Press Kisses Right Away: Adding the chocolate kiss when cookies are hot helps it melt slightly and stick well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a large one for the dough and a medium one for dry ingredients make mixing easy and organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps cream butter and sugar until fluffy, which is key for soft cookies.
- Baking sheets – flat, rimmed sheets are perfect for even baking and easy moving in and out of the oven.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or cherry preserves to change up the fruity flavor without changing the texture much.
- Use white chocolate kisses instead of strawberry-flavored for a creamier, sweeter finish.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top before baking for extra berry flavor and a pretty look.
- Mix in a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough for a bit of crunch and nutty taste.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or strawberry preserves
- 3-4 drops red or pink food coloring (to get a soft pink color)
For Decorating:
- 24 small strawberry-flavored or plain pink kisses (like Hershey’s Kisses or similar)
- Pink and white sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Add about 5 more minutes for cooling. So, expect about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick and sweet treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready and Mix Dry Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Now, stir in the strawberry jam and a few drops of red or pink food coloring until your dough looks nicely pink and mixed evenly.
3. Combine and Shape:
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until a soft dough forms – don’t overmix! Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out heaping tablespoons of dough. Roll each ball in extra sugar to coat, then place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and start to crack on top. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press one strawberry-flavored kiss into the center of each warm cookie. If you like, sprinkle some pink and white sprinkles around the kiss for a festive look.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to share and enjoy, bursting with strawberry sweetness and a chocolatey kiss!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Jam?
It’s best to use strawberry jam or preserves for this recipe to keep the dough moist and flavorful. If you only have frozen strawberries, thaw and mash them well, then reduce any extra moisture by gently simmering before adding to the dough.
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes! You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed, but butter gives the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Strawberry Kisses?
You can substitute regular milk chocolate or white chocolate kisses, or even small chocolate chips for the center. The cookies will still taste delicious!
