Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a burst of fruity flavor and a touch of chocolatey goodness. Soft, buttery cookies topped with a bright red strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss make them perfect for sharing some love on Valentine’s Day. They’re simple but look so festive with their shiny pink red centers that catch your eye right away.
I love making these cookies because they’re easy and fun to decorate—you get to press the kiss into the cookie right after baking and watch it soften into the perfect chocolatey topping. Plus, the strawberry flavor is a nice change from the usual plain chocolate kisses, giving the cookies a fresh, fun twist. It’s hard not to smile when you bite into one and get that sweet strawberry taste alongside the rich cookie.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or classmates, especially around Valentine’s Day, but honestly, I find them good any time of the year. I like to pack them up in little boxes or baggies for a thoughtful gift. It always feels good to make something homemade and festive, and these cookies definitely bring a little joy wherever they go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter is key for a soft cookie texture. You can swap for margarine if needed, but real butter gives the best flavor. Just avoid melted butter here.
Strawberry Extract: This adds a lovely strawberry note. If you don’t have it, a bit of fresh strawberry puree works too, but skip or reduce other liquids to keep dough consistency.
Strawberry Kisses: These are the star on top! If you can’t find strawberry-flavored ones, white chocolate kisses with a drop of red food coloring or pink candy melts work well.
Food Coloring: Gel coloring works best to keep dough consistency stable. Liquid coloring is OK but add slowly to avoid softening your dough.
How Do You Press the Kiss Into the Warm Cookie Without Breaking It?
This step is special because the cookie is hot and soft right out of the oven. Here’s how:
- Use oven mitts or a spatula to handle the hot baking sheet safely.
- Gently press the kiss into the center of the cookie immediately after baking, but don’t push too hard or the cookie will crack.
- Press just enough so the kiss sticks and softens into the cookie surface.
- Add sprinkles quickly before the chocolate sets to make them adhere nicely.
- Let the cookie cool completely on the pan so the kiss hardens softly in place without sliding off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat, rimmed pans work best for even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Electric mixer – helps beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy for the perfect cookie texture.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet; simple and keeps things organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially with extracts and leavening.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use raspberry or cherry kiss chocolates instead of strawberry for a different fruit twist that still looks festive.
- Add ½ cup finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs well with the strawberry notes.
- Stir in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans if you want a little crunch inside the soft cookies.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
- Pink or red food coloring (gel or liquid), as needed
For Decoration:
- About 1 cup strawberry-flavored kisses or pink chocolate kisses
- Valentine-themed sprinkles (red, white, pink)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and baking these cookies will take about 25 minutes total. This includes mixing the dough, baking the cookies for 10-12 minutes, decorating them right after baking, and allowing them to cool for about 10 minutes. It’s a quick and fun baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Keep mixing until the blend is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Flavors:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (if you’re using it). Mix everything until combined well.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stir just until everything is smoothly combined.
5. Add Color:
Put in a few drops of pink or red food coloring and mix gently until your dough looks a lovely strawberry pink.
6. Shape and Bake:
Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch wide. Place them spaced about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set but the center stays soft.
7. Add the Strawberry Kiss and Sprinkles:
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and while they’re still warm, press a strawberry-flavored kiss firmly but gently into the center of each cookie. Quickly sprinkle Valentine’s themed sprinkles around the kiss to decorate.
8. Cooling Time:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes so the kisses set nicely. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your pretty and tasty Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies, perfect for sharing love and smiles!
Can I Use Regular Chocolate Kisses Instead of Strawberry-Flavored Ones?
Yes, you can! Regular milk or white chocolate kisses work well too. For a festive touch, try adding a tiny drop of red food coloring to white chocolate kisses to mimic the strawberry flavor and color.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it, wrapped well, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and baking.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Extract?
It’s okay to skip the strawberry extract if you don’t have it on hand. The strawberry kisses add plenty of flavor. You can also use a small amount of fresh strawberry puree, just reduce any added liquids slightly to keep the dough from getting too wet.
