Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats that combine the soft, buttery taste of sugar cookies with a burst of strawberry flavor right in the center. These cookies have a gentle pink hue that makes them perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to share a little love through baking. The standout feature is the bright, fruity kiss in the middle that adds a fun twist to a classic cookie.
I love making these cookies because they’re both simple and festive. The strawberry kiss in the middle always makes people smile, and I enjoy how the cookie dough stays soft while the candy adds just the right amount of sweetness. One tip I have is to chill the dough before baking—it helps the cookies keep their shape and makes the whole process feel a bit more relaxed.
These cookies are wonderful to share with friends, family, or anyone who could use a sweet surprise. I like to pack them up in little boxes or cellophane bags for easy gifting. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids or friends because you get to sneak a taste of the strawberry candy along the way. Every batch feels like a little celebration of sweetness and care.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt in these cookies. You can swap for margarine or plant-based butter if needed, but it might affect flavor and texture slightly.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a tender crumb. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you don’t have sour cream on hand.
Strawberry-flavored sugar crystals: These give the cookies their pretty pink color and a hint of fruitiness. You can substitute colored sanding sugar or finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries mixed with sugar.
Strawberry-flavored kiss candies: These create the special “kiss” in the center. If you can’t find strawberry ones, try white chocolate or raspberry-flavored kisses for a twist.
How Do You Get the Strawberry Kiss Candy to Stay Perfectly Centered?
The secret is to add the candy immediately after baking while the cookies are still hot and soft. Here’s how I do it:
- Right out of the oven, gently press the kiss candy into the middle of each cookie using your finger or the back of a spoon.
- The heat softens the cookie surface so the candy sinks slightly and sticks well.
- Let cookies cool on the pan to allow the candy to firm up again without moving.
This way, the kiss stays neat and centered, creating that classic look and perfect bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – a large bowl for the dough and a small one for dry ingredients help keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get the best texture.
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed pan to bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps shape uniform cookie balls for even baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they don’t get soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry kisses for cherry or raspberry ones to try different fruity flavors that keep the festive feel.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, bright twist that pairs well with strawberry.
- Mix in chopped white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creamy texture.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor that adds a unique touch to the cookies.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry-flavored sugar crystals (or finely crushed pink/red sanding sugar)
- About 24 strawberry-flavored kiss candies (or strawberry-flavored chocolate kisses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking time. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for the cookies to cool and the kisses to set. Overall, you can have these sweet treats ready in about 30 minutes total.
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 a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the sour cream to create a soft, smooth dough.
3. Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies:
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Roll each ball in the strawberry-flavored sugar crystals until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
4. Bake and Add the Strawberry Kiss:
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. Remove them from the oven, and while still warm, gently press a strawberry-flavored kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to allow the kisses to set.
5. Cool and Serve:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy or share as a delightful Valentine’s Day treat!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming, but if you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it sit at room temperature until soft. This helps achieve a light, fluffy dough texture.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry-Flavored Sugar Crystals?
If you don’t have strawberry-flavored sugar crystals, you can use pink or red sanding sugar, or crush some freeze-dried strawberries and mix them with granulated sugar for a similar flavor and color.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and baking to make rolling easier.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the kisses from melting or losing shape, avoid storing them in warm or humid places.
