Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are sweet little treats packed with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a cheerful pink kiss of frosting. These cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sugary—perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any time you want to show a little love.
I love making these cookies because they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat. The strawberry flavor feels fresh and vibrant, and the kiss on top adds a cute, playful touch that always brings smiles. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved since decorating with frosting is super simple and fun.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They make a sweet gift for friends, neighbors, or anyone you want to brighten the day of. Whenever I bake a batch, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and it never takes long before someone sneaks one right off the pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
Strawberry Extract: This adds a nice fruity punch. If you don’t have it, substitute with fresh strawberry puree or a few drops of strawberry syrup, but reduce other liquids to keep the dough right.
Powdered Sugar for Rolling: This coating gives the cookies a festive sugary crust. You can use granulated sugar for a different crunch but powdered sugar works best for that soft look.
Chocolate Kisses: Classic for the topping! You can swap with any flavored chocolate kiss or a small piece of chocolate for variety.
How Do I Get Perfect Cracked Tops and Soft Cookies?
The cracked tops and soft center are what make these cookies special. To achieve this:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined for tender cookies.
- Roll dough balls well in powdered sugar. This creates the crackled sugar effect as they bake.
- Bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Take cookies out when edges look set but centers are still soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Press in the chocolate kiss while cookies are warm. This lets the chocolate slightly melt into the cookie without cracking it.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to help cookies bake evenly without burning edges.
- Parchment paper – makes cleaning up easier and keeps cookies from sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients, one for dry to keep mixing smooth.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – mixes dough thoroughly and quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get precise ingredient amounts for the best results.
- Spoons or cookie scoop – to portion dough evenly and make uniform cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try almond extract instead of strawberry for a nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate kisses.
- Add finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries into the dough for little bursts of real fruit flavor.
- Swap chocolate kisses for white chocolate or caramel kisses to mix up the sweetness.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and a richer bite.
Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- About 20 strawberry or milk chocolate kisses (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 8-10 minutes of baking time. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for cooling and decorating, so plan for roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing gently just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Then roll the balls gently in the powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookie edges are set, tops cracked, and the center still looks soft. Remove the cookies from the oven.
4. Add the Chocolate Kisses and Cool:
Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie, pushing gently without breaking the cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes so they set up, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your lovely Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies and enjoy the sweet strawberry flavor paired with melty chocolate kisses. Perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter to get the right texture when creaming with sugar. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature until soft but not melted.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the chocolate kisses from melting, avoid storing in direct sunlight or warm spots.
Can I Substitute Chocolate Kisses with Another Topping?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate kisses, mini chocolate chips, or even a small dollop of frosting. Just press the topping onto the cookie while it’s still warm for best adhesion.
Is It Okay to Skip the Strawberry Extract?
Yes, if you don’t have strawberry extract, you can leave it out or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. For more natural flavor, try adding a tablespoon of fresh strawberry puree, but reduce other liquids slightly to keep the dough consistency correct.
