Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Valentine Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly feels like a celebration. Soft, pink-hued cookies with a gentle strawberry aroma come out of the oven warm and tender, ready to be topped with a glossy chocolate kiss that melts just enough to hug the surface. They’re cheerful, nostalgic, and impossibly cute—everything a Valentine’s Day dessert should be.
These cookies are special because they combine classic flavors in a playful way. Strawberry brings a fruity sweetness and eye-catching color, while the chocolate center adds richness and that familiar, comforting bite everyone loves. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, school celebrations, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights at home. Kids love them, adults feel nostalgic eating them, and bakers love how simple yet impressive they are. Each cookie is roughly 120–140 calories, making them a sweet indulgence without being over-the-top.
Key Ingredients
Before you start, gather your ingredients. Each one plays an important role in flavor, texture, or that signature Valentine look.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookie, giving it a soft but sturdy bite.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries (crushed) – Provide real strawberry flavor and natural pink color without excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Unsalted Butter (softened) – Adds richness, moisture, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg – Binds the dough together and adds softness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances both the strawberry and chocolate flavors.
Baking Powder – Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they stay soft and pillowy.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Pink or Red Food Coloring (optional) – Intensifies the Valentine color if desired.
Additional Sugar (for rolling) – Creates a sparkly, slightly crisp exterior.
Hershey’s Kisses – The iconic chocolate center that makes these cookies instantly recognizable.
Cornstarch (optional) – Keeps the cookies extra soft and tender.
Milk or Cream (optional) – Helps adjust dough texture if it feels dry.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Start by preparing your oven and workspace. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the chocolate kisses ahead of time and set them aside so they’re ready as soon as the cookies come out of the oven.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cornstarch (if using), and finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Crushing them into a powder ensures the strawberry flavor distributes evenly throughout the dough and gives the cookies that soft pink hue.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. If you want a brighter pink color, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels dry, add a teaspoon of milk or cream. If it’s too sticky, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to create a lightly crisp, sparkly coating. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. You want pale, tender cookies—not browned ones. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is exactly what you want.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will soften as it melts, then set with a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Valentine Strawberry Kiss Cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving, and how you present them can completely change the vibe. For a romantic dessert table, arrange them on a white or blush-toned platter with fresh strawberries and chocolate truffles scattered around for texture and color. The pink cookies with shiny chocolate centers instantly become the focal point.
For parties or gift-giving, stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon or place them in pastel bakery boxes with parchment paper. They’re perfect for classroom treats, Galentine’s gatherings, or care packages. You can even create a cookie board by pairing them with sugar cookies, brownies, and chocolate-dipped pretzels for a visually stunning spread.
If you’re serving them at home, try plating them warm with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or strawberry-flavored coffee. They also make a fun dessert after a Valentine’s dinner—simple, nostalgic, and comforting. For a playful twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream and let guests use the cookies as edible scoops.
Storage + Meal Prep
These cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for advance baking. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. To prevent the chocolate kisses from smudging, layer the cookies with parchment paper between each layer.
If you’d like to freeze them, you can do so either before or after baking. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls (without sugar coating), freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake as directed.
Baked cookies can also be frozen, though the chocolate may lose a bit of shine after thawing. To refresh them, let them come to room temperature naturally and avoid reheating, which can melt the chocolate too much. If you want them to feel freshly baked on day two, add a new cookie plate, a fresh drink pairing, or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.
Conclusion
Valentine Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of recipe that brings instant joy. They’re cheerful, simple, and filled with flavors that feel familiar and comforting. From the soft strawberry cookie to the chocolate kiss center, every bite feels like a little celebration of love, friendship, and sweetness.
Whether you’re baking for someone special, a group of friends, or just yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to make the moment feel festive. Don’t be afraid to customize them—try different colored sugars, swap in flavored kisses, or add sprinkles for extra flair. If you give them a try, share them with someone you love and enjoy how quickly they disappear.
