Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a charming, sweet treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe might just become your new favorite. These cookies capture the freshness of strawberry flavor packed into a tender, cake-mix-based dough, topped off with a smooth chocolate kiss that melts perfectly into the warm cookie. It’s like a mini celebration in every bite!

Whenever I bring these Strawberry Kiss Cookies out—whether it’s for a casual afternoon coffee or a special holiday gathering—they never last long. They’re easy enough to whip up last-minute but fancy enough to impress. You’ll find they strike a perfect balance between soft, fluffy texture and a pop of chocolaty charm, making them worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating those irresistible strawberry-flavored cookies with a creamy center and that iconic Hershey’s Kiss topping. Here’s a quick guide to why these ingredients work so beautifully together and a few shopping tips to keep in mind.

• Strawberry cake mix: This is the star ingredient and shortcut to achieving that classic strawberry taste without having to use fresh fruit or jam. I prefer boxed mixes from well-known brands for consistency.
• Butter: Melted and slightly cooled, butter adds richness and helps bind the dough. Make sure it’s not hot or it’ll cook the egg when mixed.
• Egg: You only need one large egg to provide structure and moisture without making the dough too sticky.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese keeps the cookies tender and brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Don’t skip the softening step—it’s worth the wait!
• Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking creates a pretty, slightly crunchy coating. I love using pink sugar for an extra pop of color and festivity.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: These go right on top when the cookies come out of the oven—melting slightly and adding that luscious, chocolatey finish. Unwrapped, of course!

Variations

One of the fun things about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often play with sweet and savory additions or different toppings depending on my mood—or what pantry items I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

• Gluten-free version: I’ve had success using a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, just be sure the substitute handles the same moisture level.
• White chocolate chips: Sometimes, instead of Hershey’s Kisses, I’ll add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra creaminess throughout.
• Sprinkles on top: For kids’ parties, I roll the dough balls in sprinkles instead of sugar to add some festive crunch and color.
• Mini chocolate kisses: On smaller cookies, I use mini Hershey’s Kisses to keep proportions just right and make them bite-sized.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Dough

Start by combining your strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and the egg in a large mixing bowl. I like to whisk these ingredients until smooth, making sure there are no lumps left in the batter. It takes just a minute or two, and this simple step ensures your dough has a consistent texture. If your butter is too warm, it can overly loosen the dough, so let it cool a bit after melting.

Step 2: Blend in the Cream Cheese

Once your base is smooth, add the softened cream cheese. I find using room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable here—it blends seamlessly and thickens the dough nicely without lumps. Beat or stir until the mixture thickens and looks uniformly pink and creamy. This step gives your cookies that luscious, soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Chill Before Baking

Cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is instrumental in preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. I’ve learned that skipping this can lead to flat, misshapen cookies, so patience here really pays off!

Step 4: Prepare and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough—rolling them in powdered sugar or pink sugar if you like a sweet coating—and place them spaced apart on the sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, aiming for edges that look set while keeping the centers soft. Keep an eye on your first batch to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kisses

Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest for 1–2 minutes before gently pressing an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat softens the chocolate slightly, creating a glossy, melty top. Don’t worry if you see some light cracking around the kiss—that’s normal and adds charm!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely so the chocolate sets properly and the cookies firm up just enough to hold their shape. Once cooled, they’re ready to share or savor on your own with a cup of tea or milk.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is definitely the pink sugar coating—it adds such a pretty sparkle and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. For extra flair, I sometimes sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces over the kisses while they’re still warm, adding a fresh burst of flavor and an eye-catching pop of color.

Side Dishes

Because these cookies are rich and fragrant, I like pairing them with simple sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates them for dessert, while a tall glass of cold milk or a freshly brewed cup of coffee makes them perfect for snack time. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside fresh berries to amp up the strawberry theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gift-giving or a tea party, set these cookies on decorative plates or tiered stands. I’ve wrapped batches in cellophane tied with pink ribbons and added a small note for a sweet homemade gift. You can even arrange them in heart-shaped boxes for Valentine’s Day or layer them in a jar with alternating sugar and cookie layers for a charming visual effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to three days, although if you ask me, it’s tough to keep them around that long! If you want to extend their lifespan, be sure to keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate kisses from melting.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dough balls before baking with great success—just scoop and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring your cookies back to that fresh-baked warmth, I usually pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This slightly softens the chocolate kiss while warming the cookie without drying it out. Avoid using a microwave for reheating if you want to keep the cookies from turning chewy or rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly joyful. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or the hundredth, you’re guaranteed something sweet, soft, and just a little bit magical. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—share it with friends, gift it to neighbors, or savor every bite yourself. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too.

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