Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491807H6M25S
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix; 4 ounce cream cheese, softened (½ of an 8-ounce package); 1 large egg; ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils; 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses

If you’re craving a cookie that’s cheerful, colorful, and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe. I first made these for a casual get-together, and the way the fruity Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses melt into the soft, funfetti-packed cookie dough is pure magic. They’re sweet, buttery, and just a little bit nostalgic—perfect for everything from kids’ birthday parties to a cozy afternoon treat.

What makes this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together without sacrificing flavor or fun. Using a funfetti sugar cookie mix keeps things simple, but the cream cheese adds just the right tang and softness, while the sanding sugar gives these cookies that delightful sparkle. Trust me, these are exactly the kind of cookies you’ll find yourself baking again and again (and maybe sneaking a few before anyone else can!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend to give you soft, chewy cookies with just a hint of tang and a burst of colorful fun. When shopping, look for quality cream cheese and funfetti mix that’s free from any artificial flavors if you want a cleaner taste.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: Using a mix saves time but still delivers that classic sprinkle-studded cookie base you want.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes your cookies super tender.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: This coating adds a little crunch and makes your cookies look extra festive.
Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The signature ingredient that gives these cookies their strawberry kiss finish and that melt-in-your-mouth moment.

Variations

I love that this recipe is a fun canvas for personalization—I’ve tried swapping out the sugar coating for colored sugar based on holidays, and it’s always a winner. You can definitely make this recipe your own with a few tweaks, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Chocolate Kiss Swap: I once used milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses and, while different, it gave a delightful chocolate-strawberry combo my friends couldn’t get enough of.
Gluten-Free Option: You can try a gluten-free sugar cookie mix for a friendly version. Just watch texture as GF flours can change dough firmness.
Seasonal Sprinkles: Use fall-themed or holiday-colored sanding sugars to match the vibe of your celebration.
Add Zest: For a fresh twist, add some lemon or orange zest to the dough—I find it brightens up the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps the cookies come off cleanly and prevents sticking. Set your oven to 375°F to preheat; a properly heated oven is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg until you get a soft dough that’s well combined. I like using a stand mixer for ease, but a sturdy spoon will work if that’s what you have. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry—you’ll chill it in the next step.

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl for easy rolling. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and gently roll each ball in the sugar until coated and smooth. If your dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge or freezer for 30 to 60 minutes. This helps a ton with neat shaping and prevents spreading.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Arrange your coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with about 1½ inches between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them—the edges should set and develop a light golden hue. Don’t overbake if you want soft centers!

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Kiss

Once you pull the cookies from the oven, let them rest on the sheet for 3-5 minutes to firm up just enough. Then, press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie. This way, the kiss softens slightly but holds its shape, giving you that beautiful strawberry finish.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely, or snag one warm if you’re impatient like me! They’re irresistibly good at any stage—warm, slightly cooled, or fully cooled.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

The image shows six ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The center left features a large white bowl full of fine white flour with a slightly uneven surface. Above the flour bowl is a round white bowl with a colorful mix of red, white, and green small round sprinkles. To the right of the sprinkles sits a single brown egg with a smooth shell. On the top right, there is another round white bowl filled with fine white sugar. Below the sugar bowl lies a thick, rectangular block of white cream cheese with visible texture and light indentations. Finally, at the bottom right corner, a small pile of glossy dark brown chocolate candies shaped like soft cones rests directly on the surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these cookies since the sparkle from the sanding sugar and colorful sprinkles does all the visual work. However, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra non-pareils around the serving plate always adds an adorable touch, especially for parties.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of bright, fruity tea. For a real treat, consider serving alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream—the flavors complement each other beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or baby showers, I arrange these cookies in a pretty circle on a cake stand with pastel-colored napkins underneath. You could also package them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon, making charming take-home gifts that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just keep the container slightly vented if possible, so they don’t get too soft or soggy. If you want to refresh them, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does wonders.

Freezing

To freeze, I place the baked cookies on a tray to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly, so you can enjoy your funfetti goodness whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

When reheating frozen cookies, I let them come to room temperature first, then warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back a freshly-baked taste and soft texture without melting the strawberry kiss completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead of Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses?

Absolutely! While the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses give these cookies their signature fruity flavor, regular Hershey’s Kisses or other flavored ones will work just fine. It just changes the flavor profile a bit, so feel free to experiment.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough is overly sticky, refrigerate or freeze it for 30 to 60 minutes before scooping and rolling. This firms up the dough and makes it much easier to work with without adding extra flour, which can dry out the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan or dairy-free version, try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan funfetti cookie mix. Just keep in mind baking times and textures might vary slightly, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet.
Can I skip the sanding sugar coat?

You can skip it, but sanding sugar adds a wonderful crunch and sparkle to the cookies. If you want, you could roll the dough balls in plain sugar or even just bake as is for a softer exterior.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe always brings back such joyful memories for me, from baking with friends to sharing them at celebrations. They’re one of those recipes that never fail to brighten up the day and spark smiles. I’m excited for you to give them a try—once you do, I bet it’ll quickly become a go-to for your cookie cravings and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.