There’s a special kind of joy that comes from baking that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas, and these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are no exception. Imagine the sweet scent of strawberries mingling in the air while creamy chocolate kisses await to be nestled in a buttery, pink-hued cookie. I discovered this gem when I was looking to impress some friends with a treat that was both adorable and delicious, and let me tell you, this recipe did not disappoint!
What makes these cookies truly irresistible is how easy they are to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. With just a few pantry staples like strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, in under 90 minutes, you can create a batch of 30 cookies that are as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten your day with a little homemade goodness, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Join me as we dive into this sweet adventure!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are unbelievably easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious batch in no time at all.
- The delightful combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.
- With their vibrant pink hue and adorable chocolate kisses, these cookies are visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, they yield a generous amount, making them fantastic for sharing with friends and family.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Strawberry Cake Mix – gives these cookies their vibrant flavor and color.
• Unsalted Butter – adds a rich, creamy texture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Large Egg – binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise beautifully.
• Cream Cheese – provides a deliciously creamy consistency and a subtle tang, enhancing the strawberry flavor.
For the Topping
• Pink Sanding Sugar – adds a lovely sparkle and crunchy texture; feel free to substitute with regular sugar if desired.
• Hershey’s Kisses – the classic addition for a sweet surprise at the center; try any flavor you love for a twist on these Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the dry strawberry cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and large egg. Blend until you have a smooth, near-homogeneous mixture that showcases that cheerful pink hue.
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Add Cream Cheese: Gently incorporate the cream cheese into the mixture. Ensure it’s well combined, creating a rich and creamy cookie dough that’s ready for a chill in the fridge.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential for firming up the dough, making it easier to shape later on.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking – we want everything to go smoothly!
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Prepare Kisses: Unwrap 48 Hershey’s Kisses and place pink sanding sugar in a small bowl. This is where the magic happens as you prepare for the grand finish of your cookies.
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Form Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, roll it into tablespoon-sized balls. Then, roll the balls in the pink sanding sugar, allowing them to glisten with sugary sparkle.
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Arrange on Tray: Place the glittering cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. They will spread a bit while baking, so give them room to shine!
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Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they’re set and slightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!
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Cool Briefly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit for about 2 minutes on the baking tray. This resting time helps them firm up just the right amount.
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Add Kisses: Gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates the iconic look of your Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
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Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool fully before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for days to come.
Optional: Top with extra pink sanding sugar for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own twist on these delightful cookies that promise to tantalize your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
- Chocolate Fudge: Use chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry mix for a rich, fudgy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate kisses.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that enhances the cookie’s texture.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy surprise, swirl in dollops of cream cheese filling instead of fully incorporating it, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Berry Medley: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried strawberries or other berries into the dough for extra fruity goodness that brings a delightful chew.
- Vanilla Hints: A splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile; add it in with the egg for an aromatic twist that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
- Spicy Surprise: For a hint of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder; the subtle kick will complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Festive Sprinkles: Ditch the sanding sugar and roll the cookie dough balls in colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look that’s perfect for celebrations!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Imagine a delightful spread that enhances the sweet charm of these cookies, bringing smiles and flavors to any gathering.
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Milkshake: A strawberry milkshake pairs beautifully, echoing the cookie’s fruity notes while adding a creamy richness that feels decadent.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of fresh berries adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and refreshing your palate.
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Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These elegant bites complement the chocolate kisses in the cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that feels indulgent yet playful.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Nothing beats a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
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Herbal Tea: A cup of soothing herbal tea provides a warm, aromatic companionship that enhances the flavors of the cookies without overwhelming them.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The tangy fizz of sparkling lemonade cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, creating a refreshing and uplifting drink choice that’s perfect for any occasion.
Creating a full meal around Strawberry Kiss Cookies opens the door to delightful culinary adventures that ensure your gathering is memorable. Enjoy crafting the perfect pairings!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for snacking.
Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate the cookies, keeping them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating: For a delightful warm treat, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy the melted chocolate kiss!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead to save time during your busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients as directed and chill it in the refrigerator. This step not only enhances the flavors but also ensures easier handling when you’re ready to bake. If you want to take it a step further, you can roll the cookie balls in sanding sugar and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When it’s time to bake, just pop them in the oven and add the Hershey’s Kisses right after they come out. You’ll enjoy the same delightful taste with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Strawberry Kiss Cookies, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a perfect dough consistency.
- To avoid over-mixing, gently incorporate the cream cheese until just blended for a rich texture.
- Always chill the dough for at least one hour to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
- Keep an eye on the baking time and check for a slight golden edge, removing them from the oven promptly to preserve that chewy center.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right strawberries for my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses strawberry cake mix, you can enhance the strawberry flavor by adding fresh strawberries. Look for ripe, vibrant strawberries without dark spots or mushy areas. They should be firm to the touch and bright red in color.
What is the best way to store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You can store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious for snacking. If you’d like them to stay fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week, but remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Yes! To freeze your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. For an even more delightful treat, you can reheat them in the oven!
What should I do if my cookie dough isn’t sticking together?
Very! If your dough feels crumbly and isn’t holding together, it may be due to the cream cheese not being mixed in thoroughly or using too much cake mix. To fix this, you can add a splash of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough binds together nicely. Just be careful not to add too much liquid!
Can my pets eat Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
No, it’s best to keep Strawberry Kiss Cookies away from pets. The chocolate Kisses can be toxic to dogs and cats, so please avoid giving them any cookies containing chocolate. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider making a cookie version that’s safe, using ingredients like peanut butter and oats instead.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, stir together the dry strawberry cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and large egg until smooth.
- Gently incorporate the cream cheese into the mixture until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap 48 Hershey's Kisses and place pink sanding sugar in a small bowl.
- Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll in pink sanding sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden.
- Let the cookies sit for about 2 minutes on the baking tray before transferring them.
- Gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool fully.
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