Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as adorable as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies pop with bright strawberry flavor and that melty chocolate kiss right in the center makes them feel extra special—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a festive treat, these cookies never disappoint.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe come together simply but create something really special. I always suggest using fresh cream cheese and real butter for that rich texture and flavor you can’t fake. You’ll be surprised how a boxed cake mix turns into cookie magic!

• Strawberry cake mix: I recommend getting a good-quality mix with real strawberry bits for extra depth.
• Butter: Using melted and slightly cooled butter helps bind everything together smoothly.
• Large egg: This adds moisture and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key—it makes the cookies rich, tender, and a little tangy.
• Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): Rolling the dough in sugar before baking adds a pretty sparkle and slight crunch.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: These are non-negotiable—unwrapped and ready to get cozy in your warm cookies!

Variations

I like to make this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe my own by tweaking it just a little depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. It’s always fun to try something different but keep that core strawberry and chocolate combo that everyone loves.

• Gluten-free: I’ve swapped the regular strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free version and didn’t notice a difference in flavor or texture at all—everyone was none the wiser!
• White chocolate Kisses: Sometimes I switch out the classic chocolate for white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, giving the cookies a creamy, sweet twist.
• Add fresh strawberries: For extra fruity bursts, I toss in chopped fresh strawberries to the dough—just a few, so the dough isn’t too wet.
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar: Perfect for parties, rolling the dough balls in colorful sugar sprinkles before baking adds a festive touch.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the base ingredients

Start by combining your strawberry cake mix, melted (and cooled) butter, and large egg in a big mixing bowl. I like using a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer on low to get a smooth, even dough. You’ll see it come together quickly—no lumps! This mix is your cookie’s foundation, so be sure everything is nicely combined before moving on.

Step 2: Incorporate the cream cheese

Next, add in your softened cream cheese. This is the secret that keeps the cookies moist and deliciously soft inside. Mix until the dough is thick and totally smooth—don’t rush this bit! The dough will look richer and hold together really well once the cream cheese is fully blended.

Step 3: Chill the dough

Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. I know waiting can be the hardest part, but chilling helps the dough firm up so your cookies don’t spread like pancakes during baking. This step also makes rolling the dough balls much easier.

Step 4: Shape, sugar, and bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls—I use a cookie scoop for neat, even portions—and roll them in powdered sugar or pink sanding sugar if you want that extra sparkle. Place them spaced out on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers still look soft.

Step 5: The chocolate kiss magic

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, wait 1 to 2 minutes (just enough so they don’t burn your fingers) and gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. You’ll notice some cracking—that’s totally normal and adds to the charm. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely so the chocolate can set perfectly.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple and let the sparkle of powdered sugar or pink sanding sugar be the garnish. It adds a festive pop without overpowering the strawberry and chocolate flavors. For special occasions, I’ve decorated with tiny edible flowers or even drizzled a bit of white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a fresh berry smoothie. For brunch or an afternoon tea party, I like to serve them alongside lemon bars or a fresh fruit salad to keep things light and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I arranged these cookies on a pretty platter with small bowls of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for dipping—my guests loved it! Another fun idea is to pack them in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors or gifts. They always look so cute displayed in pink or red tins around Valentine’s Day too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, and honestly, they rarely stick around that long! If you want to keep them fresh, layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking and preserves their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before baking by scooping the dough balls onto a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, just pop the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer—adding a minute or two to the bake time. I’ve found this saves so much time when unexpected guests arrive!

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives that soft, melty texture perfectly—like freshly baked. Just be careful not to overheat or the chocolate will melt away too much, making them messy to handle.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I first tried this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a whim and instantly fell in love—not just with how pretty they look but with that perfect balance of soft strawberry and melty chocolate. I truly believe these cookies bring a little extra joy to any day, especially when shared. So if you’re ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something sweet, give this recipe a go—you’ll be glad you did!

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