Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Let me tell you about a cookie that feels like a warm hug in dessert form—the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft strawberry sweetness and that classic chocolate surprise right in the center. I first made them on a whim for a friend’s birthday party, and they became an instant hit. Honestly, it’s one of those treats you don’t need a special occasion for, but it sure makes any get-together feel extra festive.

What’s great about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is just how simple it is to pull together but still looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re baking for kids, guests, or just yourself (no judgment here), I promise you’ll love how the cream cheese adds a gentle tang that complements the strawberry cake mix so well. Plus, the chocolate kisses? They’re the perfect finishing touch that brings everything together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in building that soft, flavorful cookie you’re aiming for. When shopping, I always look for quality cream cheese and fresh eggs—they really do make a difference in the final texture.

• Strawberry cake mix: This is the base of your cookie’s flavor and moisture, so grab your favorite brand or even a homemade mix if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Butter: Melted and cooled butter adds richness and helps the dough come together smoothly—don’t skip the cooling step to avoid scrambling the egg.
• Egg: Acts as the binding agent to hold your cookie dough together perfectly.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that tender crumb and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberry.
• Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): Rolling your cookies in sugar adds a pretty sparkle and a slight crunch on the outside.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic finish that melts slightly when pressed into warm cookies, creating a gooey, chocolatey center.

Variations

I love playing around with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s so easy to put your own twist on it while still keeping that classic charm!

• Mix in white chocolate chips: I once added white chocolate chips into the dough for extra bursts of creamy sweetness, and it was dreamy with the strawberry flavor.
• Use raspberry or cherry cake mix: For a fun twist, substitute the strawberry mix with raspberry or cherry—you’ll get a whole new fruity vibe.
• Go gluten-free: I’ve experimented with gluten-free cake mixes and got great results—just make sure the mix you choose is one suitable for cookies.
• Decorate with sprinkles: Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in colorful sprinkles instead of sugar for a festive look perfect for holidays or birthdays.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Basics

Start by mixing up the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to get everything nice and smooth—no dry patches! Make sure your butter isn’t too hot or you risk cooking the egg prematurely, which would mess up the texture.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese

Next, toss in the softened cream cheese and blend it in thoroughly. The dough will thicken up here, which is exactly what you want. If your cream cheese is cold or lumpy, give it a quick spin in the microwave (just a few seconds) so it mixes in smoothly without heating up too much.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the fridge for at least an hour. This step is key—it keeps the cookies from spreading too thin and helps them hold their shape when baked. Trust me, I’ve skipped this step before and ended up with flat, sad-looking cookies!

Step 4: Scoop and Sugarcoat

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough, and if you like, roll each ball in powdered sugar or pink sugar for a pretty coating. This adds a nice texture contrast and a little sparkle.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Kisses

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft—don’t overbake! Right when they come out of the oven, gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center. You’ll notice a little cracking around the kiss—don’t worry, that’s totally normal and adds to the charm.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely so the chocolate sets up nicely and the cookies finish firming up. I like to sneak a warm one during this stage—it’s dangerously good!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, which adds a delicate sweetness and looks charming. Sometimes, for an extra special touch, I sprinkle some edible glitter or freeze-dried strawberry bits on top to enhance that berry vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea. On warm days, I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberry sorbet—turns them into a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or Valentine’s Day, I arrange the Strawberry Kiss Cookies on a pretty platter shaped like a heart. I’ve also wrapped individual cookies in cellophane with a ribbon for easy party favors. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside a small bowl of melted chocolate for dunking—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Lining the container with parchment paper between layers helps keep them from sticking together, which is a simple trick I swear by.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the dough balls (without the sugar coating or kisses) on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way I always have fresh-baked cookies on demand!

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes—just enough to soften them and melt the chocolate slightly, without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress without hours in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and fun, and I love how easy it is to adapt to different occasions or moods. I can’t recommend it enough—you’ll get soft, flavorful cookies with that delightful chocolate center every single time. So go ahead, bake a batch, and watch how quickly they disappear. Your friends (and yourself) will thank you!

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