Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor from a cake mix base. Each cookie is topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, making them a delightful treat perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun homemade dessert. The addition of cream cheese in the dough adds richness and moisture, while optional sugar coating gives an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended to create the cookie dough base.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the dough and mix thoroughly until the dough thickens and the cream cheese is fully incorporated, giving the dough a creamy consistency.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Scoop Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into uniform balls for even baking.
- Coat with Sugar (Optional): Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar if you like a sugary crust, or place the plain dough balls directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Then gently press one unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack lightly around the kiss, which is normal.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. This ensures the kisses firm up and the cookies hold their shape.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
- Expect some light cracking around the chocolate kiss when it is pressed into the warm cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Strawberry cookies, Hershey's Kiss cookies, cake mix cookies, cream cheese cookies, easy dessert, soft cookies