Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Have you ever had one of those recipes that just instantly brightens your day? That’s exactly how I feel about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe. The moment you bite into one, you’re met with that nostalgic funfetti sparkle mixed with the sweet, fruity pop of a strawberry Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Honestly, these cookies are a celebration in every bite and perfect for any occasion where you want to add a little charm and whimsy to your dessert table.

What makes these cookies so special is the dreamy balance between the buttery cream cheese-infused cookie dough and the colorful crunch of sanding sugar or non-pareils. Whether it’s a kid’s birthday party, a casual get-together, or just a fun weekend baking project, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe is sure to stand out. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to pull together — a total win if you’re anything like me who loves fuss-free but impressive treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe plays a key role, bringing that magical combo of texture, flavor, and eye-catching color. Here’s the rundown — I’ll also give you some tips to choose the best versions and get the right results every time.

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: This is your colorful cookie base, and I recommend getting a quality mix with plenty of sprinkles baked right in for that classic Funfetti look and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese adds moistness and a slight tang, which honestly makes these cookies super soft and tender — don’t skip it!
• Large Egg: Helps bind everything together smoothly; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: This gives the dazzling outer crunch and keeps things festive. I love pink sanding sugar for a girly touch—but white is lovely if you prefer subtle sparkle.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show! If you can find these strawberry-flavored kisses, go for it—they’re so fun and add that perfect fruity surprise at the center of each cookie.

Variations

I’m all about putting your own spin on recipes, and this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe is no exception. Play around with the colors, flavors, or even texture to make it your own.

• Variation: Sometimes I switch the Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses for classic milk chocolate or white chocolate kisses. It changes the flavor dynamic but keeps the treat just as fun.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative and use egg replacers to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets.
• Seasonal Funfetti: I like to swap out the standard sprinkles for holiday-themed non-pareils like red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough enhances the sweetness and complements the strawberry in the kisses beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready With Your Prep

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations and preheat your oven to 375°F. This heat level is just right to get the edges crisp and golden while keeping the inside soft and cakey.

Step 2: Mix the Dough to Soft Perfection

Grab a large mixing bowl and your hand or stand mixer. Beat the funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and large egg together until you get a smooth, soft dough. The cream cheese really shines here, making the dough easier to work with and the cookies extra tender. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry — a chill in the fridge or freezer for 30 to 60 minutes helps a lot.

Step 3: Add the Sparkle

Pour your choice of pink or white sanding sugar (or non-pareils) into a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls one at a time, then roll each ball in your sugar until fully coated and smooth. This step gives your cookies that irresistible sparkle and a tiny bit of crunch on the outside.

Step 4: Bake and Press

Place the sugar-coated dough balls spaced about 1½ inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake them for 8 to 12 minutes — you want the edges just set and starting to turn a light golden color. After taking them out, wait 3 to 5 minutes (so the cookies don’t lose their shape) and then gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This keeps the kiss perfectly melted but still defined.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Move your cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling or dive in warm if you’re an impatient cookie lover like me. Both ways offer a delightful experience — with warm ones leaning soft and gooey and cooled ones holding a nice shape with that pop of strawberry in every bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra sanding sugar over the top just before serving for that extra sparkle. For a playful touch, a few extra mini sprinkles around the plate make for a festive presentation—especially for parties!

Side Dishes

Milk is a classic pairing, but you can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad on the side. These cookies also make a charming companion for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I love stacking these cookies around a pedestal cake plate with a few fresh strawberries and candles for a funfetti-inspired cake alternative. Placing them in cute little bakery boxes tied with pastel ribbons also makes for a sweet gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them with parchment paper to keep the kisses from sticking. They stay fresh and soft for about 3 days this way — perfect if you want to keep some for guilt-free snacking!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully either before or after baking. If freezing the dough, shape and coat balls, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a container. If frozen after baking, wrap well to protect the kisses. When ready, thaw at room temperature or pop in the oven to warm up.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. It refreshes the cookies’ softness and melts the kisses just enough without losing their shape or making the cookie too crumbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun as it is delicious, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe is a must-try. I love how bright and cheerful they look, but what really wins me over is the satisfyingly soft bite and that sweet strawberry kiss surprise. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be reaching for them at every party, holiday, and cozy night in. Go on, bake a batch — you’re going to love sharing these with friends (or sneaking a few when no one’s watching!).

Print