Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with sweet, fruity goodness and topped with a little chocolate surprise, you’re going to love this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies have this soft, tender texture thanks to the strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, and that chocolate kiss on top? It’s like the perfect little finishing touch that makes you smile every time. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to when you want to impress with a simple but stunning dessert. Let me walk you through how to get these beauties baking in your kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is chosen to build up that soft texture and luscious berry flavor, while keeping things simple and straightforward. Let’s dive into why these ingredients make this cookie pop!

• Strawberry Cake Mix: The star of the show—imparts that delicious strawberry flavor and keeps the dough tender with its pre-mixed components.
• Butter: Melted and cooled butter adds richness and moisture without weighing the cookies down.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and helps with structure so the cookies hold their shape.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess, moisture, and keeps the cookies soft, lending the texture that feels almost like cake.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic topping that melts wonderfully when pressed into the warm cookies for a sweet center.
• Optional Sugars (Powdered or Pink Granulated): Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking creates a delicate sweet crust and a beautiful finish, especially with pink sugar for a cute pop of color.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to amp up the berry flavor or make these suitable for different diets, there’s room to personalize!

• Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and double-check your chocolate kisses to keep these allergy-friendly—I’ve done this and they still come out deliciously soft.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dough for a bright twist. I like a little vanilla for deeper flavor.
• Sugar Coating Options: Using pink colored sugar adds a festive look, especially for parties or Valentine’s Day. Powdered sugar creates a more delicate, classic finish.
• Chocolate Variations: Try white chocolate kisses or even mini peanut butter cups on top for a fun change—I once did a batch with white chocolate kisses and they were a hit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Dough

First, I combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg right in a large bowl and stir until it’s completely smooth. No lumps here! This is important because the cake mix dissolves much easier in melted butter rather than cold butter. I like to let my melted butter cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t cook the egg.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese for Softness

Next, toss in the softened cream cheese and mix it into the dough. This part thickens things up and makes the dough lovely and creamy. I use room temperature cream cheese—if it’s too cold, it’s harder to mix evenly, which can mean uneven texture.

Step 3: Chill to Help Shape

After that, cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. I know it’s hard to wait, but this step makes all the difference—chilling solidifies the fat and stops the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so you get those thick, soft rounds you want.

Step 4: Scoop and Sugar Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion out your dough balls. If you want, roll them in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets. This creates a little cute sugary crust when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Kisses

Bake the cookies for about 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft—that’s key for that tender bite. Let them rest 1–2 minutes on the pan because trying to push the chocolate kisses in while they’re too hot or too cool can crack the cookie or stop the kiss from melting. Gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right into the center of each cookie. Expect little cracks around the edges—that’s part of their charm!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. I love this part because the smell fills the kitchen and the kisses melt just enough to become all melty and irresistible. Once cooled, store in an airtight container or dive right in!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple since these cookies stand out on their own, but sometimes I sprinkle a little extra pink colored sugar on top after pressing in the kisses for a bit of sparkle. On special occasions, edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate can add a festive vibe that really wows guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea. If you’re serving at a party, I love laying them out alongside fresh berries or light lemon bars to complement the fruity flavor without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or Valentine’s Day, I often arrange Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert stand with pink and red accents to play up that romantic, sweet vibe. Wrapping them individually in clear bags tied with a ribbon also makes for adorable little gifts that everyone appreciates!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and tasty for up to 3 days. Sometimes I put a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies moist—it really works wonders!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. I shape them and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven a minute or two longer than fresh dough—so handy for last-minute treats!

Reheating

Leftover cookies can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for 5 minutes. This softens them up and brings back that fresh-baked feel without melting the kiss too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make yet feels like a real treat. I always find myself coming back to it when I want something sweet with a bit of a nostalgic twist—like a fresh strawberry and chocolate mashup in cookie form. I can’t wait for you to try making them in your kitchen and see how quickly they disappear at your table. Pop on your apron and enjoy every bite!

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