Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s soft, festive, and downright adorable, then let me introduce you to my favorite sweet treat: the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Seriously, these little delights are packed with that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and oh-so-tender texture that will make you want to bake them again and again. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a fun get-together, or just because you need a cookie hug, you’re gonna love this recipe as much as I do!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

At its core, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe uses a funfetti cookie mix as a base, upgraded by cream cheese for moisture and richness. Each ingredient really plays a clear role, and with just a handful, you get that charming perfect bite—sweet and soft with a little festive pop.

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: The colorful sprinkles in this mix add festive fun, but you can also choose a plain sugar cookie mix if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds fat and moisture, keeping the cookies tender and slightly tangy, a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and gives structure without making the cookies tough.
• Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: Coating the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a lovely sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior texture.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: These kisses are the cookie’s crowning glory — gooey strawberry centers that are adorable and delicious.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it bends to your flavor whims. I’ve often mixed up the sugar coating or swapped in different kisses depending on the season or my mood. It’s your cookie adventure, and you should totally make it your own!

• Flavor Variations: I sometimes roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra pop of flavor and texture—trust me, it’s a game changer!
• Dietary Swaps: For a dairy-free twist, try a vegan cream cheese alternative and check the cookie mix for egg replacements.
• Color Themes: Change the sanding sugar color to match holidays or parties—you can’t go wrong with this little flair.
• Difficulty Levels: If you’re new to baking, follow the recipe exactly; for more adventurous bakers, try adding a dash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to punch it up.

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

Step 1: Getting Things Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms up, grab your softened cream cheese and make sure it’s nice and smooth; this really helps the dough come together evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix your funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until you have a soft dough. It might feel sticky—that’s totally normal! If it’s too sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step is a lifesaver to keep those dough balls from flattening during baking.

Step 3: Coat and Shape

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar (or non-pareils if you like) into a shallow bowl. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough, then roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball. Next, roll the dough ball in the sugar so it’s fully coated. This extra step brings that pretty sparkle and subtle crunch to your cookies.

Step 4: Bake and Add Kisses

Arrange your sugar-coated cookie balls on your lined baking sheet about 1½ inches apart. Bake for 8–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still feel soft. After you pull them from the oven, wait 3–5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss right into the center of each cookie. This keeps the kiss intact and adds that signature strawberry sweetness.

Step 5: Cool or Enjoy Warm

You can let the cookies cool completely for firmer kisses or dig in while they’re still warm if you love that melty center. Both ways are delicious, and I change it up depending on my snack mood.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or a few crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top right after pressing in the kiss. It adds an extra pop of sparkle and a hint of tangy freshness, which pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of herbal tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I once served them with a bowl of fresh berries for a light and festive dessert spread, which was a huge hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gifts, arranging these cookies in a pretty tin with layers of parchment paper sprinkled with rose petals or festive confetti adds a gorgeous touch. You can also place them on a tiered serving tray alongside fresh flowers to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. In my experience, they stay soft and fresh for about 3 to 4 days—although they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls—just roll and sugar-coat them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. I’ve done this many times to prep ahead for celebrations.

Reheating

If your cookies soften in the fridge, just pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, and they’ll regain their just-baked warmth and softness. Microwave reheating tends to soften the kiss too much, so oven warming is my top recommendation.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite sweet treats to bake and share. There’s something so joyful about the way the creamy cookie and the strawberry kiss come together—like a little edible love note. I hope you give these a try and find as much happiness in making (and eating!) them as I do. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll be your new go-to when you want that perfect mix of soft, sweet, and shimmering fun.

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