If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s bursting with strawberry flavor and topped with a melty chocolate hug, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe because it’s easy to make, and every bite feels like a sweet little celebration. These cookies come out soft and cakey, with a creamy surprise in the dough and that classic Hershey’s Kiss on top — so good, you’ll want to bake them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples, no fancy baking skills required.
- Unique Texture: The cream cheese keeps these cookies soft and cakey, not dry or crumbly.
- Perfect Presentation: The chocolate kiss on top adds a fun, festive pop everyone loves.
- Great for Any Occasion: From Valentine’s Day to just a weekday treat, these cookies fit perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe uses ingredients you’re probably familiar with, but in a way that delivers a deliciously soft and fruity cookie every time. I like to use high-quality cream cheese because it makes all the difference in texture and richness.
- Strawberry cake mix: This packs in a sweet, concentrated strawberry flavor and keeps things simple.
- Butter: Melted, not melted too hot — this helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for that cakey texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, it makes the cookies tender and adds subtle tang.
- Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): I like to roll the dough balls in sugar for a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic topping that melts slightly, adding a perfect chocolate finish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap out ingredients or add in fun twists to make it your own — I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite combo!
- Double Chocolate: I once mixed in mini chocolate chips with the dough for an ultra-chocolatey treat — so decadent and a total crowd-pleaser.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make these tasty for friends with sensitivities.
- Sprinkles: Before baking, roll the cookies in rainbow sprinkles along with sugar for a festive look that’s perfect for parties.
- Berry Medley: Try swapping some strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries in the mix to mix up the berry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dough Like a Pro
Start by combining the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. I like using a wooden spoon first to get everything incorporated, then switching to a hand mixer if needed—it helps you get a smooth, even dough. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or you could accidentally cook the egg! The texture should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Magic
Next, add your softened cream cheese. This part is what took me from “just okay cookies” to “OMG so good.” Beat it in until the dough thickens and all the cream cheese is fully blended. It’ll look a bit thicker and creamier—that’s exactly what you want here.
Step 3: Chill Out
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Trust me, this step is crucial. Chilling firms up the dough, which means your cookies will bake without spreading too much. I usually pop it in the fridge while I tidy the kitchen or prep other treats.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. When it’s time, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. If you want, roll them gently in powdered or pink sugar for a cute, sparkly finish.
Step 5: Bake and Kiss
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges but still soft centers. When you pull the cookies out, give them 1–2 minutes to cool just a bit, then gently press a chocolate Kiss right into the center of each—don’t worry if they crack a little; that’s totally normal and adds to the charm.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets the chocolate set perfectly, and the cookie finish firming up just right. If you bite in too early, they might be a little soft and fragile.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe
- Don’t Skip Chilling: I learned the hard way that chilling keeps these cookies thick and prevents spreading.
- Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can make lumps—soften it ahead for smooth batter.
- Gently Press Kisses: Put the chocolate kiss on right after baking while cookie centers are soft, but don’t press too hard or the cookie could break.
- Parchment Paper Is Your Friend: Keeps cookies cleanly off the pan and means no messy extra scrubbing.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple—just a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy sparkle that looks so pretty. For special occasions, I’ve sprinkled edible glitter or tiny heart-shaped sprinkles on the dough balls before baking, which makes these cookies make a festive statement.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine as a sweet treat after a light meal like a fresh green salad or a fruit platter. Pairing them with a cup of hot tea or a cold glass of milk creates a nostalgic combo that everyone appreciates.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh strawberries and small bowls of whipped cream. They also make adorable Valentine’s gifts when stacked in little cellophane bags tied with pink ribbon — super easy and heartwarming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep that just-baked texture, just bring them out about 10 minutes before serving to let them warm slightly.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works well—either freeze the baked cookies after cooling or the shaped dough balls before baking. When freezing the dough, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake fresh. This method means you can always have strawberry kiss goodness ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, pop the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This gently revives that soft texture and makes the Kiss melty again without overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe without cream cheese?
You can omit the cream cheese, but it will change the texture quite a bit. The cookies may end up a bit drier and less soft. I recommend trying it with cream cheese for the best balance of moistness and softness.
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How long do Strawberry Kiss Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want them longer, freezing is a good option.
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Can I use other flavors of cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love strawberry for this recipe, vanilla and funfetti cake mixes also work beautifully, giving you a different twist on this adorable cookie.
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Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so they stay thick and cakey. It also helps the flavors meld better.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe, I was hooked instantly—it’s just that perfect combo of fresh strawberry flavor, tender crumb, and that chocolate kiss finish that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or craving a sweet treat just because, these cookies never disappoint. I’m excited for you to try them and see for yourself how easy and awesome they are. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, flavorful treats made with a strawberry cake mix base, enriched with cream cheese for extra moisture and tenderness, and topped with a classic chocolate Hershey’s Kiss. These delightful cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet strawberry flavor and rich chocolate, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Optional
- Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until the dough becomes thick and uniform.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour to prevent spreading during baking and to ensure a thick, tender cookie.
- Prepare Oven and Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Optional Coating: If desired, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for extra sweetness and decorative effect, or place them plain on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft to the touch.
- Add Chocolate Kiss: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Then gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
- Expect light cracking on the surface when pressing in the chocolate kiss, which is normal.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg