Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
If you love a sweet treat that tastes like a little hug in cookie form, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, slightly tangy thanks to cream cheese, and topped with a melty chocolate kiss that just melts your heart (and taste buds). I’ve made these dozens of times and every batch brings such joy—it’s a cupcake and chocolate kiss all rolled into one cookie. Trust me, keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and pretty darn easy to whip up!
Why This Recipe Works
- Strawberry Cake Mix Base: Using cake mix keeps things moist, tender, and full of strawberry flavor without any extra fuss.
- Cream Cheese Addition: Incorporating cream cheese gives these cookies a subtle tang and a luscious, soft texture that’s irresistible.
- Chocolate Kiss Top: Pressing in a Hershey’s Kiss just after baking adds a melty, chocolatey finish that pairs perfectly with the strawberry.
- Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps control spreading, resulting in thick, soft cookies every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create big flavor and perfect texture. If you pick good-quality cake mix and soften your cream cheese just right, you’re halfway to cookie heaven.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the heart of the cookie. I recommend a brand you trust for consistent strawberry flavor.
- Butter: Melted and cooled butter adds richness and keeps cookies from drying out.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it helps keep the cookies soft and adds a slight tang.
- Powdered Sugar or Pink Granulated Sugar (Optional): Great for rolling the dough balls to add a pretty finish and little extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: My go-to chocolate topping that melts into the warm cookie beautifully.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to dial back the sugar a bit or add some mix-ins, there’s lots of room to experiment and make it truly yours.
- White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Kisses: I’ve swapped in white chocolate kisses during the holidays and they bring a lovely creamy flavor that’s just as dreamy.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: For a more intense strawberry punch, fold in some finely chopped fresh strawberries into the dough—just pat the dough balls dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure your sugars are gluten-free to enjoy this recipe without worry.
- Sprinkles on Top: Before adding the kiss, sprinkle some colorful sugar sprinkles for a festive look that kids love.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Strawberry Cookie Dough
Start by combining your strawberry cake mix, melted (but cooled!) butter, and egg in a large bowl. I like to use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon, mixing until the batter is nice and smooth with no dry spots. Then, add in the softened cream cheese. This part gets a little thick, so don’t be afraid to mix it a bit longer until that cream cheese disappears fully into the dough, giving you that luscious texture.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for at least an hour. This step is key—it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, meaning thicker, softer, perfect cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, make dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar or pink sugar if you like some sparkle (I’m all for the pink sugar for these). Space them out evenly on the sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. You want the edges set but the centers still soft—no overbaking here.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kiss
Once the cookies come out of the oven, give them a couple of minutes to rest—not too long, you want warm cookies for this part! Gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. Don’t worry if the cookies crack a bit around the kiss—that’s normal and adds charm.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely so the chocolate kiss firms up again. Then, try not to eat them all at once (harder than it sounds, trust me). These cookies stay soft and tasty for days, but I highly doubt they’ll last that long!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Cool the Butter: Make sure butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the egg when mixing.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the dough helps keep the cookies thick and prevents spreading.
- Press Kisses Gently: Apply light pressure when adding the chocolate to avoid cracking too much, but cracking is normal and charming!
- Watch Your Bake Time: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are set; overbaking dries them out faster than you’d think.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often serve these cookies plain because they’re so pretty on their own, but sometimes I’ll dust them lightly again with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy, elegant look. Tiny edible flowers or a sprinkle of pink sanding sugar also add a cute touch if you’re serving for a party.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of green tea to balance out the sweetness. I also enjoy serving these cookies alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I like to arrange Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a pretty tiered dessert stand with matching pink napkins or wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a pink ribbon for charming party favors. They are a showstopper when displayed this way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I keep mine in a single layer to avoid smushed kisses and add a sheet of parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, the dough freezes beautifully! Just shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the bake time.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm and soft again, or briefly heat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating or you’ll lose that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
FAQs
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Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix is classic here, you can switch it out for vanilla or funfetti cake mix for a different twist. Just note that the strawberry flavor pairs best with the chocolate kiss topping.
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Do I need to chill the dough every time?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended. It helps reduce spreading and gives you thick, soft cookies. If you’re in a rush, you can skip it but expect thinner cookies.
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Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese adds a unique tang and moisture that’s hard to replicate, but you might try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt in a pinch. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
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How long do the cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, they might start to dry out.
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What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
You can use mini chocolate chips pressed into the warm cookies, chocolate melts, or small pieces of your favorite chocolate bar. Just be ready for a slightly different presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful recipes I find myself coming back to when I want something simple yet special. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing with friends, or sneaking a few moments of pure happiness. I’m excited for you to try it out, tweak it to your liking, and discover why I can’t stop making these sweet little strawberry surprises. Get your baking gear ready, because once these cookies hit your kitchen, they’re going to steal the show!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies 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
Delight in these Strawberry Kiss Cookies featuring a moist strawberry cake mix base blended with cream cheese, then topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. Perfectly soft with a touch of sweetness, these cookies are an irresistible treat 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
Topping
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Optional: powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare dough: Combine strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add cream cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until the dough becomes thick and fully combined.
- Chill dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and help set the dough.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Shape cookies: Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar if using, otherwise place plain onto the baking sheets.
- Bake cookies: Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for softness.
- Add chocolate kisses: Allow cookies to rest for 1–2 minutes out of the oven, then gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully to set the shape and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Expect a slight light cracking on the surface after pressing the chocolate kiss gently.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Using pink granulated sugar adds a decorative, festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
