Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s fun, a bit nostalgic, and downright delicious, then you have to try my Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These treats perfectly balance that sweet strawberry flavor with a soft, moist texture and a gooey chocolate center that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be baking them again and again — they’re that fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know for cookie-baking success!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in texture and flavor. Using a boxed strawberry cake mix gives you that vibrant berry flavor instantly, while cream cheese keeps the cookies moist and a little indulgent.

• Strawberry cake mix: The shortcut to intense strawberry flavor without slicing berries or adding extra flavorings.
• Butter: Melted to create a tender, slightly chewy texture; be sure to cool it a bit so it doesn’t cook the egg.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind everything together.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness and moisture, keeping the cookies soft for days.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic finishing touch with melty chocolate goodness inside.
• Optional powdered or pink sugar: For rolling the dough balls—adds a pretty sparkle and slight texture variation.

Make It Your Way

I like to think of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe as a blank canvas for your creativity! Whether you’re into extra sparkle, want to sneak in some extra berries, or need to adjust it for dietary preferences, the basics stay just as tasty.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap the chocolate kiss for a white chocolate one or even a little peanut butter cup for a fun twist — it never disappoints!
• Dietary tweak: If you want to go gluten-free, look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and enjoy just as much.
• Color pop: Rolling the cookie dough balls in pink colored sugar makes them extra festive for Valentine’s Day or a girly dessert tray.

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

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by combining the strawberry cake mix, melted and slightly cooled butter, and a large egg in a big mixing bowl. I use a handheld mixer, but a sturdy spoon works just fine—just stir until everything’s smooth and well incorporated. Don’t rush here; you want a uniform pink batter to build the flavor on.

Step 2: Bring in the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese next. This is when the dough thickens and becomes a little creamy—super satisfying to watch. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides so no lumps remain. This step guarantees those melt-in-your-mouth texture moments.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. I never skip this step; chilling lets the dough firm up so your cookies keep their shape and don’t spread too thin while baking — saving you from flat, sad cookies.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and helps with even baking — no scorched bottoms here!

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out your dough into balls. If you like a little extra sparkle or texture, roll them in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar before setting them on the lined baking sheet. Otherwise, plain works perfectly too.

Step 6: Bake and Add The Kiss

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft—this ensures they’ll be tender after cooling. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 1-2 minutes; then, gently press an unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. You’ll probably see some light cracking around the kiss — that’s totally normal and adds character!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Carefully transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and lets the chocolate set just right. If you sneak one warm (like I often do), you’re in for a treat — the chocolate will be soft and gooey.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here since the cookies already look so pretty, but sometimes I like to dust lightly with powdered sugar for a soft snowy effect, especially during spring gatherings. For a festive touch, pink sanding sugar adds a fun sparkle. Fresh strawberry slices on the side also make a lovely pairing visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

These cookies are great alongside a cold glass of milk (classic, right?) or a cup of your favorite tea. For brunch or showers, I love serving them with a fresh fruit salad or even a light cream cheese frosting dip on the side for cookie dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Throw them on a pretty tiered tray with some edible flowers for a bridal shower or Valentine’s Day party. Another favorite: arrange the cookies in a heart shape on a platter for festive occasions. I’ve even packaged a batch in cute, clear bags tied with a strawberry-themed ribbon for gifting — they’re always gobbled up fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, I know!), store Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days—though honestly, mine never last that long! Lining your container with paper towels helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the bottoms nice and firm.

Freezing

I like to freeze half the dough balls before baking — just pop them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. That way, you only bake what you need, and the cookies fresh out of the oven taste just as amazing weeks later.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I gently heat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or so. This softens the chocolate kiss perfectly without drying out the cookie itself. You can also microwave briefly, but watch the time carefully to avoid melting chocolate into a mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making and sharing these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe—it reminds me of cozy kitchen moments with family and friends, and the sweet anticipation as they bake fills the house with happiness. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Once you do, you’ll have a new favorite cookie that’s both fun to make and impossible to resist!

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