Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both soft and irresistible with a sweet strawberry twist, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. I first stumbled upon this gem during Valentine’s season, and honestly, these cookies stole my heart—and my kitchen! They’re delightfully tender with that fun surprise of a strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for the full recipe and all my tips to nail these beauties perfectly every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Soft, Chewy Texture: Cream cheese in the dough keeps these cookies wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Easy to Make: Using a Funfetti sugar cookie mix makes this recipe super quick without sacrificing flavor.
- Fun Strawberry Element: That iconic Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss adds a playful burst of strawberry right at the center.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies’ look and taste make them fantastic for any festive occasion or just sweet surprises.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how simple the ingredient list is, yet the flavor turns out way beyond basic. The Funfetti cookie mix gives a sweet vanilla-y base, and the cream cheese introduces that extra softness I just adore. Plus, the sanding sugar coating adds a subtle crunch and sparkle that’s perfect for these Valentine’s-inspired cookies.
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: It’s an easy shortcut for buttery, fluffy cookie dough with colorful sprinkles for fun.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese keeps the cookies tender and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes moisture for a soft crumb.
- Pink or white sanding sugar / non-pareils: Coats the dough balls for a pretty, sparkly finish and a slight crunch.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show—strawberry-flavored chocolates that melt gently into the cookie center.
Make It Your Way
One of the fun parts about the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is you can easily make it your own. I often swap out the sanding sugar for fun little sprinkles for a bit of extra color or even a tiny pinch of cinnamon in the dough for a warm twist. Don’t be afraid to play around and see how you like it best!
- Variation: I once added a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for a richer flavor, and it totally elevated the cookies without much effort.
- Dietary tweaks: If you want gluten-free, some Funfetti mixes now come gluten-free, or you can try a homemade gluten-free sugar cookie base.
- Seasonal spins: For Christmas, swap the strawberry Kisses for peppermint ones — so festive and tasty!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep your baking space and preheat oven
First things first, set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, cookies stick less and cleanup’s a breeze. I like to prep my sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl nearby so I’m ready to roll the dough balls once mixed. Organization helps speed up the process and keeps things fun!
Step 2: Mix the dough until just right
Toss your Funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg into a large bowl. I usually start mixing with a wooden spoon, then switch to my hands once the dough gets sticky—it’s the perfect way to feel the texture. You want a soft dough that holds together without sticking too much. If it is sticky, pop it into the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Shape and coat your cookie balls
Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop if you have one, or just estimate about that size, and roll the dough into smooth balls. Then, gently roll each ball in your sanding sugar or non-pareils—this adds just the right sparkle and texture on the outside. Pro tip: coat your hands lightly with sanding sugar too if the dough keeps sticking.
Step 4: Bake and add the strawberry Kiss magic
Arrange the cookie balls about 1½ inches apart on your parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes—watch for the edges to set but keep the centers soft; that’s the sweet spot! When they come out, wait 3 to 5 minutes for the cookies to firm up a bit, then press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gently right in the center. If you like your Kisses melty and gooey, press them in immediately after baking instead.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese made the dough clumpy—always soften it fully for the smoothest dough.
- Chill Sticky Dough: Don’t skip chilling if your dough’s too sticky—it’s easier to roll and helps cookies keep their shape.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and browning too much on the bottom — plus cleanup’s a breeze.
- Press Kisses at the Right Time: Waiting a few minutes before pressing keeps the Kiss more intact, instead of melting into nothing.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep these cookies simple with no extra garnishes because the sanding sugar and colorful sprinkles on the dough balls already make them look like little pieces of candy heaven. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar if I’m feeling festive or want a softer look, but honestly, they’re just perfect as is.
Side Dishes
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies go great with a classic glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee—perfect for cozy afternoons. For a special brunch or dessert buffet, I love pairing them with fresh fruit and a bit of whipped cream or strawberry jam on the side for extra berry goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For Valentine’s Day or any party, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter lined with rose petals—immediately elevates the presentation! Another idea I tried recently was stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with pink ribbon to give as charming little gifts. It’s an easy way to make your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making a batch, I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between parchment paper so they don’t stick. They usually stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days—though, full disclosure, mine rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking if you want to prep in advance. Just scoop and coat them as usual, lay on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. I’ve also frozen baked cookies—just make sure they’re completely cooled first.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes—it refreshes the softness and melts the Kiss just right without overbaking. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the cookie too gooey, so oven reheating is my preferred trick.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor of Hershey’s Kiss for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the strawberry Kisses are perfect for that sweet berry flavor, other flavors like milk chocolate, peppermint, or even caramel can be fun alternatives that pair beautifully with the soft cookie base.
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What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes before rolling. You can also lightly dust your hands with sanding sugar or flour to make shaping easier.
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Can I bake these cookies without sanding sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sanding sugar or use regular granulated sugar instead, but the sanding sugar adds a nice sparkle and slight crunch that complements the soft cookie nicely.
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How do I keep the Kisses from melting too much?
To keep the Kisses intact, wait 3-5 minutes after baking for the cookies to set slightly before pressing them in. If you prefer meltier centers, press the Kisses right out of the oven instead.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because cream cheese is key to the softness and flavor here, but you might experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind textures might vary, so try a small batch first.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress friends with minimal effort. There’s just something magic about biting into a fluffy, soft cookie to find that warm strawberry Kiss melting away. Whether you make them for a holiday, a party, or just because, I know you’ll enjoy the smile they bring to your table. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking—I’m cheering you on from my kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, festive treats perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Made with Funfetti sugar cookie mix, cream cheese, and topped with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, these delightful cookies combine a tender texture with a sweet strawberry center.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Topping and Coating
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Pour the sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl, ready for rolling the cookie dough balls.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then roll each ball in the sanding sugar or non-pareils to coat evenly.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up before shaping.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a tender texture.
- Add Strawberry Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes. Then, gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to set the shape and chocolate, or enjoy them warm for a melty center experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and uniform dough texture.
- If dough is sticky, chilling it helps make shaping easier and keeps cookie size consistent.
- Coating hands with sanding sugar can prevent sticking when rolling dough balls.
- Press the Hershey’s Kiss into cookies after they’ve cooled slightly for a firmer center.
- For softer, melty centers, press the Kiss into the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
