Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the fruity freshness of strawberries with a melty chocolate center, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is a dream come true. I first made these cookies when I wanted something quick yet impressive for a weekend gathering, and honestly, they stole the show! With just a few ingredients, you’ll get soft, tender cookies with a burst of strawberry flavor topped off with the classic Hershey’s Kiss – talk about a match made in dessert heaven.

What makes the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe stand out is how wonderfully simple it is to pull together without sacrificing that homemade, bakery-quality feel. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a kid’s party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies hit that perfect balance of chewy, soft, and just a little bit chocolatey. Plus, the dough chills to prevent spreading, so you get that picture-perfect shape every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s not only flavorful but also easy to work with. Make sure to pick good quality cream cheese and fresh eggs for the best texture and taste.

• Strawberry cake mix: This is the star that gives these cookies their unmistakable fruity flavor and lovely pink hue. Grab a good brand for consistent results.
• Butter: Melted and slightly cooled to blend smoothly into the batter. I like using unsalted to control the saltiness, but salted works too!
• Egg: Just one large egg binds everything together, helping create that soft cookie texture.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies soft and tender. Make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
• Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives a sweet, slightly crunchy coating that looks adorable.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The pièce de résistance! Each cookie gets one of these pressed in right after baking for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Variations

Feel free to tailor the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe to match your tastes or dietary needs—baking is all about having fun and making it your own. I love to switch things up depending on the season or what I have on hand.

• Gluten-free version: Swap the strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free one to make these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends without losing that fantastic flavor.
• White chocolate kisses: I’ve tried white chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and it’s deliciously sweet and creamy with the strawberry!
• Add sprinkles: For a party vibe, roll the dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking—kids love this festive twist.
• Fruit jam swirl: Stir in a tablespoon of strawberry or raspberry jam into the dough to amp up the berry flavor even more.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by combining the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. I like to whisk gently just until everything is smooth with no dry spots. This step is key because having a uniform base means your cookies bake evenly. If your butter is too hot, it might cook the egg, so be sure it’s just cooled.

Step 2: Incorporate the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese next. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to combine until the dough is thick and fully blended. This might take a minute or two, but don’t rush – you want a consistent, thick batter. If the cream cheese is cold or hard, it won’t mix well and can create lumps.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. I never skip this step because chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their beautiful shape. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle when scooping.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and optionally roll them in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for a lovely finish. Arrange them spaced out on the sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges but soft centers — this gives the right chewy-soft texture. Don’t overbake or your cookies will dry out.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kisses

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, rest them 1–2 minutes until they’re still warm but stable enough to handle. Gently press one unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. It’s totally normal to see some light cracking—that’s part of their charm. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I enjoy dusting a little extra powdered sugar over these cookies before serving—it adds a delicate, snowy look and a hint of sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor. For festive occasions, I sometimes sprinkle edible glitter or tiny heart sprinkles to make them feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint, which balances the sweetness perfectly. I’ve also served them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a colorful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day or a bridal shower, I arrange the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a pretty tiered platter dotted with fresh strawberries and rose petals. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a pink ribbon makes adorable, thoughtful homemade gifts that neighbors or coworkers love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. I recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking—especially important once the kisses are set!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the unbaked dough balls successfully—just scoop and chill as usual, then flash freeze the dough balls on a tray. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake right from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you have leftovers, warming the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds revives that soft texture and gently melts the chocolate kiss again. Just watch closely so you don’t overheat and end up with a soggy cookie.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become somewhat of a staple in my baking repertoire because it’s just so foolproof and satisfying. I love how it brings a pop of color and flavor to the table with minimal effort. If you’re craving a soft, fruity cookie with that nostalgic chocolate center, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—try it out, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new favorite too!

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