Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Oh, you are going to LOVE these Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe — they’re just the perfect mix of sweet, festive, and downright fun. I first made these for a friend’s birthday, and the pink shimmer of sanding sugar paired with that melty Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss on top made them an instant hit. Seriously, they’re a fabulous treat for any celebration or even just a cozy afternoon at home when you want something bright and cheerful.

The best part? This recipe combines that classic Funfetti sugar cookie vibe with a luscious cream cheese twist, making the cookies soft, tender, and just a little bit tangy. Plus, working with the dough is super easy (I’ll share my tips below!), so you’ll get bakery-style results without fussing in the kitchen for hours. Trust me, whether you’re baking for kids, for friends, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver all the magic you’re looking for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients — this recipe uses simple pantry staples that work beautifully together to give you those soft, chewy cookies with colorful pop and that irresistible strawberry center. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make your Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe shine.

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: This is the star for those classic confetti sprinkles and perfect cookie sweetness—pick a brand you love or grab your favorite mix.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps the cookies tender—don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too sticky!
• Large Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the dough richness.
• Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: This adds sparkle and a fun texture on the outside; pink is my fave for a cute look, but white is just as festive.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The magic jewel on top—these strawberry-flavored kisses melt into the warm cookie, creating a gorgeous, gooey center every time.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe is how easy it is to make your own twist on it. Don’t be shy about switching things up to suit your mood or occasion!

• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Swap the strawberry kisses for regular chocolate or white chocolate kisses to switch up the flavors. I made these for Valentine’s Day using the white chocolate, and they were a dreamy hit!
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and your favorite dairy-free funfetti mix to make these friendly for vegan friends.
• Extra Sprinkle Explosion: Mix some sprinkles right into the dough for an all-over festive feeling.
• Seasonal Twist: Use holiday-themed sanding sugar colors like green and red for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space for Success

Go ahead and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s going to keep things from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nicely warmed by the time your dough is ready. Having everything prepped before you start mixing helps keep the rhythm going when you’re baking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your funfetti sugar cookie mix, the softened cream cheese, and the egg. I like using a hand mixer here to really get the dough nice and smooth — you’re aiming for a soft, cohesive dough that isn’t crumbly but still easy to handle. If your dough feels sticky, don’t sweat it; toss it in the fridge for a little bit and it’ll firm up perfectly.

Step 3: Coat and Shape Your Cookies

Pour your chosen sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop makes it super easy to keep your cookies evenly sized — just scoop, then roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated and smooth. The sugar not only gives that pretty sparkle but adds a subtle crunch on the edges you’re gonna love.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Star

Space the coated cookie balls about 1½ inches apart on your baking sheet—trust me, they spread a bit, so give them room to shine. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Right after taking them out, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re warm so it melts perfectly. Let them cool a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a few extra sanding sugars on top after the kisses are in place for more sparkle. Sometimes, I add a tiny leaf of fresh mint or a little edible flower for a pop of color at parties—it’s a little extra something that really impresses guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk—classic combo, right? I also like serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comfy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or baby showers, I arranged these cookies on tiered dessert stands to create a colorful focal point. They also make fantastic edible “cupcake toppers” when stacked or wrapped in cute cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons—you’ll wow everyone with your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long at my house!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just scoop and roll them in sanding sugar, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This trick saved me during last-minute celebrations multiple times.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes. This brings back the softness and gets the kiss all gooey again—almost as good as fresh baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Recipe whenever I want to whip up something cheerful and crowd-pleasing without too much fuss. The balance of cream cheese softness, funfetti sprinkles, and that luscious strawberry kiss in the center just hits the sweet spot every time. I’m pretty sure once you try these, they’ll become your go-to treat too—so go ahead, bake a batch, share the smiles, and maybe sneak a few before anyone notices!

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