Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a cookie recipe that combines fruity sweetness with a chocolatey surprise, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies have been a delightful favorite in my kitchen—soft, tender bites of strawberry goodness topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss that melts just right. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies hit that perfect balance of sweet and fun every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together effortlessly, and each one plays an important role in texture and flavor. The strawberry cake mix is the star, giving that unmistakable fruity base, while butter and egg bind everything. Cream cheese adds moisture and richness, making your cookies melt-in-your-mouth soft. When shopping, pick a good-quality strawberry cake mix and fresh cream cheese for the best outcomes.

• Strawberry cake mix: This brings vibrant strawberry flavor and sweetness, eliminating the need for additional flavorings.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create a tender crumb—don’t skip melting it first!
• Egg: Acts as a binder and enriches the dough’s structure.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, it ensures the dough stays moist and soft, without making cookies greasy.
• Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (optional): Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a delicate crunch and extra sweetness on the outside.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic finishing touch that melts slightly into the warm cookie for a chocolate burst.

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 like a little more chocolate or want to add a bit of crunch, these cookies are a canvas that welcomes your creativity.

• Extra Berry Boost: Sometimes, I fold in a handful of freeze-dried strawberry pieces to amp up the fruity texture, and it’s deliciously intense.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Swap out Hershey’s Kisses for peanut butter or caramel-filled kisses to give a new twist on the filling.
• Gluten-Free Twist: I’ve experimented with gluten-free strawberry cake mix, which works well if you’re careful not to overbake.
• Dash of Almond Extract: Adding a teaspoon of almond extract in the dough gives a lovely, subtle nutty fragrance that pairs wonderfully with strawberry.

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

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by combining the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and the egg in a large mixing bowl. I use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer on low speed to blend everything until smooth and uniform. This step is key—make sure there are no dry spots or lumps in the dough before moving on.

Step 2: Cream Cheese Time

Next up, add your softened cream cheese. It should be softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Mix it into your batter until the dough thickens and looks fully incorporated—I like to scrape the bowl to catch every bit of that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Chill Out

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling the dough is a game-changer because it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. When life gets busy, I’ve let mine chill up to overnight with no issues.

Step 4: Bake and Press

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Then scoop your dough into tablespoon-sized balls, rolling them in powdered or pink granulated sugar if you like a little sparkle on the outside. Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching carefully for when the edges set but the centers remain soft.

Here’s the trick: once the cookies come out of the oven, let them rest for 1–2 minutes, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. That slight warm heat helps the kiss soften perfectly, but don’t press too hard or you’ll squish the cookie!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple since they’re already gorgeous and flavorful on their own. But if I’m feeling fancy for a party, I dust them lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle edible glitter on the kisses for a festive touch. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely little pop of color on the serving plate.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a perfect partner for a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea—especially herbal blends like chamomile or peppermint. I also love pairing them with vanilla ice cream if I want to turn these into a dessert sandwich. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I arrange the cookies around a bowl of strawberry mousse or whipped cream for dipping—it’s super fun and interactive. Another idea? Sandwich two cookies around a bit of strawberry jam or buttercream frosting for a delightful strawberry-filled treat. Layering them on a pretty tiered tray never fails to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain that soft, tender texture. If humidity is high, tossing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them moist, which is a little kitchen trick I swear by.

Freezing

When I bake a big batch, I freeze half the dough balls (before rolling in sugar or baking). I place them on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, I can bake fresh cookies anytime—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time!

Reheating

Reheating these cookies is easy—pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The chocolate kiss softens up nicely, and the cookie regains that fresh-baked softness I love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for celebrations. Every time I bake a batch, the house smells sweet and welcoming, and everyone wants the recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these soft, fruity, chocolate-topped cookies become your new go-to. From my kitchen to yours—happy baking!

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