Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
If you’re anything like me and love a cookie that feels like a sweet hug from the inside out, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, buttery cookies with just a hint of cream cheese, topped with a melty strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss—total magic! Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies bring that perfect pop of pink fun and flavor everyone will rave about. Stick with me here—I’ve got all the inside tips to help you nail these beauties exactly right.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cream Cheese Boosts Softness: Adding cream cheese makes these cookies incredibly tender and a little tangy, which balances the sweet strawberry kiss perfectly.
- Funfetti Base for Fun and Flavor: Using a Funfetti sugar cookie mix adds bursts of color and subtle vanilla flavor without extra fuss.
- Strawberry Kisses Add a Melty Center: Pressing the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses in right after baking gives you that luscious strawberry finish every bite needs.
- Easy and Quick: This recipe comes together fast, making it painless to whip up a batch when you want a special treat ASAP.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays an important role. Think of it as the dream team—the cookie mix, cream cheese, and egg all cuddle together to form the softest dough that holds the strawberry kiss perfectly. I love how the sanding sugar or non-pareils add a little textured sparkle on the outside, giving a nice contrast to the soft cookie.
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: Ready-made convenience with colorful sprinkles baked right in—great for a festive, kid-friendly cookie.
- Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeps the cookie super soft without weighing it down.
- Egg: The binder that brings everything together smoothly.
- Pink or white sanding sugar/non-pareils: Gives a pretty sparkle and slight crunch that makes these cookies look extra special.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show! These bring that lovely strawberry flavor and a melty center everyone loves.
Tweak to Your Taste
Here’s the fun part—you can totally make this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe your own. I love to mess around with the sugar coating and, sometimes, swap out the strawberry kisses for classic milk chocolate if I want a simpler vibe. Don’t be shy to customize—cookies are happiest when they reflect your sweet tooth.
- Use White Chocolate Kisses: I once made these with white chocolate kisses for a softer, sweeter flavor that my kids couldn’t get enough of.
- Try Different Sprinkles: Swap sanding sugar for colored non-pareils or glittery sugar for a fancy party presentation.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to accommodate dietary needs without losing that soft texture.
- Add Lemon Zest: For a slightly citrusy twist that brightens the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always tell myself, “Never skip parchment,” because nothing ruins cookie love like a baking sheet full of broken melty kisses stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Your Magical Dough
In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. I like to make sure my cream cheese is truly at room temperature so it blends easily—no lumps allowed! Stir everything until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. If yours feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. That little chill makes it so much easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape and Sugar Coat
Scoop the dough with a 1½ tablespoon scoop (or just estimate about a tablespoon), then roll each ball in pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils. This gives a pretty snowy coating that crackers your teeth will love. Arrange the cookie balls on your parchment-lined sheet, making sure they’re spaced about 1½ inches apart to give room for baking.
Step 4: Bake and Kiss
Pop your cookies in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes. I keep an eye on them and pull them out once the edges look set but the centers still look soft—that’s the sweet spot! After they cool for 3 to 5 minutes, press a Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss gently into the center. If you push it in while the cookie’s too hot, the kiss melts too much and mushiness can occur, so timing is key. But if you want that gooey melted center, go ahead and press the kiss right after baking!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is soft but not melted for smooth mixing and perfect cookie texture.
- Chill Sticky Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chilling it makes rolling a breeze and cleaner.
- Space Cookies Properly: Give each cookie enough room to spread just right without merging into its neighbor.
- Press Kisses at the Right Time: For firm kisses, let the cookies cool slightly before pressing; press immediately if you want a melty center.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually skip anything extra since the cookies’ sanding sugar coating adds enough sparkle, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a lovely snowy effect. Small edible heart sprinkles also make a cute Valentine’s Day touch if you pop them on before baking.
Side Dishes
These strawberry kiss cookies are sweet enough on their own, but I do enjoy serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a mini dessert spread. A simple glass of cold milk makes for a classic, comforting pairing that always hits the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I’ve arranged these cookies on a pretty platter layered with doilies and placed edible flowers around for an extra pop of color. Wrapping a stack in cellophane with a bow also makes a charming homemade gift. For Valentine’s, try presenting the cookies in a heart-shaped tin for a delightful surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They keep that softness and the kisses don’t get chalky—just be sure the container isn’t airtight to moisture completely or the cookies can get a bit gummy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookies both before and after baking. To freeze dough balls, scoop and roll, then freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies layered with parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, warm the cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 3-5 minutes at 300°F in the oven to gently re-melt the kiss center without drying out the cookie. This always makes them feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use a regular sugar cookie mix instead of Funfetti?
Absolutely! A plain sugar cookie mix will work just fine. You’ll miss the colorful sprinkles baked inside, but you can always add your own on top before baking to keep that festive look.
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What if I don’t have Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses?
You can substitute with classic Hershey’s Kisses, white chocolate kisses, or even Ghirardelli strawberry squares—just make sure they’re small enough to press into the cookie nicely.
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Why does the dough need cream cheese?
The cream cheese gives these cookies their signature softness and a subtle tang that balances the sweet strawberry kiss topping. Skipping it will give you a firmer, less tender cookie.
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How do I prevent the strawberry kiss from melting too much?
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes after baking before gently pressing the kiss on top. This helps keep the kiss’s shape intact while still softening it just enough to stick perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become my go-to anytime I want to bake something that feels extra special but comes together in a flash. The combination of soft, tender dough with that sweet little strawberry kiss centerpiece just hits every spot for me—and I’m betting it will for you, too. Don’t hesitate to make a batch and share them around; these cookies have a way of sparking smiles and warm feelings, every single time.
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 a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a soft, creamy dough studded with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, festive treat, these cookies are soft, colorful, and topped with a charming strawberry-flavored kiss.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Coating & Topping
- 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 and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the large egg. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms that is well combined and slightly sticky.
- Prepare Coating: Pour the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl making it easy to roll the cookie dough in it.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, portion the dough, then roll each portion in the sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated. Shape each piece into a smooth ball to ensure even baking and appearance.
- 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, which makes rolling easier.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft for a tender, chewy texture.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, gently press one Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie to create the signature look and strawberry flavor burst.
- Cool or Serve Warm: Allow the cookies to cool completely to set or enjoy them warm for gooey, melted centers depending on your preference.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and consistent dough texture.
- If the dough is sticky, chill it before rolling and coat hands with sanding sugar to prevent sticking.
- For firmer strawberry kisses, allow cookies to cool slightly before pressing in the candy.
- If you prefer soft, melted centers, press the kisses into cookies immediately after baking while still warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
