There’s nothing quite like the blissful aroma of cookies baking in the oven, and when those cookies are Strawberry Kiss Cookies, it’s something truly special. The moment you crack the oven door, the sweet scent of strawberries and buttery goodness fills the air, transporting me to my favorite summer memories. Each bite reveals a delightful surprise: a melted chocolate kiss nestled right at the center, crafting a perfect balance of flavors that makes these cookies irresistible.
I first discovered this gem while experimenting with a simple strawberry cake mix, and I was amazed at how easily they came together. These cookies are exceptional for their lovely pink hue and luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a potluck, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ready to dive into creating these delicious treats? Let’s bring a little sweetness into your kitchen with this easy recipe that’s bound to impress!
Why Will You Love Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Irresistible flavor: These cookies blend the sweetness of strawberries with a gooey chocolate kiss in every bite.
Effortless preparation: Made with a strawberry cake mix, they’re quick to whip up, perfect for busy bakers.
Perfect for sharing: Their bright pink color and delightful taste make them fantastic for gatherings and gifts.
Texture contrast: Enjoy the soft, pillowy cookie with slightly crisp edges, plus a rich, melted chocolate center.
Versatile variations: Adapt these cookies with different chocolate fillings or flavor extracts for endless fun.
Memory-making treat: Bake them to relive those nostalgic summer vibes, filling your home with sweet aromas.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Note: All you need to create these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
For the Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix – Provides concentrated strawberry flavor and is essential for the cookie’s unique pink color and texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dough; unsalted butter works well for better salt control.
- Egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the dough together while ensuring moisture throughout.
- Cream Cheese – Contributes to a soft texture and slight tanginess; feel free to use whipped cream cheese for a lighter option.
For the Coating (Optional)
- Powdered Sugar or Pink Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and a decorative finish that enhances visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
For the Center
- Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses – Provides a sweet, gooey center; swap for any similar chocolate candy if you prefer a different flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg together until smooth. This creamy base sets the stage for your delicious cookies.
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Add Cream Cheese: Next, fold in the softened cream cheese until well combined. This step ensures a luscious, soft texture that your taste buds will love.
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Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial for maintaining the dough’s thickness, which helps keep your cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepping now makes baking smoother later on.
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Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. For a delightful touch, roll them in powdered sugar if desired; this creates a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.
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Bake: Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft—this is the perfect point for those melt-in-your-mouth vibes.
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Press Kisses: Allow the cookies to rest for 1–2 minutes out of the oven, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, letting the chocolate slightly melt for that gooey surprise.
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Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step allows the chocolate to settle back, making them just perfect for eating.
Optional: Sprinkle with a little extra powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Looking to elevate your baking with the perfect accompaniments for these delightful cookies?
- Fresh Strawberries: Bright and juicy, they enhance the strawberry flavor, offering a delightful, light contrast to the rich cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla complements the fruity sweetness, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea adds warmth and balances the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink cuts through the cookie richness, keeping your taste buds dancing with every bite.
- Chocolate Milk: Pairing these cookies with chocolate milk amplifies the cocoa flavor in the kisses, turning snack time into a sweet indulgence.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A light dollop on top can elevate the flavor while adding an extra creamy layer of deliciousness.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness, lightening the dessert indulgence.
- Mini Cheesecakes: These rich bites can serve as a perfect sideshow, satisfying diverse cravings during gatherings.
- Shortbread Cookies: Their crunchy texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender Strawberry Kiss Cookies, creating a diverse dessert platter.
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet bites add crunch and a playful twist to any cookie platter, making every bite unexpected and enjoyable.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for those busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying delectable treats! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by preparing it as directed and then covering it tightly before refrigerating. This chilling step enhances the flavors and texture, ensuring your cookies turn out just as delicious. Alternatively, once shaped into balls, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies ready with minimal effort, making snack time or gatherings even sweeter!
Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Feel free to experiment and make these cookies your own with some fun twists and substitutions!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a non-dairy cream cheese for a deliciously creamy texture.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute cake mix with a sugar-free version, and use a sugar alternative for the powdered sugar coating.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and depth.
- Jam-Filled: Instead of chocolate kisses, scoop a teaspoon of strawberry jam into the center of the cookie before baking for an extra fruity burst.
- Zesty Twist: Incorporate the zest of one lemon to the dough to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Chunky Chocolate: Mix in semisweet or dark chocolate chunks for a richer chocolate experience and delightful texture contrast.
- Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip the cookies in melted chocolate and let them harden for a deliciously decadent finish.
Enjoy making these delightful adaptations as you create your own memorable moments in the kitchen!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain their delightful softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week; simply allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Chill Dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. This keeps the Strawberry Kiss Cookies thick and prevents unwanted spreading.
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Watch the Bake Time: Be careful not to overbake! The cookie centers should appear soft when removed from the oven for that perfect chewy texture.
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Rolling Balls: When forming the dough into balls, try rolling them in pink granulated sugar for a fun, festive twist that enhances the cookies’ visual appeal.
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Substitutions: You can substitute Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolate varieties like caramel-filled candies for a different flavor experience.
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Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberry cake mix should I use?
I recommend using a standard strawberry cake mix, as it provides the concentrated flavor and beautiful pink hue that’s essential for these cookies. Look for a mix that doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors to ensure a more natural taste.
How should I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, popping them in the fridge can extend freshness to 1 week. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft texture.
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Very! To freeze, carefully layer the cookies in an airtight container separated by sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Great question! Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour is crucial to prevent spreading. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the rolled cookie dough balls for an additional 10 minutes before baking. Bake just until the edges are set, and remember that the centers should look soft!
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
The Strawberry Kiss Cookies contain common allergens like eggs, dairy (from cream cheese and butter), and gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. Always double-check labels for any specific allergens, especially if you’re serving to others.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
To achieve that lovely chewy texture, remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still appear soft, usually around 8-10 minutes. Allowing them to rest for 1-2 minutes before adding the chocolate kisses also helps maintain that delightful gooeyness.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Soft, Sweet Delights to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg together until smooth.
- Fold in the softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll in powdered sugar if desired.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to rest for 1–2 minutes, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
