The sweet scent of strawberries dancing with buttery notes fills the air as I pull my batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies from the oven—each one a little love letter wrapped in a soft, chewy embrace. This delightful treat combines the delightful flavors of creamy Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses with the fun and festive twists of a Funfetti mix, making them perfect for crafting sweet moments on Valentine’s Day or any day that could use a little love.
As I sink my teeth into one of these pastel-hued cookies, I’m immediately transported to a charming candy shop, the kind that feels like a warm hug. What’s even better? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time, impressing friends and family without breaking a sweat. So grab that mixing bowl and let’s bring a sprinkle of joy to your kitchen with these amazing Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Why are Strawberry Kiss Cookies so special?
Soft, Chewy Goodness: The texture of these cookies is simply irresistible—the perfect combination of soft and chewy that melts in your mouth.
Instant Romance: With their pastel hues and strawberry flavor, these cookies are designed to capture hearts, making them a fantastic treat for Valentine’s Day.
Quick & Easy: You’ll appreciate how effortlessly they come together using a simple Funfetti mix, making baking a breeze.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, they’re as pretty as they are delicious, sure to impress everyone at the gathering.
Customizable: With additional flavor variations possible, these cookies can adapt to any occasion, making them a versatile choice for your dessert repertoire.
Whether you’re planning a special date night or simply looking to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are bound to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves and get started with these delightful treats!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix – The delightful base for the cookies, offering a burst of sweetness. Substitution: You can use regular sugar cookie mix or strawberry cake mix for a different flavor twist.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened) – This ingredient adds a rich and creamy texture, ensuring the cookies stay soft. Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Large Egg (1) – Binds the mixture, giving the cookies their perfect chewy structure. Note: Use a room temperature egg for optimal blending into the dough.
For the Coating
• Pink or White Sanding Sugar (½ cup) – Provides a beautiful crunch and sweet coating on the cookies. Substitution: Colored sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries can add a fun twist.
For the Topping
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (18) – The pièce de résistance that adds delightful strawberry flavor and visual charm. Note: Feel free to swap in other flavors, like milk chocolate or caramel, to suit your taste.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine the Funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and large egg in a large bowl until a soft, cohesive dough forms. You should end up with a lovely, creamy mixture that smells irresistible!
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Prepare a shallow bowl with sanding sugar, which will give your cookies a delightful crunch and sparkling finish.
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Scoop out 1½ tablespoons of the dough, rolling it into balls and then coating each in the sanding sugar. The sugary coating will add an extra texture that pairs beautifully with the soft centers.
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Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes if the mixture feels sticky. This helps them hold their shape while baking!
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Arrange the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving 1½ inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 8–12 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers look soft. The cookies should turn a light golden hue around the edges.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This final touch is both delicious and visually stunning!
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Enjoy your cookies warm or let them cool completely. Either way, you’ll have a sweet treat that’s hard to resist!
Optional: Dust with a bit more sanding sugar before serving for extra sparkle!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Room Temperature: Keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their wonderful softness.
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Fridge: For extended freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator, where they will stay delicious for about a week. Just ensure they’re sealed well!
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Freezer: To freeze, layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be safely stored for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them without drying out. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to take these delightful cookies to new heights by customizing them to your taste!
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace the Funfetti mix with a chocolate cake mix for a decadent twist. Your strawberry kisses will pop against the rich backdrop!
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Nutty Boost: Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the dough for a delightful crunch and nuttier flavor. The combination of nuts and strawberries creates a delightful contrast.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the cookie flavor. This adds an interesting zing to every bite!
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these cookies suitable for dairy-free diets. It’s an easy switch that keeps the cookie’s texture intact.
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Vegan Delight: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This makes your cookies vegan-friendly while still maintaining their lovable texture.
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Add a Spice: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s a great way to introduce subtle warmth!
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Chocolate Kiss Variation: Switch out the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses for classic milk chocolate or even dark chocolate Kisses for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
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Fruity Swirls: Fold in ½ cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra burst of strawberry flavor and a fun chewy texture throughout. Each cookie becomes a fruit-filled surprise!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies is only the beginning; let’s explore what pairs perfectly for a full-hearted feast.
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Pink Lemonade: The refreshing tartness of this beverage complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance that awakens your tastebuds.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes these cookies to another level. Imagine warm cookies with cold ice cream melting into each bite—a heavenly combination!
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Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, ripe strawberries can enhance the fruity notes of the strawberry kisses. Their natural sweetness and freshness make a charming, colorful addition to your dessert table.
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Chocolate Milk: This rich, chocolaty drink offers a playful contrast to the strawberry flavor. Sip it slowly alongside each cookie for delightful harmony.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cookies. Consider serving it with a sprinkle of cocoa or strawberries on top for a sweet touch.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: Presenting an assortment of mini fruit tarts alongside Strawberry Kiss Cookies brings vibrant colors and contrasting textures to your spread. These bite-sized delights add variety and excitement!
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a calming herbal tea provides a cozy touch and enhances the relaxation of enjoying these cookies. The rich flavors pair well, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is not too sticky—if it is, refrigerate it for a little while! This will make rolling easier and keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies perfectly shaped.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for a smoother blend. This significantly helps the cookies maintain their soft texture.
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Even Baking: Space your cookie dough balls at least 1½ inches apart to allow for proper spreading and even baking.
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Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should just be set at the edges but still soft in the middle for that chewy goodness.
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Storage Wisdom: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze your Strawberry Kiss Cookies with parchment between layers for freshness.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that can be prepped ahead, making them perfect for busy bakers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the Funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg, then roll the dough into balls before coating them in sanding sugar. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This keeps the cookies just as delicious and helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them for about 8–12 minutes, pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm cookies as they cool. Enjoy the ease of having your treats ready to go when you need them!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, the cream cheese should be soft and at room temperature before mixing. This ensures an even blend and prevents lumps. If you’re using eggs, make sure they’re also at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
What’s the best way to store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You can store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them; they’ll remain fresh for about a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each cookie for protection. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to roll into balls and coat in sanding sugar. If you’re in a rush, you can also coat your hands in sanding sugar while rolling to prevent sticking.
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are vegetarian, they do contain cream cheese and eggs, which are not suitable for some dietary restrictions. Additionally, the chocolate Kisses can pose a risk to dogs since chocolate is toxic to them. Always keep these cookies out of reach from pets, and consider checking for any specific allergies, particularly anyone who might be sensitive to dairy or eggs.
How can I customize my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
The more the merrier with these adorable cookies! Try swapping out the Funfetti mix for a chocolate cookie mix for a richer taste. You can also experiment with different flavors of Kisses, such as caramel or milk chocolate, to create your unique twist. For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles corresponding to the occasion or swap the sanding sugar for crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra fruity flair.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies – A Soft Valentine’s Delight to Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and large egg in a large bowl until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Prepare a shallow bowl with sanding sugar.
- Scoop out 1½ tablespoons of the dough, rolling it into balls and then coating each in the sanding sugar.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes if the mixture feels sticky.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving 1½ inches of space between each.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers look soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Enjoy your cookies warm or let them cool completely.
