Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of treat that stops people in their tracks. They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor—then finished with a classic Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. These charming little cookies are the perfect combination of playful and elegant, and they come together in no time. Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday cookie tray, a birthday party, or just because you’re craving something pink and pretty, these cookies never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: No complicated steps here. These cookies are as simple as mix, roll, bake, and press!
• Perfect Texture: Tender and soft with a slight chew, and that melty chocolate Kiss on top? Irresistible.
• Lovely to Look At: With their rosy color and adorable kiss center, they’re a guaranteed hit on any dessert table.
• Flavor That Pops: The combination of strawberry and chocolate is a classic for a reason—it just works beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies, plus a few helpful notes:

• Strawberry cake mix: This shortcut packs major strawberry flavor into the dough with minimal effort.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies a soft, chewy interior.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and gives the cookies a light, tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and balances out the sweetness.
• Hershey’s Kisses: Unwrap these little gems and gently press them into each cookie right after baking for that signature look and gooey chocolate center.
• Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting after cooling adds a pretty finish and extra sweetness.

Variations

Feeling creative? Try one of these tasty twists:

• Lemon Berry: Swap the strawberry cake mix for lemon cake mix and still use the chocolate kiss—bright and zingy!
• White Chocolate Kiss: Replace the regular milk chocolate kiss with a white chocolate version for a creamy contrast.
• Sprinkle Fun: Roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar or nonpareils before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your chocolate kisses are certified gluten-free.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into balls using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should look slightly puffed and soft in the center.

Step 4: Add the Kisses

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Optional Finishing Touch

Once completely cooled, dust the tops with a bit of powdered sugar for that bakery-style flair.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
• Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
• Press the Kisses Gently: Be gentle when adding the chocolate kiss so it doesn’t crack the cookie or sink too deeply.
• Store Kisses in the Freezer: Cold kisses keep their shape better when pressed into warm cookies, helping them hold up nicely.

How to Serve

These cookies are fantastic all on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

As a Sweet Snack:

Pair with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

On a Dessert Platter:

Add them to a cookie tray alongside chocolate chip, sugar cookies, and truffles for variety and color.

For Parties or Gifting:

Wrap a dozen in a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon—perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or birthday goodie bags.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. Keep them in a cool place so the chocolate doesn’t melt.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them directly on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

These cookies are best at room temperature, but if you want that warm-from-the-oven feel, microwave one for about 8–10 seconds to soften the chocolate slightly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! If you have a go-to strawberry cookie dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the texture is similar—soft and rollable.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not always, but if your dough is very sticky, chilling it for 15–30 minutes can make shaping easier and help the cookies keep their shape in the oven.

What if my Hershey’s Kisses melt or lose shape after baking?
Make sure you’re adding the Kisses immediately after baking and avoid touching them too much while they’re warm. Using chilled Kisses from the freezer can also help them hold their shape.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets so the cookies bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. They’re cheerful, easy to make, and bursting with delicious flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special event, or just because you’re craving something sweet and pink, these cookies are a joy to make and even more fun to share. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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