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There’s something magical about the combination of strawberry and chocolate—it’s sweet, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible. If you’re looking for a fun, festive cookie that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday parties, or just a cozy weekend treat, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a must-try!
Made with a simple strawberry cake mix base, these cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a rich Hershey’s Kiss for the ultimate sweet surprise. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make—no fancy techniques required. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time!
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what makes these cookies so special:
– Strawberry Cake Mix – The star of the show! It gives the cookies their vibrant pink color and sweet strawberry flavor without any extra effort.
– Hershey’s Kisses – A classic chocolate center that melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating a perfect contrast of textures.
– Granulated Sugar – Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a delicate crunch and extra sweetness.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Strawberry cake mix | 1 box |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable oil | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Milk | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar (for rolling) | As needed |
| Hershey’s Kisses | 1 per cookie |
Helpful Tools for Baking Success
To make the process even smoother, here are a few tools I recommend:
1. Cookie Scoop (#30 size) – Ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
2. Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Mixing Bowls & Electric Mixer – For effortlessly combining ingredients.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Follow these expert tips:
- 1. Chill the Dough – This step is crucial! Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, keeping them soft and thick.
- 2. Don’t Overmix – Once the dough comes together, stop mixing. Overworking it can lead to tough cookies.
- 3. Use Room-Temperature Eggs – They blend better into the batter, ensuring a smoother dough.
- 4. Press Kisses Immediately – As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center. The residual heat will help it melt slightly for that perfect gooey texture.
- 5. Try a Citrus Twist – For a bright, zesty variation, check out these Chewy Lemon Cookies Best Sweet Treats Recipes for inspiration!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps:
- 1. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and eggs. Whisk until fully blended.
- 2. Add Dry Ingredients – Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and strawberry cake mix until just combined.
- 3. Incorporate Milk – Stir in the tablespoon of milk to bring the dough together.
- 4. Form Dough Balls – Using a #30 cookie scoop (or two tablespoons), portion the dough into balls.
- 5. Roll in Sugar – Coat each dough ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, sparkly finish.
- 6. Chill the Dough – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
- 7. Preheat & Prep – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 8. Bake – Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the sheet. Bake one tray at a time for 8–10 minutes.
- 9. Add Kisses – Right out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- 10. Cool & Enjoy – Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
1. White Chocolate Drizzle – After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for extra decadence.
2. Nutty Crunch – Fold in chopped pecans or almonds for added texture.
3. Double Chocolate – Swap the Hershey’s Kisses for dark chocolate or caramel-filled kisses.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Made incredibly soft and chewy by using strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, these pink cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. They are easy to make, beautiful to serve, and melt in your mouth!
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 36 cookies
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) Strawberry Cake Mix
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup pink sanding sugar (or granulated sugar), for rolling
1 bag (approx. 36-48 count) Hershey’s Kisses (Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or Strawberry filled)
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. **Prepare Kisses:** Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses and set them aside in a bowl so they are ready to go immediately after baking.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. **Add Cake Mix:** Pour in the dry strawberry cake mix. Stir by hand or use a mixer on low speed just until the dough comes together. (The dough may be sticky).
5. **Shape Cookies:** Scoop the dough into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into the pink sanding sugar (or granulated sugar) to coat the outside completely.
6. **Bake:** Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–10 minutes. The cookies should look set on the edges but still soft in the center. **Do not overbake.**
7. **Add Kisses:** Remove the cookies from the oven and *immediately* press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the bottom of the chocolate, helping it stick.
8. **Cool:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Kiss Variations: You can use any flavor of Hershey’s Kiss! Hugs (white and milk stripe), Dark Chocolate, or the Strawberry Truffle filled ones work great.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies (without the Kiss) or the raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
FAQ About Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Vanilla, red velvet, or even chocolate cake mix would work well—just adjust the add-ins accordingly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop and roll the dough balls, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate—perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest. Happy baking! 🍓🍪