If you are craving a cookie that delivers a burst of fruity sweetness wrapped in a soft, tender crumb with a delightful chocolate surprise, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Picture perfectly soft strawberry-flavored cookies that melt in your mouth, each crowned with a classic Hershey’s Kiss that adds an irresistible touch of creamy chocolate. These cookies are not only quick and easy to whip up but also impressive enough to bring smiles to any gathering, making them the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is in how few yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create that perfect bite. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the strawberry cake mix for that lovely fruit flavor and vibrant color, or the Hershey’s Kisses that offer the finishing touch of chocolatey goodness.
- Strawberry cake mix: This is the base that delivers the signature strawberry flavor and moist texture.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and help the dough rise just right.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional): A little extra warmth and depth of flavor that complements the strawberry.
- Hershey’s Kisses (24–30): The star chocolate centerpiece that melts deliciously atop each cookie.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For rolling the dough, adding a sweet, delicate coating and pretty finish.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Getting your oven ready and the baking sheet prepped early helps maintain the perfect temperature and prevents sticking, so your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. You’ll notice the dough is wonderfully tender and lightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for these special cookies.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
For that classic look and delicate texture, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you want a little extra sweetness and a charming powdery finish, lightly coat each dough ball with powdered sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; they’ll spread slightly but need room to bloom into perfect rounds.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be just set with the tops starting to crack—that baking window is the sweet spot for achieving a soft center and lightly crisp edges. Keep a close eye as oven times can vary to avoid overbaking.
Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, promptly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookie softens the chocolate slightly, making it luscious and melty, which is the ultimate indulgence in every bite.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes so the chocolate sets gently. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up without losing their tender texture and keeps the Kisses beautifully intact.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the Hershey’s Kiss is a stunning natural garnish, you can sprinkle a few festive pink or red sugar crystals on the dough before baking. This adds sparkle and a touch of extra sweetness that matches the strawberry flavor beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can also give your cookies a charming bakery look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of warm tea, balancing the sweetness with a soothing beverage. For a party spread, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this cookie into an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Strawberry Kiss Cookies into giftable delights by stacking them in decorative tins or wrapping them in clear cellophane bags tied with a pink ribbon. For a festive touch, you can alternate milk chocolate and white chocolate Kisses or even try seasonal flavors to match holidays or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps the cookies soft and the chocolates from melting or becoming too firm. Make sure the container is well sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature; the texture stays delightfully fresh.
Reheating
If you want to bring your cookies back to that just-baked soft warmth, pop them in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate will soften again, and the cookies will feel freshly baked. Just be careful not to overdo it as the texture can change.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, but keep in mind the strawberry cake mix gives these cookies their signature flavor and color. Substituting with a different flavor will give you a completely different cookie experience, which might be fun to experiment with though.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, these cookies can be gluten-free. Just double-check that all other ingredients, including the Hershey’s Kisses, meet your dietary requirements.
Is the powdered sugar coating necessary?
The powdered sugar is optional but highly recommended if you want a slightly crisp, prettier exterior. It also helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands while rolling.
What type of Hershey’s Kisses works best?
Milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are classic and pair perfectly with the strawberry flavor, but white chocolate or strawberry-filled Kisses add fun variations. Feel free to try different kinds for a twist on this favorite recipe.
Can I add sprinkles to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding pink or red sprinkles to the dough before baking creates a festive look and a bit of extra sweetness, perfect for holidays or celebrations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little joy and color to your baking repertoire, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is a no-fail winner that brings smiles every time. It’s quick, fun, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just savoring yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a soft strawberry-flavored cake mix cookie base topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. These festive cookies are perfect for holidays or any special occasion, combining sweet strawberry notes with rich chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Topping and Coating
- 24–30 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or white chocolate)
- Powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form Cookies: Optionally, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and lightly coat them in powdered sugar for a sweet, delicate crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops start to crack, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: While the cookies are baking, unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses. Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press one Kiss into the center of each warm cookie so it slightly melts and adheres.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes which helps them set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a festive look, mix pink or red sprinkles into the dough before baking to add color and texture.
- Try different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses such as white chocolate or strawberry-filled for a fun twist.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
