If you’re searching for a truly delightful treat that’s bursting with berry flavor and loads of fun to make, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. The vibrant pink cookies have a soft, chewy texture (thanks to cake mix magic!), a gentle vanilla hint, and a sweet, chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. They’re irresistible for holidays, parties, or any day you need something a little extra special. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want a simple way to brighten up your dessert table, Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is sure to steal the show!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a box of strawberry cake mix, you can whip up these cookies in no time at all. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring the perfect balance of sweetness, color, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness to the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
- Strawberry cake mix: This is the star, packing every cookie with bold strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue that makes these cookies so eye-catching.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies tender and moist without overshadowing the fruity flavor.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and create that irresistible chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warm undertone that pairs beautifully with strawberry and chocolate.
- Powdered sugar: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar forms a light, crackly coating for a sweet finish and pretty presentation.
- Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The crowning touch—chocolatey goodness that melts just slightly into the warm cookies for that extra-special flair.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and cleanup stays easy. Unwrap your Hershey’s Kisses ahead of time—it’ll save you from scrambling at the crucial moment when the cookies come out hot!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a soft, even dough. The pink color is already so inviting, and you’ll know you’re on the right track by the lovely strawberry aroma!
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Next, give each ball a gentle tumble in powdered sugar, ensuring a light, even coating. This not only gives the baked cookies their signature frosted look, but also adds a delicate sweetness.
Step 4: Bake to Soft Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake; the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kiss
As soon as your cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate for that classic, irresistible look! Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar over the cooled cookies or add heart-shaped sprinkles. The classic chocolate Kiss in the center does most of the decorating work for you—no need to fuss for a show-stopping presentation!
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to round out a dessert platter, serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of hot cocoa. Their bright flavor pairs especially well with coffee or a fruity lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea, place a few in pink cellophane bags tied with ribbon for cute party favors, or swap in different flavored Kisses for a colorful cookie tray. For Valentine’s Day, try them with heart-shaped sprinkles to double down on the charm of the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious, making them perfect for packing into lunchboxes or setting out for guests whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe later, freeze the baked (and fully cooled) cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Layer with parchment between stacks. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to recapture that fresh-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. The chocolate will soften a bit and the cookie will taste like it came straight from the oven. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the Kiss completely!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry gives that iconic color and flavor, you can substitute with funfetti, lemon, or chocolate cake mix. Just keep in mind that swapping the base will create a different twist on the original Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
Do I have to roll the dough in powdered sugar?
No, but rolling them adds a beautiful crackly finish and a little extra sweetness. If you prefer, you can skip this step or roll in colored sugars for a festive effect.
What’s the best way to keep the Hershey’s Kiss from melting?
After pressing the Kiss into the warm cookie, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Avoid handling while warm so the chocolate holds its shape without getting messy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and shape the dough balls, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Coat them in powdered sugar just before baking to prevent the sugar from dissolving in the fridge.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Definitely! The vibrant color and the kiss in the center make them wonderfully giftable. Stack them in cellophane bags or pretty boxes and watch the smiles roll in when you share your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brightens up a dessert table quite like a batch of these cheery, chocolate-topped treats. The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is so simple, festive, and fun that you’ll want to bake it again and again—for holidays, parties, or just because! Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your cookie jar.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, fruity goodness of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies made with a delightful blend of strawberry cake mix, Hershey’s Kisses, and a touch of vanilla. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any springtime celebration.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For rolling:
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 24–30 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla to form a soft dough.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and coat lightly in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Add Kisses: Remove from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For variety, try using different flavored Kisses like white chocolate or cookies-and-cream.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day or spring celebrations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
