When the scent of baking cookies wafts through your home, it feels like pure magic—just like these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies! I love how the vibrant pink hue of these cookies adds a playful touch to any gathering. The secret? These soft and buttery treats are not only a visual feast but also surprisingly easy to whip up using strawberry cake mix. The result is a deliciously unique cookie that holds a sweet chocolate kiss at its center, making them a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, with a prep time that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, you’ll have more time to enjoy them with your loved ones. Intrigued by how a simple mix can create such a fun treat? Let’s bake!
Why Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies Special?
Easy to Prepare: These cookies take minimal time and effort, perfect for busy bakers who want to impress without the hassle.
Mouthwatering Surprise: Each bite unveils a melted chocolate kiss, transforming the cookie experience into something truly delightful.
Vibrant Color: Their stunning pink hue makes them visually striking, ideal for celebrations or a charming afternoon treat.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats, ensuring they’re a hit for gatherings or as an everyday snack.
Feeling inspired? You might also enjoy making Pistachio Cream Cookies for a flavor twist, or try the unusual yet delicious Strawberry Shortcake Sushi for some fun!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
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For the Cookie Base
• Strawberry Cake Mix – This is the key ingredient that gives these cookies their delicious flavor and soft texture. Avoid using fresh strawberries; stick with cake mix for the best results.
• Butter – 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup), melted and slightly cooled – It adds the necessary richness and moisture that keeps the cookies soft. No substitutions are recommended for optimal flavor.
• Egg – 1 large – Acts as a binder to ensure your cookies hold their shape.
• Cream Cheese – 4 ounces, softened – Enhances the texture, making these cookies soft and thick. Opt for full-fat for the best flavor. -
For the Chocolate Center
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses – 30, unwrapped – These provide the delightful melted chocolate surprise in each cookie. While other chocolates can be used, Hershey’s Kisses are recommended for their classic taste. -
For the Finishing Touch
• Powdered Sugar or Pink Granulated Sugar – Optional for dusting – This adds a lovely visual appeal and a hint of sweetness. Regular granulated sugar can substitute if needed.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg using a spatula until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Gradually add the softened cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated, creating a thick, luscious dough that boasts a delightful pink hue.
Step 2: Chill Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up. This step is crucial for preventing spreading during baking, which helps your strawberry kiss cookies maintain their shape and soft texture while creating a beautiful, tender crumb.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release of the cookies once they’re baked. The warmth from the oven will help the cookies bake evenly and develop a lightly golden edge.
Step 4: Form Cookies
After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough with a cookie scoop or your hands. If desired, roll each ball in powdered or pink granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s at least 2 inches between each for even baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft, creating that perfect chewy texture. The cookies will expand slightly as they bake, so keep an eye on them to achieve that lovely light pink color.
Step 6: Add Kisses
Once baked, remove the strawberry kiss cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 1–2 minutes. Then, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing the chocolate to melt ever so slightly, forming a beautiful surprise that’s sure to please.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully before serving. This last step is essential for giving your strawberry kiss cookies that perfect chewy consistency and allowing the chocolate center to set beautifully. Enjoy your delightful creation with friends and family!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
When you’re ready to share the delight of these magical treats, consider pairing them with complementary flavors and textures that will enhance your experience.
- Creamy Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream adds a refreshing contrast, melting into the warm chocolate kiss.
- Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries brings a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with every bite.
- Chocolate Milk: A tall glass of rich chocolate milk makes a nostalgic pairing—perfect for dunking and savoring!
- Whipped Cream Topping: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a luscious texture that harmonizes with the cookies.
- Sweet Tea: A cup of sweet iced tea offers a delightful chill and balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
- Lemonade: Bright and zesty lemonade cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast that will keep you reaching for another cookie.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of trail mix adds a satisfying crunch, balancing the softness of the cookies while providing extra nutrition.
Indulging in these pairings will elevate your Strawberry Kiss Cookies experience, turning simple treats into memorable delights for any gathering!
Make Ahead Options
You can easily prepare Strawberry Kiss Cookies ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or parties! Mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. To keep your cookie dough from hardening too much, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls, roll them in sugar if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to press the chocolate kisses into the center immediately after baking for that delightful surprise! This prep method means you can enjoy freshly baked cookies without the last-minute rush!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious cookies to make them truly your own!
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Flavor Boosters: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a delightful vegan twist.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Mix in rainbow sprinkles for added fun and a cheerful look—perfect for birthday parties or festive celebrations!
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch.
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Miniature Cookies: Make mini strawberry kiss cookies by scooping smaller dough balls; adjust the bake time to 6–8 minutes for the perfect bite-sized treat.
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Chocolate Variety: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, try using peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolates to surprise your taste buds!
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Frosting Option: Once cooled, consider drizzling a simple cream cheese frosting over each cookie for an indulgent finish.
When you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore making delightful treats like Pistachio Cream Cookies or try a fun spin with the unique Strawberry Shortcake Sushi. Enjoy your baking journey!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your strawberry kiss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, ready for snacking.
Refrigerator: If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to avoid absorbing odors from your fridge.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the baked cookies (without sugar dusting) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply microwave individually for about 10-15 seconds until soft. The chocolate kiss will melt slightly, making each bite even more delightful!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Chill Dough Well: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading and ensures your strawberry kiss cookies maintain the perfect shape while baking.
- Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop to keep the dough balls the same size. This ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so set a timer!
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality cream cheese and chocolate kisses. This enhances the overall taste of your strawberry kiss cookies.
- Avoid Fresh Strawberries: Stick to the cake mix as the base. Fresh strawberries can make the dough too wet and affect the cookie’s structure.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to be creative! Drizzling with melted chocolate or adding sprinkles before baking can add flair and fun to your strawberry kiss cookies.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cake mix for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting a strawberry cake mix, look for one with a simple ingredient list and no added artificial colors or flavors. This ensures that the cake mix delivers a natural strawberry flavor and quality texture for your cookies. Always avoid using fresh strawberries, as their moisture content can lead to a dough that’s too wet and won’t yield the perfect cookies.
How should I store my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. For longer storage, they can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but make sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from other foods.
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Yes! You can certainly freeze your baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. I recommend not dusting them with sugar before freezing to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let the cookies thaw at room temperature, or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm and gooey.
What if my dough is too soft and spreads too much?
Very! If you find that your dough is too soft, don’t worry! You can either chill it for a bit longer (at least an additional 30 minutes) to firm it up, or you can reduce the temperature of your kitchen by working in a cooler space. This helps maintain the dough’s structure while it bakes, ensuring you get those lovely, chewy cookies that hold their shape.
Can Strawberry Kiss Cookies be enjoyed by people with allergies?
While these cookies are a delightful treat, they do contain common allergens like gluten (from the cake mix), eggs, and dairy (from the butter and cream cheese). If you’re making them for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free strawberry cake mix, egg substitutes, and dairy-free cream cheese options. That way, everyone can join in the cookie fun!
How can I enhance the flavor of my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
For a delightful flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a half teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. This not only adds depth but also complements the delightful strawberry flavor. Getting a bit creative with toppings or drizzles is fun too!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Sweet Surprises in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg using a spatula until smooth. Gradually add the softened cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered or pink granulated sugar if desired. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1–2 minutes, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
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