Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and bursting with a fun twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. This isn’t your ordinary cookie – it’s got that dreamy cream cheese softness with a delightful pop of strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss right on top. Trust me, once you bake a batch, they’ll disappear fast, and you’ll keep coming back to this recipe. Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through making these Valentine’s Day–worthy treats that are perfect for anytime you want to spread a little love!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is all about balance — sweet, soft cookie dough paired with a bright pop of strawberry on top. Each ingredient has a role, whether it’s the mix for convenience, or the cream cheese for texture that sets these apart from your standard cookie.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: It’s my go-to shortcut for vibrant, buttery cookies – plus it adds colorful sprinkles inside the dough, which is such a fun surprise.
• Cream cheese (softened): This keeps your cookies tender and slightly tangy, complementing the strawberry flavor perfectly.
• Egg: Binds everything together, ensuring the dough is smooth and easy to handle.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: Adds that beautiful sparkle and a subtle crunch on the outside of each cookie.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show — these strawberry chocolates create the iconic “kiss” on the cookie and infuse that lovely fruity note.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is — you can make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Whether you want them a bit crispier or prefer a softer, more cake-like cookie, there’s room to adjust. These little changes make baking way more fun and personal!

• Variation: I sometimes swap out the sanding sugar for rainbow non-pareils if I’m making them for a birthday or festive event, which adds color and extra texture that guests adore.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Try using a dairy-free cream cheese to make these suitable for friends with dietary restrictions — just make sure it’s softened well for easy mixing.
• Extra Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough can deepen the flavor even more.
• Storage Tips: If you’re baking ahead, you can skip adding the kisses until right before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Tools

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, this step saves you from sticky situations and makes clean-up a breeze. I usually gather all my ingredients now, so I’m ready to mix without searching for that bag of sugar!

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, blend the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. Mix gently until you get a soft dough. Here’s a pro tip: use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and make the mixing smoother. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes — it’ll firm up and make rolling much easier.

Step 3: Coat and Shape the Cookies

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, form dough balls and roll each one in the sugar coating. This adds a delicate crunchy texture and makes the cookies look extra special. Arrange each cookie on your baking sheet with about 1½ inches of space between them so they bake evenly and don’t stick together.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Strawberry Kiss

Bake your cookies for 8 to 12 minutes — watch for the edges to look set but the centers remain soft (this balance is key for that melt-in-your-mouth feel). After removing from the oven, let them cool for 3-5 minutes before gently pressing a Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss right in the center. This ensures the Kiss stays nicely shaped and doesn’t melt too much. If you prefer a melted center, press the Kiss in immediately while the cookie is hot.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow your cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring, or dig in while they’re warm if you’re like me and can’t resist a gooey chocolate moment. These cookies are *that* good fresh and soft.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra sanding sugar over the cookies once the Kiss is in place — it catches the light beautifully and adds a touch more sparkle. Sometimes, a few edible glitter decorations elevate these treats for a party. Fresh strawberry slices on the side make a lovely complement if you’re serving them at a brunch or tea.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a smoothie for a strawberry theme overload. For a more grown-up vibe, a mild vanilla or fruity white wine complements the sweet strawberry notes splendidly.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served these at Valentine’s Day gatherings, I arranged the cookies on a heart-shaped platter with rose petals around the edges. For kids’ events, I like to set them up in little cupcake liners sprinkled with pastel confetti. It’s always a hit to stack them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay soft for a couple of days. If you live in a warmer climate, popping them in the fridge can help keep that cream cheese freshness. Just bring them to room temp before serving, so the kisses soften just right again.

Freezing

Yes! Freezing dough balls before baking works wonderfully. I scoop and roll the dough, place balls on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I gently microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This helps the kiss soften perfectly again without melting into a mess or drying out the cookie.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite quick desserts to whip up when I want something festive yet fuss-free. The perfect combo of soft cookie dough and that memorable kiss on top makes these cookies a total winner every time. Whether it’s for a holiday, a gift, or a simple sweet treat at home, I’m confident you’ll love baking (and eating!) them just as much as I do. Go ahead and give it a try — your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!

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