If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a classic chocolate kiss, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the soft, tender crumb of strawberry cake mix with the nostalgic charm of a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center, making every bite an irresistible and joyful experience. They’re easy to make, beautifully pink, and perfect for sharing at any occasion or simply as a charming pick-me-up dessert that feels like a hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in your kitchen. Each item here plays a key role in shaping the texture, flavor, and appearance of your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, ensuring they’re moist, tender, and charmingly sweet.
- Strawberry cake mix: This is the star that provides a vibrant pink color and sweet, fruity flavor.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness to the cookie dough.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to keep the cookies soft.
- Water: Helps create the perfect dough consistency.
- Granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a delightful crunch and a bit of sparkle on the cookie surface.
- Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped: The classic chocolate centerpiece that melts slightly and perfectly complements the strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready ahead of time ensures smooth baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir thoroughly until you have a soft, cohesive dough. The mix should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Step 3: Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then roll each ball in a bowl of granulated sugar—it adds a subtle crunch and a shimmer that makes these cookies extra inviting.
Step 4: Bake Until Just Set
Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set on the edges but remain soft in the center.
Step 5: Add Hershey’s Kisses
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss gently but firmly into the center of each cookie. This step softens the chocolate slightly and makes for that signature look. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate makes a pretty finishing touch to these cookies. You can also add a tiny edible flower or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra pop of color and flavor that complements the strawberry theme.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea to balance the sweetness and create a cozy snack moment. They also pair marvelously with vanilla ice cream or a berry-flavored yogurt for a refreshing dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a pastel platter for a festive feel, perfect for baby showers or Valentine’s Day. Stack them in a clear jar tied with a pink ribbon as a heartfelt homemade gift, or display them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other colorful treats for a fun party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This way, they stay soft and perfectly chewy without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, maintaining their flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel, warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat, or the Hershey’s Kiss may melt too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these cookies their signature flavor and color, you could try raspberry or cherry cake mix for a similar fruity twist. Just keep in mind the color and flavor will shift accordingly.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
If Hershey’s Kisses aren’t on hand, small chocolate chips or miniature chocolate candies can work, though the classic Kiss shape creates the charming “kiss” look that’s part of the fun.
How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when adding the kisses?
Press the kisses gently into the cookies right after baking, while the dough is still warm and pliable. Avoid pushing too hard to keep crackers minimal and maintain the soft texture.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Since the recipe uses a pre-made strawberry cake mix, check that the mix is gluten-free. If it is, then this recipe can be a quick gluten-free sweet treat. Otherwise, look for gluten-free strawberry cake mixes in the store.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?
Definitely! This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is straightforward and fun, making it a great baking activity for kids with adult supervision when using the oven and handling hot trays.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is a delightful combination of ease, flavor, and charm all rolled into one sweet bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring a smile every single time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved treat in your household.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a soft strawberry-flavored cookie base made from cake mix, adorned with a classic Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, colorful treat, these cookies have a tender texture and a sparkling sugar coating that adds a subtle crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until a soft and cohesive dough forms, making sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape and Sugar-Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Then, roll each ball in the 1/2 cup granulated sugar to coat the exterior evenly, giving the cookies a sparkling finish.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie gently to avoid cracking.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Press the Hershey’s Kisses gently into the cookies after baking to prevent excessive cracking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
