If ever there were a cookie designed to charm both kids and grownups, it’s this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Imagine bite-sized, blush-pink cookies with a soft, cake-like texture, crowned with a single, irresistible Hershey’s Kiss—they’re just as perfect for a festive party platter as an easy weeknight dessert. With their sparkly sugar coating and sweet strawberry aroma, these cookies are pure happiness in every bite. Plus, they come together using a handful of pantry staples and a box of strawberry cake mix, so you can bake a little love at a moment’s notice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few basic ingredients transform into something so delightful! Every item here plays an important role in the flavor, color, or trademark texture of our Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Ready to gather your sweet squad?
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz box): Shortcut alert! This brings instant flavor and that gorgeous pink hue without any fuss.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the cookies tender, moist, and rich with every bite.
- Large eggs (2): These help bind everything together and give the cookies their soft, chewy structure.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A little hint of warmth that rounds out the strawberry notes perfectly.
- Hershey’s Kisses (24, milk chocolate or strawberry-flavored): The “kiss” on top—literally! Classic milk chocolate is always a hit, but strawberry-flavored Kisses make them extra cute.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling, optional): For an extra layer of sweetness and that lovely, snowy finish—totally optional, but always crowd-pleasing.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on cookie fun and not dish duty.
Step 2: Mix Up the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is thoroughly incorporated and a thick, pillowy dough forms. It’s going to smell amazing right from the start!
Step 3: Portion and Roll the Cookies
Grab small amounts of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll between your palms to make neat little balls. If you like a sweeter, frosted look, give them a gentle roll in powdered sugar before placing them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake!
Pop the cookie tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the cookies to be set but still slightly soft—the key to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t overbake, or they’ll lose their tender charm!
Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kiss
Right when you pull the cookies from the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. (If you’ve chilled your Kisses in the freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand, they’ll keep their shape perfectly until the cookies cool.) Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling and setting up.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Go classic with a final flurry of powdered sugar, or make things festive with a pinch of colorful sprinkles before baking. For a fancier touch, drizzle with a little melted white chocolate or add a few edible gold stars right after the Hershey’s Kiss goes on—because you can never have too much sparkle!
Side Dishes
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe pairs so nicely with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for dessert, or serve them with a tall glass of cold milk. For grown-up gatherings, arrange them alongside fresh berries and a few chocolates for an ultra-charming sweet platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, pile these cookies onto a pink cake stand and tie a ribbon around it for instant wow. They also make the prettiest edible gifts when packed in cellophane bags with a little matching confetti. Or try stacking a few cookies in clear jars for a treat-yourself moment on busy days!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and dreamy, with the Kisses holding their sweet shape up top. Between snacking sessions, try slipping a slice of bread into the container—it’ll help keep the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Pop cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For best results, freeze them in a single layer, or separate layers with parchment paper to keep the Kisses looking their best. Thaw at room temperature for snacking any time.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat these cookies, but if you want that just-baked warmth, a few seconds (5-8) in the microwave does the trick—just watch out, as the Kiss will melt quickly. Enjoy them with the melty center or let them cool down for a firmer crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Definitely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry cookie base, you can swap it in. Just look for a recipe with a similar yield and dough consistency. The cake mix version is a timesaver, but scratch-made is always a delicious twist.
What flavors of Hershey’s Kisses work best?
The classic milk chocolate Kiss is timeless, but strawberry or even white chocolate Kisses are fantastic. Around holidays, keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors—imagine a cookies ‘n’ creme Kiss for a fun flavor surprise in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe!
Do I have to chill the cookie dough?
For this recipe, there’s no need to chill the dough—the cookies bake up perfectly soft and round straight away. If your kitchen is extra warm, a brief chill can help keep the dough easy to handle, but it’s optional!
Why should I chill the Hershey’s Kisses before using?
Chilling the Kisses in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before pressing them into freshly baked cookies helps them hold their iconic shape as the cookies cool. This way, you get that adorable, picture-perfect look every time.
Can I double the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches—the recipe is very forgiving and scales up easily. Extra cookies are never a bad thing, and they make cheerful gifts during holidays or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a sweeter way to brighten someone’s day—or your own—than with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, these pink-studded treats always bring big smiles. Give them a try, and prepare for lots of happy hugs and requests for the recipe!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of fruity flavor from strawberry cake mix and a sweet surprise in the center. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving a fun and easy-to-make cookie!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
For Assembly:
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or strawberry-flavored)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: If desired, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat lightly in powdered sugar. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Add the Kisses: Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Kisses in the freezer for 10–15 minutes beforehand to help them hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies.
- You can substitute different Kiss flavors depending on the season or preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
