If you’re looking for a sweet little treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These soft, buttery sugar cookies are studded with a kiss of strawberry-flavored chocolate right in the center — it’s like Valentine’s Day wrapped up in every bite. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out: soft, tender, and with just the right pop of fruity sweetness that’s irresistible. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Tender Texture: Thanks to cream cheese in the dough, these cookies melt in your mouth every time.
- Simple Ingredients & Steps: You only need 3 main ingredients before decorating, perfect if you’re short on time.
- Fun & Festive Look: Coat the dough balls in sparkling sugar or non-pareils for that extra visual wow.
- Unique Strawberry Surprise: The Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses add the perfect sweet, melty center that’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe starts with classic ingredients, but it’s the addition of cream cheese and those strawberry kisses that take it over the top. I always recommend softening your cream cheese ahead of time—that little trick makes mixing so much easier.
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: The perfect base for soft cookies with colorful sprinkles inside; saves a lot of prep time!
- Cream cheese: Adds moisture and the soft, tender crumb that I love about these cookies.
- Large egg: Helps bring the dough together and adds that richness without weighing down the cookie.
- Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: These add a fun, sparkly coating that makes the cookies look festive and feel extra special when you bite into them.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show! They melt slightly into the cookie for that dreamy strawberry center.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want more texture, less sugar, or a flavor twist, there’s room to customize. Plus, it’s such a fun recipe to get creative with if you’re baking with kids or making a batch for a party.
- Nutty Addition: Sometimes I like adding finely chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for a subtle crunch—it pairs so nicely with the strawberry flavor.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, you can swap the strawberry kisses for classic milk chocolate or peppermint kisses around the holidays.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
- Colorful Coating: Play with sanding sugar colors or use multi-colored non-pareils if you’re baking for a birthday or celebration.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and keeps cleanup simple. I always take a moment here to soften my cream cheese if I haven’t already; room temperature is key for mixing well.
Step 2: Mix Dough Until Soft and Creamy
Grab a large bowl, and mix together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one egg. You’ll want to stir until a soft dough forms—this is where that cream cheese makes such a difference. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes; I learned this the hard way after one too many sticky fingers in the kitchen!
Step 3: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
Place your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop (or measuring spoon), portion out dough and roll each ball in the sugar or sprinkles until fully coated. This step is a little messy but so worth it—the sparkle on these cookies makes them look like a little gift all on their own.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Arrange the coated cookie balls about 1½ inches apart on your parchment-lined sheet, letting them have a little space to spread while baking. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for edges that are set but centers that still look soft—that’s the sweet spot for these cookies.
Step 5: Add the Strawberry Kiss Center
After baking, let the cookies cool 3 to 5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss into the center of each. If you like a firm kiss that keeps its shape, give the cookies a few extra minutes to cool; for a gooier melted center, press the kisses while the cookies are warm.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let your cookies cool completely before serving, or sneak a few warm ones right away—either way, they’re pure bliss.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese fully—it blends smoothly with the cookie mix and prevents lumps in your dough.
- Chill Sticky Dough: If your dough is sticky, chilling makes it much easier to roll and coat without a mess—this saved me so many times!
- Press Kisses at the Right Time: For melty centers, press the kisses immediately after baking; for firmer centers, wait a few extra minutes until cookies slightly cool.
- Use Parchment Paper: Don’t skip the parchment—it keeps your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant look or adding extra sanding sugar just before baking for that sparkle. Fresh strawberries on the side add a nice fresh hint, especially if you’re serving this at a party.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea—trust me, the strawberry chocolate and creamy cookie flavors make this an all-time favorite snack or dessert combo in my house.
Creative Ways to Present
For Valentine’s Day or special occasions, I like to arrange these cookies in a heart shape on a pretty platter and sprinkle with edible rose petals or red sanding sugars. Another fun idea: package them in clear treat bags with a ribbon for easy gifting that looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days—long enough to savor without losing any of their buttery magic.
Freezing
I like to freeze the cookie dough balls before baking; just roll and coat them, then freeze on a tray. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes. This way, fresh Strawberry Kiss Cookies are always at the ready without fuss.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feel, pop your cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-4 minutes or microwave one cookie for about 10-15 seconds. This revives the softness and melts the kiss center just enough for an indulgent treat.
FAQs
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Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
You can, but the cream cheese adds moisture and that unmistakable soft texture that makes these cookies special. If you skip it, your cookies might be drier or less tender, so adding a bit of butter or a small amount of yogurt can help maintain softness.
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What’s the best way to avoid the dough sticking to my hands?
Rolling the dough balls in sanding sugar or non-pareils helps keep your hands clean and adds a decorative touch. If the dough is still sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes really helps. I also sometimes lightly flour my hands or use a small cookie scoop to minimize contact.
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Can I substitute regular chocolate kisses instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While the strawberry kisses add a unique, fruity flair, you can swap in classic milk, dark, or even white chocolate kisses depending on your preference or the occasion.
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How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored airtight at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for about 3 days. Beyond that, they might begin to dry out, but storing them in the fridge or freezing dough can extend their life.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking rotation because it’s so reliably delicious and surprisingly simple. The combination of buttery dough, whimsical sprinkles, and that luscious strawberry kiss in the center always brings smiles at my table. Whether you’re sweetening up a holiday, making treats for friends, or just want an easy cookie recipe that feels a little extra special, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try. You’ll love how effortlessly impressive these cookies are—like a hug from the inside.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 16–18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and soft Valentine’s treat featuring a funfetti sugar cookie base mixed with cream cheese for extra softness, rolled in pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils, and topped with a luscious Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss. Perfectly baked to have tender edges and soft centers, these cookies combine festive colors, flavors, and textures that make them irresistible for any romantic occasion or celebration.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Coating & Topping
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg. Mix well until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Prepare Coating: Pour the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl for coating the cookie dough balls.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, scoop out the dough and roll each portion in the sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated. Then shape into smooth, uniform balls.
- Chill if Sticky: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to firm up for easier rolling and shaping.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers remain soft for that tender bite.
- Add Strawberry Kisses: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes. Then gently press one Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely to set the chocolate kiss in place, or enjoy them warm if you prefer a softer, melted center.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest dough and easiest mixing.
- If dough is sticky, chill it before rolling and coat hands with sanding sugar for easier handling.
- For firmer, less melty candy centers, let cookies cool slightly before pressing in the Kisses.
- Press Kisses immediately after baking for a soft, melty center effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
