Name: Delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Your Sweetheart's Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 box Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix (Can substitute with regular sugar cookie mix if needed.); 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (Ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.); 1 large Egg (Binds everything together and provides moisture.); ½ cup Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils (Feel free to use colored sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.); 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (Add a delicious strawberry-flavored surprise at the center.)

As the aroma of fresh cookies wafts through my kitchen, I’m reminded of the sheer joy that baking brings, especially when creating something as sweet as Strawberry Kiss Cookies. With their delightful pink color and the creamy surprise of Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses right in the center, these soft, chewy treats make every moment feel like a celebration—perfect for Valentine’s Day or just to brighten up a regular afternoon. The best part? They come together effortlessly thanks to a simple Funfetti mix, making them an ideal choice for seasoned bakers and newbies alike. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Ready to discover how to make these delightful cookies? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies So Irresistible?

Unmatched Flavor: These cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with creamy Hershey’s Kisses for a delicious burst of flavor.

Effortless Baking: Utilizing a Funfetti mix makes preparation simple and quick, perfect for busy schedules or last-minute baking projects.

Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for Valentine’s Day, these cookies shine at any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together.

Soft and Chewy Texture: Their tender, gooey center contrasts beautifully with the pink sugary coating, making every bite a delight.

Customizable Fun: Swap out flavors or add fun toppings, such as Vanilla Waffle Cookies, to match your mood or celebration!

Dive into the joy of baking with these delightful treats—it’s time to make some lasting memories!

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s what you need for these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies!

For the Cookie Base

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix – The perfect base for a sweet and colorful treat; you can substitute with a regular sugar cookie mix if needed.
Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened) – Adds creaminess and keeps the cookies soft; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Large Egg (1) – Binds everything together, providing moisture that makes the cookies soft and chewy.

For the Coating

Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils (½ cup) – Sprinkles for that dazzling touch; feel free to use colored sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a twist.

For the Topping

Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (18) – Delicious strawberry-flavored surprise at the center of each cookie; explore other Kiss flavors for a fun variation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This preparation sets the stage for your delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and turn out perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 2: Mix Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the large egg. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, making it easier to shape your cookies later.

Step 3: Shape Cookies
Once your dough is ready, use a tablespoon to scoop it out and roll it into balls between your palms. Next, coat each dough ball in sanding sugar or non-pareils for added sparkle and texture. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.

Step 4: Bake
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. You’ll know your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as you want that chewy texture in the middle.

Step 5: Cool & Add Kisses
After baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 3 to 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows them to firm up slightly. While they’re still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing them to melt just a bit for that perfect finish.

Step 6: Serve or Store
Once your Strawberry Kiss Cookies are fully cooled, you can enjoy them right away, or store them in an airtight container if you can resist! These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days, but they can last for a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months—if you can wait that long to enjoy them!

What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter, where the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air and puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Hot Cocoa: A warm cup brings out the sweetness in the cookies, creating the perfect pairing for chilly evenings. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful twist!
Pink Lemonade: This refreshing drink complements the strawberry flavor, making your dessert table visually appealing and thirst-quenching. The sweetness balances perfectly with tangy notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous serving alongside your cookies for a classic combination; the creamy vanilla contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy cookies.
Fresh Strawberries: Bright, juicy fruit not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also adds a refreshing, light contrast. Slice them up and serve on the side for a delightful touch.
Cheesecake Bites: Rich, creamy bites of cheesecake pair wonderfully with the cookies, creating a satisfying variety of textures and flavors. A perfect conversation starter at any gathering.
Milk: The classic duo never disappoints! Dip your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a cold glass of milk to enhance that soft, chewy goodness and bring everyone back to childhood joys.
Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits adds a refreshing crunch, complementing the sweetness of the cookies. The colors and textures make your dessert table a feast for the eyes!
Sparkling Water: Keep it light and refreshing with sparkling water, perhaps infused with a slice of lemon or lime for that extra zing. It cleanses the palate between bites of your delightful cookies.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs surprisingly well, adding a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, cream cheese, and egg, then refrigerating the dough in an airtight container. For even easier assembly, you can shape the dough into balls, coat them in sanding sugar, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake as directed and gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into each cookie right after they come out of the oven. This way, you’ll maintain that soft, chewy texture and have fresh, homemade treats ready with minimal effort!

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore your creativity and customize these cookies to match your preferences!

Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and choose dairy-free chocolate Kisses for a fully dairy-free treat.
Gluten-Free: Swap the Funfetti sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free version to cater to gluten-sensitive friends or family.
Flavor Twist: Experiment with different flavored cake mixes, like lemon or red velvet, for a unique taste experience just as delightful as these Lava Brownie Cookies.
Nutty Variation: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the cookie dough for an extra crunchy texture, bringing a delightful surprise in every bite.
Fruity Upgrade: Toss in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries to amplify that fresh strawberry flavor! The burst of strawberry in each bite is simply heavenly.
Mini Cookies: Bake smaller cookie versions to create bite-sized treats perfect for sharing during celebrations or gatherings—perfect when paired with Strawberry Lemonade Refreshing.
Add Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for warm spice flavors that blend beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, pop a joyfully spicy candied jalapeño or a hint of cayenne pepper into the mix for a surprising burst of flavor!

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want to keep them fresher longer, these cookies will last up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure they’re sealed well!

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicious shape.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop the frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up, bringing back that freshly baked taste.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, chilling it for 30-60 minutes will make it easier to shape into perfect cookie balls without the mess.
Kisses Timing: For a firmer chocolate center, add the Hershey’s Kisses after the cookies have cooled slightly. If you prefer a softer, melted center, press them in right after baking.
Evenly Spaced: Remember to place your cookie dough balls 1½ inches apart on the baking sheet to ensure they have enough room to spread without merging into one another.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. The ideal texture means edges are set, while the centers are still soft to create that delightful chewiness in your Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
Storage Secrets: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If freezing, layer them with parchment paper to preserve their texture and flavor.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe strawberries for my recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red all over, with fresh, green leaves attached. Avoid any berries with dark spots or bruises, as these indicate over-ripeness. If you can, try to find strawberries that are firm to the touch; they should have a sweet aroma that signals ripeness.

What’s the best way to store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You can keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed properly to prevent them from drying out!

Can I freeze my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Very! To freeze, first, let the cookies cool completely. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape into balls without making a mess. I often find chilling dough is a game-changer in cookie making!

Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
When baking for others, especially pets, be cautious! While these cookies are vegetarian-friendly, they contain sugar and dairy, so they aren’t safe for pets like dogs or cats. Additionally, keep in mind that some guests may have allergies to gluten or dairy; if you or someone you’re serving has these allergies, consider using gluten-free flour or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to modify the recipe.

Can I use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! You can switch things up by using different flavors of Kisses, such as milk chocolate, cookies and cream, or even seasonal varieties like peppermint or caramel. Each variety will change the flavor profile of your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, allowing you to personalize them for any occasion!