Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a cookie that’s both adorable and absolutely delicious, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe with you—a fun twist on classic sugar cookies that’s soft, festive, and loaded with that signature strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Trust me, these cookies turn out beautifully soft with a sweet strawberry surprise that just melts in your mouth. I first stumbled upon this idea as a Valentine’s Day treat, but honestly, they’re perfect any time you want to bring a little joy to your kitchen and delight your family or friends.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so nicely that you’ll find the cookie dough easy to work with, and the flavors just pop. I always recommend grabbing the cream cheese ahead of time so it’s nice and soft—it makes mixing a breeze.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: This is the base that gives the cookies their classic soft texture and a subtle vanilla sweetness.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together for the perfect dough consistency.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: These add that extra sparkle and a pleasant crunch outside—plus, they’re fun to roll the dough balls in!
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star ingredient that makes these cookies unforgettable with a fresh, strawberry burst right on top.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. I encourage you to play around with toppings and mix-ins to make it your own—after all, cookies are personal, right?

• Chocolate Chip Twist: I once swapped the Funfetti for chocolate chip cookie mix and used regular milk chocolate Kisses—everyone loved the chocolaty vibe!
• Gluten-Free Option: Try using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix; just make sure it handles cream cheese well for that soft texture.
• Festive Sprinkles: For holidays, switch out sanding sugar for theme-colored sprinkles, adding a dash of personality to every bite.
• Different Kiss Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to strawberry—experiment with caramel or mint Kisses for unique flavor experiences.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, things run smoothly once the dough is ready without any last-minute scramble. Soften your cream cheese to room temperature while you get everything else ready; this little step makes mixing so much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dough to Soft Perfection

In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. I like using a sturdy spatula or my hands for this part because the dough should come together into a soft, smooth ball. Don’t rush it—if it feels sticky, no worries, a quick chill in the fridge will help later on.

Step 3: Roll and Coat Each Cookie

Pour your sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Then, scoop the dough using about a 1½ tablespoon measure—you want each cookie ball to be uniform for even baking. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, then gently roll it in the sugar or sprinkles. This coating gives a delicate crunch and bursts of color I just adore.

Step 4: Chill if Needed, Then Arrange for Baking

If your dough feels too sticky when rolling, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes—this is a trick I discovered after some sticky messes early on! Place your cookie balls about 1½ inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet so they have space to bake evenly without merging.

Step 5: Bake & Add That Irresistible Kiss

Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes—you’re looking for edges to be set but centers to remain soft, like that perfect chewy bite. Once they’re out, let them cool for 3 to 5 minutes, and then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss right into the center of each cookie. This step is key: if you want a firmer Kiss that holds its shape, cool the cookies a little before pressing. But if you love the gooey melted center, press the Kiss immediately after baking while still warm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool completely so the Kiss sets up nicely, or enjoy these beauties warm and melty for a real treat. Either way, they disappear quickly in my house!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra pink sanding sugar on top of the cookie balls before baking for that sparkle, but after pressing in the Kiss, sometimes a tiny fresh strawberry slice or a mint leaf adds a beautiful, fresh contrast when serving at parties.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of herbal tea—something subtle so the strawberry Kiss flavor shines. For a festive brunch, try serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day, I arrange Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a heart shape on a large platter, or place them in cute cupcake liners inside a decorative tin. Wrapping a small stack with a pretty ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. Keeping them sealed helps preserve that soft, tender texture, especially with the cream cheese in the dough.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing the dough balls raw rather than baked cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds—it’s just enough to soften the cookie again and revive the melted Kiss without making the cookie soggy. Oven warming at low heat for a few minutes works well too if you want to keep the cookie edges a little crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe brings a little sparkle to my baking routine—and I know you’ll feel the same. It’s that perfect mix of simple ingredients, fun hands-on prep, and a charming finish that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for kids, a sweetheart, or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies have become a family favorite in my home. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I bet these become one of your go-to recipes for festive smiles and happy taste buds.

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