Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings all the joy of strawberry shortcake and melts-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting into a single bite, then you’re in for a treat. This Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share it with you. I discovered this cookie during a weekend bakeathon, and ever since, it’s become a family favorite that never lasts long on the cookie tray!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a streamlined set of ingredients that work beautifully together. The strawberry cake mix is the star, providing both flavor and crumb, while cream cheese adds creaminess that keeps every bite soft and luscious. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll want to grab.

• Strawberry cake mix: Look for a quality box mix with real strawberry pieces or flavor for the best taste.
• Butter: Use unsalted, melted butter that’s slightly cooled so it blends evenly without cooking the egg.
• Egg: One large egg helps bind everything together while keeping cookies chewy.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to mix smoothly without lumps.
• Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: These are classic – unwrapped and nestled right into the warm cookie after baking.
• Optional sugars (powdered or pink granulated): These give a sparkling kiss of extra sweetness and a festive finish if you want a little flair.

Variations

I love how versatile this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe is. Sometimes I tweak it to suit the season or mood, and you might find that just a little change makes the recipe feel brand new.

• Use white chocolate kisses: For a sweeter, creamier finish that pairs beautifully with strawberry and cream cheese flavors.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone: It adds a subtle honeyed richness and makes the dough extra silky.
• Add a dash of lemon zest: When I do this, it brightens the strawberry even more, giving the cookies a fresh twist.
• Dust with cinnamon sugar: My family enjoys this cozy twist during colder months, giving a warm spice note to the cookies.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dough for Perfect Consistency

Start by combining the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended. I like to use a handheld mixer here just to get everything silky without overworking the dough. Then add the softened cream cheese—that’s your secret weapon for softness! Mix it in thoroughly until the dough thickens and looks velvety. It might seem a little unusual at first, but trust me, it creates the perfect texture you’ll want.

Step 2: Chill the Dough – Don’t Skip This

Once your dough is ready, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is a game changer. When I first made these cookies without chilling, they spread thin and lost that signature tender chew. The cream cheese firms up and the flavors meld during this rest, helping your cookies bake into thick, soft rounds.

Step 3: Shape, Sugar, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet. If you want a little sparkle, roll them in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar before placing them down—this adds a pretty finish and slight crunch. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes—look for edges that are set but centers that still look soft and slightly underbaked. That’s the sweet spot for softness once cooled.

Step 4: Add Kisses and Cool

As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right into the center of each warm cookie. Don’t worry if you notice light cracks—that’s part of the charm! Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Watching the chocolate soften just enough without melting away is honestly one of the most satisfying parts of baking these.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these cookies because their flavors sing on their own. But if you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprinkles of pink sanding sugar adds a beautiful touch. Sometimes I top a tiny fresh strawberry slice on the side for guests—it just ups the “wow” factor effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Pair these strawberry cream cheese cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of fruity herbal tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also make a sweet finish to a brunch spread, especially alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with edible flowers or scatter freeze-dried strawberry pieces around them. Another favorite is stacking them in small towers with a drizzle of white chocolate over the top. Kids love helping decorate with extra sprinkles and kisses, making it a day of fun baking and presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve kept them fresh for up to three days this way, and they stay soft and flavorful—just resist the urge to eat them all at once!

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze these cookies without the chocolate kisses. Just shape and bake them, then let them cool completely before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature and add the kisses fresh for that perfect melty finish.

Reheating

Reheat your Strawberry Kiss Cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven to refresh that soft texture and slightly melt the chocolate kiss again. This little warm-up trick always impresses guests like you just baked them fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe turns out every time—soft, sweet, and just a little decadent with that creamy center and melty chocolate hug. When I first tried making these, I was hooked by how easy and rewarding they were, and they’ve been my go-to when I want to impress friends with minimal fuss. You’ll enjoy making these as much as you’ll enjoy eating them, so grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking. Trust me, your cookie game won’t be the same after these!

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