Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s both charming and absolutely delicious, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe with you—a soft, sweet treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want a little love in your baking. These cookies are bursting with funfetti cheer and topped with iconic Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, creating a delightful pop of flavor that my family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for gifting or just a cozy dessert at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is in the simplicity and how these ingredients come together to create magic. Using a funfetti cookie mix makes the dough easy and colorful, while cream cheese adds a little tang and softness. And the star? Those strawberry-flavored kisses that give a strawberry surprise inside each cookie.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: Look for a good-quality mix that already has sprinkles for fun built-in color.
• Cream cheese: Be sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough perfectly.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: These add the perfect coating texture and sparkle.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: This unique flavor makes the cookies really stand out; don’t swap for regular Kisses if you want that berry punch.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to get creative—maybe swap out the strawberry kisses for different flavors, or use different colored sanding sugars when you want to match a theme. You’ll find it’s a great base for customizing without losing that soft, dreamy cookie texture.

• Chocolate Kisses: I once used classic Hershey’s milk chocolate kisses, and my husband claimed it was even better—so if you like chocolate, give it a try!
• Gluten-Free Mix: Swap in a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor or texture.
• Colored Sugar Coating: Use red or purple sanding sugar for Valentine’s or other holidays to really make them pop visually.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Preheat

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step might seem basic, but trust me, having everything ready before your dough is made saves time and prevents stress once the oven timer’s ticking.

Step 2: Mix The Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until you have a soft dough. This dough will be quite tender thanks to the cream cheese. If your cream cheese isn’t at room temp, you might see lumps—definitely avoid that by planning ahead to soften it on the countertop for about an hour.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Pour your sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie, scoop and roll them between your hands into smooth balls. Then roll each ball in the sugar or sprinkles until fully coated. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it into the fridge for 30–60 minutes—that chill really helps.

Step 4: Bake and Add Kisses

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart so they have room to spread without merging. Bake for 8–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look soft and tender. This is key to the best soft texture. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 3–5 minutes—warm but not hot—and press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss right into the center of each cookie. The kiss will either melt slightly if pressed right away, or stay nicely firm if you wait a few minutes. Totally your choice!

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely if you want that classic look and firm kisses, or dive in warm if you love a melted, gooey center. I have to admit—I like mine warm with that soft strawberry center giving a little pop. My family and guests always ask for seconds!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny extra pinch of sanding sugar or edible glitter on top of the kisses before serving when it’s a special occasion—it adds a little sparkle and flair that makes these cookies feel even more festive and fun.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot herbal tea for a wonderfully balanced treat. For brunch or dessert tables, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit, especially berries, to echo that strawberry flavor in a light, fresh way.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day or a party, I arrange the cookies in a heart shape on a pretty platter with rose petals scattered around. Another hit was wrapping individual cookies in clear cello bags tied with ribbon—a simple way to gift with extra love and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Strawberry Kiss Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for about 3-4 days, but honestly, they rarely stick around that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls rolled in sugar on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time. I’ve done this when prepping for holiday parties, and it saves a ton of time without sacrificing freshness.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a warm oven. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the kiss center again, so it tastes like you just baked them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe turns out every single time. It’s rare to find a recipe that’s both effortless and impressive, but these cookies hit that sweet spot. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or just indulging yourself, the tender texture paired with the festive sprinkles and strawberry kisses makes these cookies unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll end up making these your new favorite for celebrations and cozy moments alike.

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