If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries with the irresistible charm of chocolate, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies boast a soft, cake-like texture thanks to the strawberry cake mix, topped perfectly with a melty Hershey’s Kiss that adds a rich chocolate finish. They’re not only incredibly easy to make but also bring a burst of color and joy to your dessert table, making them perfect for any occasion from casual snacks to festive celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that lovely strawberry hue and flavor. Having just a handful of components makes this a quick and straightforward recipe for bakers of all levels.
- Strawberry cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base that gives these cookies their vibrant strawberry flavor and tender crumb texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together for the perfect dough consistency.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances depth of flavor with a subtle warmth.
- Hershey’s Kisses (20–24 unwrapped): The signature chocolate topper that melts slightly to add a luscious finishing touch.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for rolling): Creates a gently crisp exterior and adds a delightful sparkle.
- Optional red or pink sanding sugar: Perfect for extra festive flair or a pop of sparkle.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup—this simple step saves time and keeps the cookies looking pristine.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until a soft dough forms. You’ll notice how the dough comes together quickly, thanks to the cake mix’s perfect balance of ingredients. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes to make handling easier.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar or your choice of sanding sugar for a sweet, sparkling coat that also gives a subtle crunch. Arrange the dough balls with at least 2 inches of space between them on the prepared sheet—they will spread slightly.
Step 4: Bake and Add Hershey’s Kisses
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, which allows the edges to set while keeping the centers soft and tender—just how you want them! Once you take the tray out of the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookie softens the chocolate just enough, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth moment.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures they hold their shape and the chocolate sets nicely without losing that soft texture underneath.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can make them extra festive by sprinkling colored sanding sugar on top before baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling also adds a lovely delicate touch. For a fun variation, try mini chocolate chips or crushed freeze-dried strawberries sprinkled over the dough balls prior to baking.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Kiss Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit salad. Their fruity and chocolate harmony also complements a cream cheese frosting dip for a party setting.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies make adorable gifts or party favors. Arrange them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon. For a festive dessert table, stack them in a pyramid or display on a tiered cake stand, allowing their pink hue and shiny chocolate tops to become a visual centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to five days, making them great for baking ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to save them for even longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly wrapped, they can maintain their goodness for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). This is the perfect way to revive the melty chocolate and soft cookie texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe shines brightest with strawberry cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla for interesting variations. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of your cookies will change accordingly.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses? Can I use another chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute with other bite-sized chocolates or even chocolate chips. Mini Reese’s or butterscotch morsels work too, giving a unique twist on the classic cookie.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe uses ingredients that fit within a vegetarian diet. Just double-check that your chosen cake mix and Hershey’s Kisses don’t contain non-vegetarian additives.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure not to overbeat the dough and use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help maintain the shape. Spacing the dough balls adequately on the baking sheet is key too.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can, by swapping the regular cake mix for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. Just verify that all other ingredients used are gluten-free to ensure a safe treat for sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe comes together so quickly yet delivers a beautiful burst of strawberry flavor wrapped in soft cookie goodness and crowned with chocolate bliss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple sweet craving, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few hugs. Give this recipe a go—you won’t regret turning your kitchen into a sweet strawberry haven.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, flavorful treats made from strawberry cake mix and topped with classic Hershey’s Kisses. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, festive dessert. The combination of the strawberry-flavored dough rolled in sugar and a melty chocolate kiss on top creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20–24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: red or pink sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar if desired for a festive look.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, securing it in place.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps set the chocolate.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping.
- Use colored sanding sugar to match various holidays or party themes for a decorative touch.
- You can experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses to customize the cookie flavor.
