There’s nothing quite as delightful as the soft, sweet aroma of Strawberry Kiss Cookies baking in the oven. These gorgeous pink cookies, topped with a delicate chocolate kiss, bring a little magic to any occasion. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful.
The first time I made these cookies, I was looking for something playful and fun to bake with my daughter. Little did I know, these cookies would quickly become a family tradition, loved for their vibrant flavor and charming presentation.
Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Get ready to fall in love with these charming little treats. Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not only delicious but also a joy to bake and share.
First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, including a shortcut using a cake mix, these cookies are beginner-friendly and perfect for baking with kids.
The flavor is absolutely delightful. Sweet and fruity with a touch of creamy chocolate from the kiss on top, these cookies strike the perfect balance between rich and light.
They’re also a feast for the eyes. The pink hue of the cookies paired with the chocolate kisses makes them ideal for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day or baby showers.
Finally, these cookies are versatile. Swap out the chocolate kiss for a different topping, or experiment with other cake mix flavors for endless variations.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the star of the recipe, giving the cookies their vibrant color and fruity flavor. You can use any brand you prefer.
- Eggs: These help bind the dough and give the cookies structure. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft and tender. You could also use melted butter for a slightly richer taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to coat the dough balls before baking, it creates a beautiful crackle effect on the cookies.
- Hershey’s Kisses: These little chocolate gems are pressed into the cookies after baking, adding a creamy and decadent touch.
You’ll also need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a mixing bowl to bring everything together.
How To Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Making these cookies is as fun as eating them. Here’s how to whip up a batch in no time:
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap your Hershey’s Kisses so they’re ready to go when the cookies come out of the oven. - Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a thick dough forms. The vibrant pink color is already a treat for the eyes! - Shape and Coat
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step ensures the cookies bake up with a delightful crackle effect. - Bake
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set. The cookies should still be soft in the center. - Add the Kisses
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In just about 20 minutes total, you’ll have a tray of cookies that look and taste like a professional bakery’s work!
Storage Options
Strawberry Kiss Cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead treats or gift-giving.
- At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the kisses from sticking.
- In the Refrigerator: If you prefer chilled cookies, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
The flexibility of this recipe allows for some fun and creative twists. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Switch the Flavor: Use a different flavored cake mix, like lemon or chocolate, to create new variations.
- Change the Topping: Substitute the Hershey’s Kiss with mini peanut butter cups, chocolate hearts, or even a dollop of jam for a fruity twist.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in a mix of powdered sugar and sprinkles for extra color and crunch.
- Go Mini: Use smaller dough balls and mini chocolate kisses for bite-sized treats perfect for a party platter.
Experimentation is half the fun – don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these cookies!
With their pretty pink hue, irresistible flavor, and easy preparation, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are bound to become one of your go-to recipes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to steal the show. Happy baking! 🍓
PrintStrawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies, made with strawberry-flavored dough and topped with a chocolate kiss. A perfect treat for holidays or everyday indulgence!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 24-30 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a more vibrant strawberry flavor, add a drop of pink food coloring to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
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