Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s equal parts fun, soft, and utterly charming, then you’re going to adore this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies combine the creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet spark of a strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss perched right in the center. When I first tried this recipe, it became an instant favorite for holidays, especially Valentine’s Day, but honestly, my family begs for them year-round. Stick around, because I’m sharing everything you need to know so your batch turns out perfectly soft, sweet, and super kissable!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with the right ingredients, and I love that this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe keeps things simple while creating a truly unique flavor and texture combo. These ingredients work so well together—it’s the creamy tang of the cream cheese paired with a funfetti cookie base and the strawberry kiss that finishes it off perfectly.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: I recommend this over plain sugar cookie mix for that little burst of colorful sprinkles baked right in.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature, so it blends smoothly into the dough without lumps.
• Large egg: Adds just enough structure to bring everything together.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: These add a festive sparkle and texture. Pink sanding sugar is my go-to for Valentine’s vibes.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show—these melt slightly into the warm cookie for a gooey, fruity center.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want it softer, more chocolatey, or suited to a particular dietary need, there’s a way to customize it without losing any of that charm.

• Flavor Swap: I’ve swapped the strawberry kisses for classic milk chocolate or caramel kisses when I wanted a different twist, and it totally works—so feel free to mix it up!
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free funfetti cookie mix—these cookies hold together just as well, and everyone was none the wiser.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve had success replacing the egg with a flax egg and vegan cream cheese, though the texture is a bit less tender.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Dreamy Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this little step saves a sticky mess later. In a large bowl, mix together the funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the egg until a soft dough forms. You’ll notice the dough is creamier and softer than a typical cookie dough, thanks to the cream cheese, so don’t worry if it looks a bit different at first.

Step 2: Coat and Chill (If Needed)

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar (or non-pareils) into a shallow bowl. Using a tablespoon or a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out dough portions and roll them gently in the sugar until they’re fully coated. If you find the dough is too sticky to handle—which happens sometimes depending on room temperature—pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step makes rolling much easier.

Step 3: Bake and Kiss

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 1½ inches apart. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Here’s a trick I learned: watch for the edges to look set but keep the centers soft—that’s your sweet spot for tender cookies. Remove from the oven, and after letting them cool for about 3 to 5 minutes, press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie. This way, the Kiss holds its shape but melds perfectly with the cookie.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

You can eat these cookies slightly warm if you want that melty kiss center, but they also taste amazing once fully cooled and set. If you prefer a firmer chocolate, just wait a bit longer before pressing the Kiss into the cookie right out of the oven.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these because the pink sanding sugar is already so festive. But sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny extra pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder on top for an extra layer of strawberry flavor. It’s subtle but so delicious!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk (classically), but I also love serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh berry salad for a special treat. The fruity notes really play off each other nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day, I’ve packaged these in little clear bags tied with pink ribbons or nestled them in pastel-colored mini boxes with tissue paper. You can even arrange them on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh strawberries for a sweet centerpiece that doubles as dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies stay soft if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist—don’t ask me why, but it works like a charm every time!

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the dough and the baked cookies. For best results, roll and coat the dough balls, freeze on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the best texture, heat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms the kiss and softens the cookie just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to admit, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my most treasured treats to bake and give away. Its charming looks bring smiles, and the soft, tender crumb combined with the fruity kiss in the center keeps everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are a fun and easy way to brighten your day—and your dessert table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet magic of strawberry kisses in every bite!

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