If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both adorable and delicious, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These fun little cookies are soft, slightly tangy from cream cheese, and topped with those irresistible Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses that give the perfect pop of flavor. I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and feels extra special—perfect for Valentine’s Day, a cozy afternoon snack, or when you just want to impress your friends with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: I’ve found you can whip these up in under an hour, making them great for last-minute baking emergencies.
- Fun Twist on Classic Cookies: Adding cream cheese makes the dough unbelievably soft, while the strawberry Hershey’s Kisses add a refreshing fruity surprise.
- Kid-Friendly and Festive: These cookies are a hit with kids, especially when you roll them in colorful sanding sugar or non-pareils.
- Perfect for Gift-Giving: They look so cute and taste amazing, making them ideal for packages or party platters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe ingredients lies in their simplicity and how well they combine—each plays a role in texture, flavor, or that fun festive look. I recommend using good quality cream cheese and those strawberry Kisses to really make these cookies stand out.
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: Using a pre-made mix cuts down on prep time and gives you soft, sweet cookie dough effortlessly.
- Cream cheese: Makes the cookies extra moist and tender; soften it to room temperature for best mixing results.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together without making the dough too dense.
- Pink or white sanding sugar / non-pareils: Coats the dough balls for a sweet, crunchy finish and an adorable look.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show—giving you chewy, fruity centers that contrast beautifully with soft cookie dough.
Variations
One of the things I enjoy most about this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own by swapping out colors, flavors, or toppings. Feel free to get playful and make these cookies truly yours.
- Chocolate Version: I once swapped the strawberry Kisses for classic milk chocolate ones, and it totally changed the vibe—still delicious but more traditional.
- Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix if you’re baking for someone with sensitivities; just make sure to check the mix’s baking instructions.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Around Christmas, I swapped sanding sugar for red and green sprinkles, turning these into festive holiday delights.
- Mini Mallows Addition: For added chewiness, sprinkle a few mini marshmallows on top before pressing the Kiss—my family loves this twist!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix with the softened cream cheese and one large egg. I like using my hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until you get a soft dough—sticky but manageable. Pro tip: if your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up. This step makes rolling the dough so much easier.
Step 2: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and roll each portion into smooth balls. Then, roll them gently in the sugar or non-pareils until fully coated. This step adds a delicate crunch and gorgeous sparkle that I find makes these cookies extra special and festive.
Step 3: Bake and Add the Strawberry Kiss Touch
Arrange your coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart so they have room to spread slightly. Bake them for 8 to 12 minutes, watching closely: the edges should look set but the centers still soft. Here’s where the magic happens—after they come out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 3 to 5 minutes before pressing a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. If you press them too hot, the chocolate will melt too much, so a short cool-down helps keep that perfect shape.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once you’ve added the Kisses, let the cookies cool completely so the chocolate firms up nicely, but if you’re like me and can’t resist warm cookies, go ahead and dig in right away! It’s such a lovely treat either way.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: I always make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temp; this gives a smoother dough and makes mixing effortless.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: When my dough feels too sticky, chilling it is a total game-changer—it makes rolling the dough so much cleaner and less frustrating.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during the 8-12 minute bake; pulling them out too early or late can impact their soft center, which is the best part!
- Kiss Placement Timing: Press the Strawberry Kisses into the cookies only after they’ve cooled a few minutes; this avoids melting them too much and keeps the candies intact.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra sanding sugar on top of the cookies just before baking for some sparkle. Sometimes, I toss in a few edible glitter accents or heart-shaped sprinkles if it’s a special occasion—they add that charming festive vibe without overpowering the strawberry kiss flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine paired with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent. I’ve also served them alongside fresh strawberries or a fruit salad for a light, fresh contrast in flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For Valentine’s Day or birthday parties, I like arranging these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe cookies on a cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers or strawberry slices. Wrapping a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon makes adorable party favors. And if you’re going all out, try stacking them into a cookie tower secured with a little melted white chocolate—this was a showstopper at my last family gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps them soft and fresh. If you don’t have time to finish them quickly, this method is your best friend for maintaining that luscious texture without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the dough balls before baking with great success—just roll and coat them, then freeze on a sheet tray before storing in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen and just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. It’s saved me on many busy days!
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This brings back that soft, gooey center I love so much without melting the Kiss topping too much.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cookie mix instead of Funfetti?
Absolutely! You can use any sugar cookie mix you like, but Funfetti adds a fun colorful touch that’s especially festive. Just keep in mind that different mixes might bake a bit differently, so watch the baking time closely.
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What if I don’t have Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses?
No worries! You can substitute with regular Hershey’s Kisses, white chocolate chips, or even small pieces of your favorite chocolate bar. Though strawberry flavor makes these cookies extra special, they’re yummy with other chocolate variations too.
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Why is the cream cheese in the recipe?
The cream cheese adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft and tender. It balances the sweetness with a subtle tang and prevents the cookies from drying out quickly.
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How do I prevent the kisses from melting too much?
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes after baking before adding the kisses. This way, the chocolate won’t melt extensively, keeping the Kiss shape intact while still slightly soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, I was blown away by how easy and fun it was to make something so charming and delicious. It’s become a go-to whenever I want to bake something quick that also feels like a thoughtful gift. You’ll love the softness of the cookies mixed with the sweet strawberry kiss center—they’re just so irresistible! Seriously, give this recipe a try and watch your friends and family light up—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 16–18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful variation of the classic sugar cookie, featuring a funfetti mix blended with softened cream cheese for extra softness. Topped with a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet, soft dough and a fruity chocolate center, making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Coating and Topping
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. Mix thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Prepare Coating: Place the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl for easy dipping.
- Scoop and Coat Dough: Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop to portion the dough. Roll each scoop in the sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated, then shape into smooth balls.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Add Kisses: Let the cookies cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely for firm centers or enjoy them warm for a soft, melted center.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a tender dough.
- Chill the dough if it’s sticky and use sanding sugar to coat your hands for easier handling.
- For firmer chocolate centers, cool the cookies slightly before pressing in the Kisses.
- If you prefer soft, melted centers, press the Kisses into the cookies immediately after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
