Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies, featuring a moist strawberry cake mix base combined with cream cheese for a rich texture. Each cookie is topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, creating a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Easy to make and perfect for parties or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Topping
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- Optional: powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl and mix until the dough becomes thick and fully combined, ensuring an even texture throughout.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent spreading during baking and keeps the cookies thick.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. This size helps achieve uniform cookies.
- Coat with Sugar (Optional): If using, gently roll each ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar to add a festive touch and slight crunch. Otherwise, place plain dough balls on the baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set while the centers remain soft, indicating perfectly baked cookies.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The gentle pressing avoids breaking the cookie while the center is still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial as it prevents cookies from spreading too much and keeps them thick and chewy.
- Expect light cracking on the cookie surface when pressing the chocolate kiss into the center, which is normal and adds to the cookie’s charm.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
