When the first hints of spring begin to grace the air, there’s an unmistakable urge to celebrate the season with something sweet. Enter my delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies—a recipe that transforms the humble cookie into a vibrant, heartwarming treat. Picture soft, buttery dough infused with sweet strawberry flavor, each one crowned with a rich chocolate kiss that just begs to be savored.
I first came across this delightful concoction during a cozy afternoon in my kitchen, trying to escape the scent of fast-food takeout that somehow crept into my routine. With minimal ingredients and effort, these cookies not only bring joy to the baking process but also deliver stunning results that will impress friends and family alike. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or simply as a sweet pick-me-up, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite in your home. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this easy recipe that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds!
Why Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies So Special?
Vibrant Appearance: These cookies boast a stunning pink hue, making them a feast for the eyes.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for Valentine’s Day or any joyful occasion, they bring a touch of sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberry and rich chocolate makes them irresistible to all.
Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute flavors or add extracts for a unique twist! For more delicious dessert ideas, explore our collection of cookie recipes.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Create your delightful treats with these essential items!
For the Cookie Dough
- Strawberry Cake Mix – A sweet, fruity base for luscious cookies.
- Butter (8 tablespoons, or ½ cup) – Adds creamy richness and moisture; unsalted butter is best for balanced flavor.
- Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients together; swap with a flax egg for vegan Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened) – Provides a soft, thick texture with a hint of tanginess; mascarpone works as a lovely alternative.
For the Assembly
- Chocolate Kisses (30, unwrapped) – The delightful surprise center that everyone loves; can be substituted with other chocolate-filled candies.
- Optional Powdered Sugar/Pink Granulated Sugar – Perfect for rolling the cookies for extra sweetness and a touch of whimsy.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-blended, creating a vibrant base for your cookies.
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Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until you achieve a thick, creamy texture that holds together perfectly.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring a delightful shape.
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Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help with easy cookie removal later.
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Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling them in powdered or pink sugar if you’d like a sweet touch on the outside, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
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Space Them Out: Ensure you space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows the cookies to expand while baking without merging.
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Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers appear soft and slightly cracked.
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Add Chocolate Kisses: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 1–2 minutes. Then, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie for that delightful surprise.
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Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This ensures they maintain their perfect texture and can be enjoyed at their best!
Optional: Dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading and yields thicker, more beautiful Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
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Choose Wisely: Avoid using fresh strawberries in the dough, as their moisture can affect the texture. Stick to strawberry cake mix for perfect results.
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Watch for Cracks: While baking, look for slight cracking around the edges when pressing in the chocolate kiss—this gives them their classic appearance.
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Proper Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
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Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to swap the cake mix or add a splash of vanilla extract for a unique twist on these delightful cookies!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
As you dive into the world of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, consider these delightful pairings to enhance your sweet experience.
- Milk: A classic pairing, creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the strawberry flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the fruity notes perfectly, creating a delightful texture contrast.
- Fresh Strawberries: These juicy fruits echo the cookie’s flavor and add a refreshing touch, making each bite even better.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over cookies for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Lemonade: A zesty glass of lemonade serves as a lively, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, soft cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light, colorful fruit salad can brighten the overall dessert experience with a medley of textures and sweetness.
- Coffee: Rich, hot coffee cuts through the cookie’s sweetness, balancing flavors beautifully and providing a cozy vibe.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: This elegant treat pairs wonderfully, echoing the cookie’s star flavors while adding a gourmet touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add lightness and a hint of sweetness that harmonizes with your cookies.
- Pink Lemonade: The perfect drink for a fun gathering, its rosy hue complements the cookies, making for a charming presentation.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, place the cookies in the fridge for optimal freshness, but consume within 5 days for best taste.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Strawberry Kiss Cookies, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and add your own twist to these delightful cookies!
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Flavor Burst: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for an extra fragrant note that elevates the strawberry flavor.
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Cake Mix Swap: Experiment with a different cake mix—like lemon or red velvet—for a new flavor combination that’s sure to surprise your taste buds.
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Alternative Centers: Instead of chocolate kisses, try using caramel-filled candies or white chocolate for a different surprise inside each cookie.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in some finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to add a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.
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Fruity Twist: Mix in some mini chocolate chips or dried strawberries to the batter for an added textural element and bursts of flavor.
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Coconut Charm: Roll the cookie balls in shredded coconut before baking to create a tropical twist that complements the strawberry bliss.
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Heat Factor: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness of the cookies with a hint of spice.
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Revised Texture: For chewier cookies, use half brown sugar and half granulated sugar in the recipe; this small change can make a big difference in texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, ensuring you can whip up a batch with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator. The dough will retain its lovely texture and flavor, making the baking process a breeze. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, then bake them as directed. Alternatively, you can also freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months. Just pull them out when needed, and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for delightful, fresh cookies at any moment!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberry cake mix should I use?
You can opt for any brand of strawberry cake mix; just ensure it’s a dry mix without added perishable ingredients. If you want to mix things up, try other flavored cake mixes like lemon or vanilla for unique twists!
How do I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; this will keep them soft and fresh. If you’re looking to prolong their life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them cool completely before storage!
Can I freeze the dough for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a sealed freezer bag. They can keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven but add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread a bit too much, it could be due to not chilling the dough long enough. Always ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to help maintain their shape. If you encounter flat cookies, don’t despair! They’ll still taste great; just adjust the chilling time next time for thicker results.
Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like eggs, gluten, and dairy. For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). Always check labels on packaged ingredients like cake mix for allergens.
Can I use fresh strawberries in my Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
It’s best to avoid fresh strawberries in this recipe since they release moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture and consistency. Stick to the strawberry cake mix for the best results! Instead, you could add a touch of strawberry extract for extra flavor if desired.
Irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Sweet Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-blended.
- Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until you achieve a thick, creamy texture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling them in powdered or pink sugar if desired.
- Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Place trays in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let cool on the sheet for 1–2 minutes, then press a chocolate kiss into each cookie.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.