Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cookie that screams fun, festive, and utterly irresistible, I’ve got just the thing for you — the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These aren’t your everyday cookies; they combine the fluffiest Funfetti cookie dough with a surprise strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss right in the center, creating a gooey, sweet, and slightly tangy bite that’s downright addictive. Honestly, whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because you deserve a treat, you’re in for a fan-freaking-tastic time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a purpose, and I love how they come together so effortlessly. The cream cheese adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough, making it soft and slightly tangy, while the pink or white sanding sugar brings sparkle and texture that’s just so fun to bite into.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: A colorful, ready-made base that brings a birthday-party vibe; using a mix saves time without skimping on flavor.
• Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that makes the cookies unbelievably soft and tasty.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and helps give structure to the cookies.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: Coats the dough balls to create a pretty, sugary crust that’s both crunchy and festive.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show – these creamy, strawberry-flavored kisses melt perfectly into the cookie center for a sweet surprise.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe lends itself so well to personalization. Whether you want to swap out sanding sugar for colorful sprinkles or try a different flavored Kiss, the soft, creamy dough is a forgiving canvas.

• Gluten-Free Option: I once experimented with a gluten-free sugar cookie mix, and it worked nicely — just keep an eye on bake time as GF dough tends to brown faster.
• Flavor Swaps: You can swap the strawberry Kisses for classic milk chocolate or even peppermint if you’re making these for the holidays — both are winners!
• Decorative Touches: I’ve sprinkled edible glitter or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top sometimes for an extra pop of color and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready with Your Oven and Supplies

First things first — preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. While the oven warms, gather your mixing bowl and ingredients so everything’s at the ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough to Soft Perfection

In a large bowl, mix the Funfetti cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg together until a soft dough forms. I find it easiest to use a hand mixer or stand mixer for a few minutes; just make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps. You want a smooth, pliable dough that’s soft but not sticky enough to stick to your fingers too much.

Step 3: Sugar-Coat Those Cookie Balls

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Then, use a 1½ tablespoon scoop (or a regular tablespoon if you don’t have one) to scoop dough balls. If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes — this step makes a world of difference when rolling.

Roll each dough scoop gently in the sanding sugar until fully coated. This creates a pretty, delicate crust and keeps the dough from sticking to your hands.

Step 4: Bake and Add Strawberry Kisses

Place your sugar-coated cookie balls about 1½ inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes — you’re aiming for edges that are set but centers still soft and slightly underbaked for maximum softness.

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 3–5 minutes, then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie. If you want firm, defined kisses, wait a bit for the cookies to cool; if you prefer soft, melted centers, press them right away.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I usually keep it simple with these cookies since they’re already so stunning, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or some extra colorful sanding sugar around the edges just ups the cuteness factor. On special occasions, I’ve even drizzled a little white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. If you’re serving them at a party, I like adding fresh berries on the side or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a heart-shaped box lined with parchment paper for Valentine’s Day, and it was such a hit! You can also stack them on a pretty platter with some edible flowers or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with pink ribbon for gifting — they look as cute as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, though they’re usually eaten much faster. The cookies stay soft and the kisses hold their shape nicely when kept away from heat.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking — just roll and coat them with sanding sugar, place them on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven (add a couple of extra minutes to baking time).

Reheating

To reheat and get that fresh-baked softness back, I warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or for a crisper edge with a soft center, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The strawberry Kiss inside will go gooey again, making you feel like you just baked them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to treats to whip up whenever I want to make someone smile — or just treat myself. The combination of colorful Funfetti dough, that tangy cream cheese softness, and the strawberry-filled chocolate kiss is pure magic in every bite. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, these cookies are the perfect little love notes baked right into your kitchen.

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