Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in sweet, homemade treats, and nothing says “I love you” like a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies! These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and coated in sugar, with a melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss in the center. They’re incredibly easy to make using a cake mix shortcut, making them ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Strawberry Kiss Cookies. From ingredient choices and baking tips to creative variations and expert hacks, you’ll have all the information needed to bake these irresistible pink cookies for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Introduction :

What Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on classic blossom cookies. Instead of the traditional peanut butter blossom recipe, this version swaps in a strawberry cake mix for a fruity and vibrant cookie base. The dough is rolled in sugar, baked until perfectly soft, and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, creating the ultimate strawberry and chocolate flavor combination.

These cookies are perfect for:
✅ Valentine’s Day desserts
✅ Birthday parties
✅ Baby showers
✅ Easy homemade gifts

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Super simple to make – Uses a cake mix base, so there’s no need for complicated measuring.
• Minimal ingredients – Just five to six basic ingredients are needed.
• Soft, chewy, and irresistible – A delicate sugar-coated texture with a chocolatey center.
• Visually stunning – Their pretty pink hue makes them the ultimate festive treat!

With this guide, you’ll learn how to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies perfectly every time. Ready to bake? Let’s get started! 🍓🍪

Why You’ll Love This Recipe :

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not just another dessert—they’re a delightful, easy-to-make treat that brings a pop of color and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.

Unique Benefits of Strawberry Kiss Cookies

What makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies stand out from other blossom-style cookies? Let’s dive into their unique benefits:

✅ Quick and Easy – Using a cake mix shortcut, you can whip these up in just a few steps. No need for complicated measuring or long prep times!

✅ Perfectly Soft and Chewy – Thanks to the cream cheese and cake mix base, these cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays fresh longer.

✅ Beautifully Festive – Their pretty pink color makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and other special occasions.

✅ Strawberry & Chocolate Perfection – The fruity strawberry cookie paired with the smooth Hershey’s Kiss creates a delicious flavor combination that everyone loves.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?

Many Strawberry Kiss Cookie recipes exist, but this one has a few features that make it truly special:

• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – With just five to six simple ingredients, you get a bakery-style treat without the hassle.
• No Need for Food Coloring – The strawberry cake mix naturally provides a vibrant pink hue, so no artificial dyes are required.
• Versatile and Customizable – You can easily swap ingredients, tweak the flavor, or decorate these cookies in different ways (we’ll cover that in the next sections).

If you love fun, festive, and foolproof baking, then these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are for you!

🔗 Related Recipe: If you enjoy baking festive treats, check out these Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies for another Valentine’s Day-inspired dessert!

Ingredients :

Before we jump into baking, let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that make Strawberry Kiss Cookies so delicious.

List of Main Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these soft, chewy, and chocolatey cookies:

• 1 box (16 oz) strawberry cake mix – This serves as the base for the cookies, giving them their strawberry flavor and pink color.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Helps create a soft, puffy texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• 1 large egg – Works as a binder to hold everything together.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
• 1 tbsp milk – Enhances the dough’s texture and prevents dryness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Used for rolling the dough balls to create a crisp, sugar-coated exterior.
• 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses – The star of the recipe, adding a sweet, chocolatey center.

Importance of Each Ingredient

Understanding why each ingredient matters will help you create the best version of these cookies:

✔ Cake Mix – A quick and easy alternative to homemade dough, making this recipe beginner-friendly.
✔ Cream Cheese – Adds a subtle tangy flavor and ensures the cookies remain thick and chewy instead of flat.
✔ Egg & Oil – Provide moisture and structure to the dough.
✔ Granulated Sugar – Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
✔ Hershey’s Kisses – The final touch that melts slightly when added, creating the signature blossom cookie look.

Now that you know why these ingredients matter, you’re ready to start baking!

🔗 Related Recipe: Looking for another easy Valentine’s dessert? Try these Valentine Cake Mix Cookies, which also use a cake mix shortcut!

Substitutions & Variations :

One of the best things about Strawberry Kiss Cookies is their versatility. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or simply want to experiment with new flavors, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe.

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re out of a specific ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some great substitutes:

✅ Cake Mix Options – While strawberry cake mix gives these cookies their signature pink hue and fruity flavor, you can swap it for:

• Red velvet cake mix – for a richer, chocolatey twist.
• Lemon cake mix – for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate cake mix – for a chocolate-covered strawberry effect.

✅ Chocolate Variations – The Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses are delicious, but you can try:

• Classic Milk Chocolate Kisses – for a traditional chocolate-strawberry combo.
• White Chocolate Kisses – for a creamy, smooth flavor.
• Dove chocolates or chocolate hearts – for an elegant twist.

✅ Sugar Coating Options – Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar creates a delicate crunch, but you can also try:

• Pink or red sanding sugar – for extra Valentine’s Day sparkle.
• Coconut flakes – for a tropical touch.

How to Modify for Dietary Preferences

If you’re making these cookies for someone with dietary restrictions, consider these easy modifications:

🌱 Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free cake mix. Most major brands now offer gluten-free alternatives that work just as well.

🥛 Dairy-Free Option – Skip the cream cheese and use vegan butter or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Also, check that your chocolate kisses are dairy-free.

🍯 Lower Sugar Alternative – Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for rolling.

These small tweaks let you personalize the recipe while keeping it just as delicious and festive!

🔗 Related Recipe: Love cake mix cookies? Try these Valentine Cake Mix Cookies for another easy, colorful dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bake the perfect batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies! Follow these easy steps to create soft, chewy, and chocolatey treats.

Preparation Steps

1️⃣ Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2️⃣ Mix the wet ingredients – In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth.

3️⃣ Add the cake mix – Gradually mix in the strawberry cake mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.

4️⃣ Roll the dough – Use a cookie scoop or roll small dough balls by hand (about 1.5 tablespoons each).

5️⃣ Coat in sugar – Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar for an extra festive touch.

Cooking Steps

6️⃣ Bake the cookies – Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

7️⃣ Add the Hershey’s Kiss – Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each one.

8️⃣ Cool completely – Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

These simple steps ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious every time!

💡 Pro Tip: For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake them, then let them cool completely before storing.

🔗 More Valentine’s Day Desserts: Looking for another festive treat? Try these Valentine’s Chocolate Bark for a fun, no-bake dessert idea!

Pro Tips for Success :

Want to bake the best-ever Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Follow these expert tips to ensure your cookies come out soft, chewy, and picture-perfect every time!

Expert Tips for Best Results

✅ Chill the dough – This dough can be sticky, making it harder to roll into balls. If that happens, refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes before shaping. Chilled dough also prevents cookies from spreading too much.

✅ Use parchment paper – Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures even baking and makes cleanup so much easier. It also prevents cookies from sticking.

✅ Press the Kiss in at the right time – Timing is everything! If you press the Hershey’s Kiss too early, it might melt and lose its shape. If you wait too long, it won’t stick properly. The sweet spot? 3-5 minutes after baking.

✅ Adjust the sugar coating – Want extra crunch? Use sanding sugar instead of granulated sugar. Prefer a softer bite? Skip the sugar coating altogether.

✅ Don’t overbake – These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them too dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the chilling step – If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread too much and lose their shape. Always chill when necessary!

❌ Not measuring ingredients correctly – While this is a simple recipe, too much flour or too little oil can affect the final texture. Stick to the recommended measurements for best results.

❌ Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss in too hard – Be gentle! Pressing too firmly can crack the cookie or cause the chocolate to melt too much.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll bake Strawberry Kiss Cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and full of flavor every time!

What to Serve With This Recipe :

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or dessert can make them even better!

Best Side Dishes and Pairings

🍫 Hot Chocolate – The rich, creamy taste of hot cocoa complements the sweet strawberry flavor of the cookies.

🥛 Milk (Classic or Flavored) – Serve with cold milk, or try strawberry milk for an extra fruity experience.

🍓 Berry Compote – A spoonful of fresh strawberry sauce on the side enhances the strawberry flavor in every bite.

🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Enjoy warm Strawberry Kiss Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Creative Serving Ideas

🎁 Cookie Gift Box – These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift! Arrange them in a festive tin or wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon.

🎂 Dessert Platter – Create a Valentine’s Day dessert board with Strawberry Kiss Cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and heart-shaped brownies.

🍨 Ice Cream Sandwiches – Love ice cream? Try sandwiching a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fun frozen treat!

These fun serving ideas will make your Strawberry Kiss Cookies even more enjoyable and perfect for any celebration!

FAQs :

Got questions about Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Here are answers to the most common ones, so you can bake these sweet, chewy treats with confidence!

By following these simple steps, your cookies will bake up thick, chewy, and perfect every time!

Nutrition Information :

Wondering about the nutritional breakdown of Strawberry Kiss Cookies? Here’s an approximate estimate for one cookie:

Calories, Carbs, and Fats Breakdown

• Calories: ~113 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 1g
• Fats: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sugar: 10g

Additional Health Benefits

While Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun and indulgent treat, you can make small adjustments to fit your dietary needs:

✔ Reduce Sugar – Use a sugar substitute or reduce the rolling sugar for a lower-sugar version.
✔ Increase Fiber – Swap in whole wheat flour (if making homemade dough) for added fiber.
✔ Make it Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan chocolate to keep it dairy-free.

Even with these adjustments, these soft and chewy cookies remain delicious and festive, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!

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