Introduction

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet tang of strawberry cake mix with creamy cream cheese and a rich chocolate Hershey’s Kiss center. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion where you want a little fruity and chocolatey indulgence.

The image shows four pink cookies shaped in a rounded ring with a soft, slightly bumpy surface and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Each cookie has a large dark brown chocolate kiss candy pressed into the center, standing tall with a smooth, pointed cone shape. The cookies are placed on small squares of white parchment paper with pink designs, resting on a light wooden surface. The background features a white marbled texture slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
Optional: powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar
30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl and mix until the dough becomes thick and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and keep the cookies thick.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls using a spoon or cookie scoop.
Step 6: If desired, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for a sweet coating; otherwise, place them plain on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Let the cookies rest for 1–2 minutes, then gently press an unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Expect some light cracking around the kiss.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies thick and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
For extra sparkle and sweetness, roll the dough balls in pink granulated sugar before baking.
You can substitute flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or vanilla, to deepen the flavor profile.
Try using white chocolate or caramel kisses for a different twist on the classic treat.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, briefly microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating as it may dry out the cookies.

How to Serve

The image shows several pink round cookies with a rough, sugar-coated texture, each topped with a single, dark brown, shiny, cone-shaped chocolate piece in the center. The pink cookie layer is thick and looks soft, slightly domed with a rough sugar sprinkle all over, and the chocolate cone stands upright in the middle of each cookie, creating a two-layer look. They are placed on small square pieces of white paper with pink writing, sitting on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. It’s best to add the kisses after baking and before freezing to maintain texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds moisture and richness, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.