There's something magical about Strawberry Kiss Cookies – the perfect blend of a soft, buttery cookie infused with sweet strawberry flavor, crowned with a velvety chocolate kiss. These cookies not only look festive but taste like a dream, making them a hit at parties, potlucks, or a cozy family treat.

I first made these for a Valentine's Day party, hoping to bring a touch of romance to the dessert table. Little did I know they'd steal the show, with guests raving about the burst of strawberry goodness in every bite! Ready to bake your way into someone's heart? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Get ready to swoon over these delightful cookies! From the vibrant strawberry hue to their irresistible texture, there’s so much to adore about them.

Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together in no time – perfect for last-minute baking needs.
Beautiful and Festive: Their pink color and chocolate kiss topping make them as lovely to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Little hands will love helping shape the cookies and pressing the kisses on top – a fun family activity!
Versatile for Any Occasion: While they’re a Valentine’s Day favorite, these cookies can brighten up any celebration or dessert platter.

Each bite brings a delightful combination of strawberry and chocolate, making them a crowd-pleaser for anyone with a sweet tooth. Now, let’s explore the ingredients that make these cookies so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in their simplicity. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:

Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the base of the cookies and gives them their signature flavor and color. Opt for a good-quality mix to ensure a vibrant hue and rich strawberry taste.
Eggs and Vegetable Oil: These bind the dough and give the cookies their soft, chewy texture. Vegetable oil adds moisture without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates a delicate, crackled surface that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Hershey’s Kisses: The star on top! Classic milk chocolate kisses pair beautifully with the strawberry base, but you can experiment with other flavors like dark chocolate or white chocolate for a twist.

Equipment

A large mixing bowl for the dough
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
A small bowl for powdered sugar rolling

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Creating these cookies is a breeze, even for beginner bakers. Here’s how you can make them step by step:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 2 eggs, and ⅓ cup of vegetable oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar for that classic crackled look.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
Add the Kiss: Once out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, securing it in place. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Expect to have a batch of stunning, sweet cookies ready in under 30 minutes!

Storage Options

Wondering how to store your Strawberry Kiss Cookies? These cookies stay fresh and delicious with proper storage:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the cookie dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw before rolling and baking.

Reheat cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you enjoy them warm and soft!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Flavor Swaps: Try lemon, orange, or vanilla cake mix for a different cookie base while keeping the kiss topping.
Chocolate Variety: Replace the classic Hershey’s Kiss with dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or white chocolate kisses.
Add Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or nonpareils before baking for extra festive flair.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate alternatives for the topping to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!