Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If there’s one sweet treat guaranteed to make you smile, it’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Imagine a soft, blushing cookie with playfully colored sprinkles, a dreamy hint of cheesecake richness, and a bright, strawberry-flavored kiss right in the center. This recipe is a go-to for bake sales, parties, or simply whenever you want to spread a little joy (and pink!) in your kitchen. Each bite is a little celebration, and these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are all it takes to create Strawberry Kiss Cookies, but each one plays a special role in building their irresistible taste and appeal. Let’s dive in to make sure every element shines in your cookie batch!

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix (16 oz): The colorful sprinkles baked right in create bursts of happiness and sweet vanilla flavor in every bite.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a cheesecake-like richness and softness to the cookie dough, making these cookies gloriously tender.
• Large Egg: Brings everything together for that perfect cookie structure and a little extra moistness.
• Pink or White Sanding Sugar (½ cup) or Nonpareils: For that signature festive sparkle and a playful crunch around each cookie’s edge.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (18 candies): The star finishing touch that melts just enough for an intensely fruity, creamy center.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Sheet and Oven

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly hot when your dough is ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the egg. You’re aiming for a soft, cohesive dough that’s gently flecked with cheerful Funfetti sprinkles throughout.

Step 3: Roll in Sugar or Sprinkles

Spoon sanding sugar or nonpareils into a shallow bowl. Scoop out dough balls using a 1 ½ Tablespoon cookie scoop (this keeps them even). Drop each ball into your bowl of sugar or nonpareils, then roll until every side is coated. Continue rolling between your palms until the dough ball is nice and even. If the cookie dough is sticky, don’t stress—it’s supposed to be a little tacky. For easier handling, pop it in the fridge or freezer for 30–60 minutes; it’ll firm up just enough for easy rolling.

Step 4: Space and Bake

Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each so they have room to spread a bit. Bake for 8–12 minutes, watching for the edges to set and the colors to turn just the faintest golden.

Step 5: Top with Strawberry Kiss

Let your baked cookies cool on the sheet for 3–5 minutes (this helps them set up and won’t melt the kisses too fast). Press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. Carefully transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling—or sneak a warm one; that gooey, melty Kiss center is irresistible!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Garnishes

Make these cookies pop by dusting them with a little extra sanding sugar right after baking or adding a few more nonpareils around the base of the kiss. For a truly decadent finish, try a drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a bakery-level look.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a creamy strawberry milkshake to amplify their fruity flavor. They’re also fabulous with a fresh fruit salad or alongside a cup of tea for a sweet afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a pastel tin lined with tissue for a gorgeous gift, or stack them high on a tiered cake stand at gatherings for irresistible effect. For parties, tie individual cookies in cellophane with a pink ribbon for adorable edible favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies extra fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking and keep that pretty sugar coating intact.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their shape and flavor for up to 2 months. For best results, wait until cookies are completely cool before freezing.

Reheating

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you love a fresh-from-the-oven taste, give them a quick 5–7 second blast in the microwave to soften the center and wake up that irresistible Strawberry Kiss.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie mix for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

Absolutely! While Funfetti adds unique color and fun, you can swap in any sugar cookie mix you enjoy, or even a simple homemade dough. Just remember the cream cheese and egg add extra softness and richness.

What if I can’t find Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses?

Vanilla Kisses, white chocolate kisses, or even classic milk chocolate are delicious alternatives. Or, try other unique flavors to keep things fun and seasonal!

Do the cookies stay soft after baking?

Yes, thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies remain soft and tender for days. Just store in a well-sealed container to keep them at their best.

Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie mix and follow the same steps. Always check labels on your kisses and decorations for possible gluten.

How can I keep the kisses from melting or falling off?

Pushing the kisses into the cookies after they’ve cooled just a bit (3–5 minutes) helps them stay intact without melting too fast. Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack, and the kisses will set perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies is like bottling up pure joy. With their creamy, fruity center, sparkling edges, and bright colors, these cookies are bound to win over anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a whirl the next time you want to share something extra-special—you won’t regret it!

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