Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, pink-hued cookies that combine the nostalgic sweetness of strawberry cake mix with a rich chocolate center from a classic Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies are coated in granulated sugar before baking, giving them a light sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with their soft, moist interior.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, birthday parties, or any day you’re craving something pink and playful, these cookies are both eye-catching and effortless to make. The flavor is fruity, the texture is tender, and the chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add Strawberry Kiss Cookies to your baking list:
- Fast and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Only one bowl needed—no mixer required
- Bursting with strawberry flavor from boxed cake mix
- Ideal for themed holidays and festive cookie trays
- Great for beginner bakers and quick baking sessions
- Customizable with different Hershey’s Kiss flavors
Tools You’ll Need
To make these cookies efficiently, you’ll need the following:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- #30 cookie scoop or 2-tablespoon measure
- Measuring spoons
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Why Each Tool Matters
- The cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- A whisk helps blend the oil and eggs until smooth.
- Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies so they set without getting soggy.
Preparation Tips
Getting the texture and look just right is simple with a few preparation tips:
- Chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents spreading.
- Use room-temperature eggs to help the batter mix more evenly.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour and cake mix. Mix just until combined.
- Roll in sugar before baking for that iconic sparkle and texture contrast.
- Gently press the Hershey’s Kiss into the cookie immediately after baking for perfect adherence.
Ingredients
Here is the complete list of ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped (use classic milk chocolate or variations)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the strawberry cake mix and flour until fully incorporated.
- Add the milk and mix just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
2. Shape and Chill
- Using a cookie scoop or 2 tablespoons of dough, form into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat completely.
- Place on a tray or plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Arrange chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear crackled.
4. Add the Hershey’s Kiss
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before moving them to a storage container or cooling rack.
Variation Ideas
Customize your Strawberry Kiss Cookies with these fun twists:
- Swap the milk chocolate Kisses with white chocolate, Hershey’s Hugs, or dark chocolate
- Use colored sugar for rolling to match holiday themes
- Add a few drops of strawberry extract for enhanced berry flavor
- Mix in freeze-dried strawberries for texture and extra strawberry punch
These cookies deliver on both flavor and presentation, making them an instant crowd favorite. With minimal effort and maximum impact, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a must-have for any celebration—or simply when you’re craving a sweet strawberry treat.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing Valentine’s Day treats, or simply baking for the family, serving Strawberry Kiss Cookies with intention makes all the difference. These soft, sparkly cookies are visually striking and versatile enough to work in multiple settings.
Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Arrange in clear cellophane bags for party favors or holiday gifts
- Stack them in glass jars for a decorative and edible display
- Include in a pink-themed dessert board with candies and macarons
- Plate them with tea or coffee for a charming afternoon snack
- Pair them with ice cream for an indulgent strawberry sundae
- Use them for cookie exchanges or potluck dessert trays
- Add them to kids’ lunchboxes as a special surprise
- Serve warm with cold milk for a nostalgic, comforting experience
Because Strawberry Kiss Cookies have a colorful, inviting look and a universally loved flavor, they fit nearly any occasion—especially those calling for a sweet, memorable touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies are easy to make, but avoiding a few common missteps ensures that each batch turns out soft, chewy, and perfectly shaped.
Avoid these baking pitfalls:
- Skipping the chill time
- Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will bake unevenly.
- Overbaking
- These cookies should be soft. Remove them as soon as the edges are set and the tops look crackled. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Hot baking sheets
- Reusing baking sheets without cooling them first can cause the dough to melt too quickly, leading to flat cookies. Always use a cooled sheet for each batch.
- Pressing the Kiss too late
- The Hershey’s Kiss must be pressed into the cookie while it’s still warm. Waiting too long means it won’t adhere properly.
- Too much flour
- Adding more flour than needed can dry out the dough. Measure carefully and stick to the recipe.
- Under-mixing the ingredients
- While overmixing can toughen the dough, under-mixing leads to uneven cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Using expired cake mix
- Fresh cake mix results in better rise and flavor. Always check the expiration date before starting.
Mastering these details will make your Strawberry Kiss Cookies look bakery-worthy and taste just as good.
How to Perfect Your Strawberry Kiss Cookies
If you’ve made Strawberry Kiss Cookies once and want to take them to the next level, these tips will help you refine the process.
- Use cold Hershey’s Kisses from the refrigerator. This helps them keep their shape when pressed into warm cookies.
- Let the dough chill for 60 to 90 minutes for the best consistency and control during baking.
- Try using silicone baking mats for more even browning and less spreading.
- Add extra strawberry flavor with a small amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder or extract.
- Test-bake a few cookies first. This lets you check texture and baking time before committing the full batch.
With a few tweaks, you can enhance both the appearance and flavor of each cookie.
8 Best Side Dishes to Pair with Strawberry Kiss Cookies
To round out your dessert table or add a complementary flavor, pair these cookies with one of the following side dishes. Each one brings out the best in the strawberry and chocolate combination.
- Strawberry Milkshake
- A double dose of strawberry never hurts. Creamy, chilled, and full of berry flavor, milkshakes are a fun companion.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- The richness of vanilla balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cool, creamy texture.
- Fruit and Cream Salad
- A lighter option that includes strawberries, whipped topping, and marshmallows for a fluffy contrast.
- Lemon Sorbet
- Sharp and refreshing, this tangy treat offsets the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
- Keep with the chocolate-strawberry theme while adding visual and flavor variety to your dessert spread.
- Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
- Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a sweet and slightly healthy pairing.
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Rich and creamy, these pair beautifully with the fruity profile of the cookies.
- Raspberry Coulis
- Drizzle over cookies or plate beneath them for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
Each side dish complements the soft, sweet, and fruity nature of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
Final Recipe Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Even small changes can have a big impact on how these cookies turn out. Here are some expert-level tips to make sure every batch is picture-perfect and full of flavor.
- Use chilled Hershey’s Kisses
Keep the Kisses in the refrigerator until you need them. This helps them hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies straight from the oven. - Avoid overbaking
Remove cookies as soon as the tops are set and the edges are just barely golden. They will firm up as they cool, staying soft in the center. - Add a flavor boost
Mix in a small amount of freeze-dried strawberries or a drop of strawberry extract to deepen the fruit flavor without adding moisture. - Experiment with different Kisses
Try cookies with white chocolate, caramel-filled, or dark chocolate Kisses for different twists. - Use a silicone baking mat
This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents the bottoms from browning too much or sticking.
By paying attention to these little details, your Strawberry Kiss Cookies will taste just as good as they look.
How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Proper storage ensures your cookies stay soft, flavorful, and safe to eat for several days. These cookies don’t require special treatment, but a few best practices will go a long way.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container lined with wax paper.
- Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Avoid stacking while still warm to prevent sticking or melting the chocolate.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough.
To freeze baked cookies:
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper.
- Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To freeze dough balls:
- Roll and shape the dough into balls but do not roll in sugar yet.
- Place on a tray and freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
- When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake straight from frozen. Add 1 to 2 extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating Tips
Do not reheat in the microwave, as this can melt the Hershey’s Kisses unevenly and make the cookie rubbery.
- For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm cookies in a 250ºF oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Always let cookies rest after reheating so the chocolate can firm up again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. You can use vanilla, cherry chip, or red velvet cake mix for a different twist while keeping the same preparation steps.
Do the Hershey’s Kisses melt in the oven?
No. Because the Kisses are added after baking, they soften but retain their shape.
Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
It’s not recommended. Chilling the dough is key to getting thick, soft cookies that hold their shape during baking.
Can I substitute butter for oil?
You can, but it may change the texture slightly. Vegetable oil keeps the cookies soft and chewy, while butter will give them a slightly crispier edge.
How can I make these more festive?
Roll the dough in colored sugar or top the cookies with themed sprinkles before baking. You can also use holiday-themed Hershey’s Kisses.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and flour substitute. Check the packaging to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: Sweet, Simple, and Always a Hit
Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring together ease, beauty, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Their soft, chewy centers, sparkling sugar exteriors, and rich chocolate topping make them a standout cookie for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special celebration or just for fun, this recipe offers both flexibility and reliability.
With minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are ideal for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Their bright pink color, fruity flavor, and nostalgic feel make them unforgettable—and a guaranteed hit wherever they’re served.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Granulated sugar for rolling
- Hershey Kisses unwrapped
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour and strawberry cake mix. Stir in the milk and mix just until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Chill:
- Using a #30 cookie scoop (or about 2 tablespoons), scoop the dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place on a tray or plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes, keeping the remaining dough chilled between batches.
Add the Kisses:
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a storage container.
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