Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

There's nothing like the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies filling your kitchen. These delightful treats combine the delicate taste of strawberry with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, topped with a luscious chocolate kiss for the perfect finish.

I first made these cookies for a Valentine’s Day surprise, and they’ve since become a family favorite for every special occasion. Their vibrant pink hue and irresistible flavor make them a standout on any dessert table. Ready to bake some love into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these delightful cookies. Whether you're a fan of strawberries, chocolate, or simply a soft, chewy cookie, this recipe has it all.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of stunning cookies ready in no time. Perfect for last-minute dessert needs or baking with kids!

Their beautiful pink color makes them ideal for holidays like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any festive gathering. They’re as much a visual treat as they are delicious.

The combination of strawberry and chocolate is timeless. The soft, fruity cookie pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy chocolate kiss on top, creating a flavor duo that’s hard to resist.

And let’s not forget their crowd-pleasing charm. These cookies are universally loved and make for a thoughtful homemade gift or a sweet addition to your next party platter.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these cookies lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture and taste.

Strawberry cake mix serves as the base, giving the cookies their signature strawberry flavor and pink hue. It’s a convenient shortcut that ensures consistent results every time.

Vegetable oil keeps the cookies moist and tender. You could substitute it with melted butter for a richer taste, but vegetable oil works perfectly here.

Eggs act as the binding agent, helping the dough come together while also contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.

Hershey's Kisses are the star on top! While classic milk chocolate kisses are the go-to, feel free to experiment with other flavors like dark chocolate or even white chocolate hugs for a twist.

If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat is an excellent substitute to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. No other special equipment is needed, making this recipe accessible to all home bakers.

How To Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is as simple as can be. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to share in less than 30 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the dough is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick but easy to scoop.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Place them evenly on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; this ensures they stay soft as they cool.

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will melt the base of the chocolate slightly, securing it in place. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days if needed.

Storage Options

Strawberry Kiss Cookies store beautifully, making them a convenient make-ahead option for parties or gifting.

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

If freezing the dough, roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

To reheat the cookies, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to refresh their softness, being careful not to melt the chocolate kiss.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your preferences or experiment with fun variations.

Switch up the cake mix flavor for a different twist. Chocolate, lemon, or even funfetti cake mix can create exciting new versions of this cookie.

Try different chocolate toppings. Peanut butter cups, caramel-filled kisses, or even chocolate squares add unique flavors to the classic design.

Add mix-ins to the dough for extra texture. White chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries are all excellent choices.

For a lighter option, use half the vegetable oil and substitute the rest with unsweetened applesauce. The cookies will still be moist but slightly less rich.

Experiment with festive decorations. Dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candies for a holiday touch.

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious – what’s not to love?

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