If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines playful colors, a soft texture, and the irresistible charm of chocolate, then the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are bursting with fun thanks to the Funfetti sugar cookie base and the luscious strawberry-flavored Hershey’s kisses nestled right in the center. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet sensations, making it an instant favorite to share with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe will bring joy and smiles around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those soft, flavorful cookies that look as good as they taste. From the cookie mix giving structure and fluffiness to the cream cheese adding moistness and richness, every component is essential.
- 16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: Provides a colorful and festive base with sprinkles baked right inside for a fun crunch.
- 4 ounce cream cheese (softened, ½ 8-ounces package): Adds creamy moisture that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- 1 Large egg: Acts as a binder that holds everything together while contributing to a lovely golden color.
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: Gives a sparkly, sweet coating that enhances the cookie’s appearance and texture.
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show—a strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss that melts enticingly into the warm cookie.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before diving into the mixing, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready to bake your cookies to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend these until you get a soft, cohesive dough. This soft dough is the key to your cookies’ tender crumb and delightful texture.
Step 3: Coat the Cookie Balls
Pour your choice of pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons), scoop out dough balls, then gently roll each ball in the sugar until fully coated. This adds a wonderful shimmer and a bit of sugary crunch when bitten into.
Step 4: Handle Sticky Dough with Care
If the dough feels too sticky to roll easily, no worries! Refrigerate or freeze it for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to handle. The dough will stay soft but become much more manageable, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Step 5: Bake and Add Kisses
Place your sugar-coated dough balls spaced about 1 ½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains soft. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for 3-5 minutes—while still warm, press an unwrapped Strawberry Kiss gently into the center of each cookie, letting it nestle perfectly as it softens.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies shine on their own, you can elevate their look and taste with simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra sanding sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds an elegant touch to these festive treats.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. They also complement afternoon tea or coffee perfectly, making them the ultimate companion for your cozy moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe on a bright cake stand or arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with fresh strawberries or edible flowers. For parties, consider stacking them with colorful cupcake liners for an irresistible treat display that guests won’t stop talking about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out the dough or chocolate center.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melts the strawberry kiss for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of frosting instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a unique creaminess and moisture, you could try substituting it with butter or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture and taste.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies freeze well. Freeze them in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. This helps retain freshness and flavor.
Can I substitute the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses with other flavors?
Absolutely! While the strawberry kisses are a signature part of the recipe, you can try classic Hershey’s Kisses, caramel, or even peanut butter flavored chocolates for a fun twist.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough longer before scooping or reduce the oven temperature slightly. Also, ensure the cookie mix is fresh and that you’re measuring ingredients accurately.
Is it okay to use regular granulated sugar instead of sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar adds a sparkly crunch, but regular granulated sugar can be used in a pinch. It won’t have the same decorative effect, but the cookies will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is more than just a cookie—it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and warm moments shared with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try making these yourself because they truly bring a burst of happiness with every bite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake some magic in your kitchen!
PrintStrawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, combining the fun of Funfetti cookie mix with a creamy cream cheese base and topped with a sweet Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss. These soft, colorful cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you crave a cute and tasty treat with a strawberry surprise on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened (½ of 8-ounce package)
- 1 large egg
Topping and Coating
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time you shape the cookies.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg together until fully combined into a soft, sticky dough.
- Prepare Coating: Pour the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl to create a coating station for the cookie dough balls.
- Scoop Dough: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the dough and drop each ball into the bowl with sugar or non-pareils.
- Coat and Shape: Roll the dough balls gently in the sugar until evenly coated; then roll into smooth, rounded balls.
- Optional Chill Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle well, refrigerate or freeze it for 30-60 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and roll, though it will remain slightly sticky.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Add Strawberry Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Then press one unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center-top of each cookie gently.
- Cool or Serve: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. They can also be served warm if preferred.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it makes shaping easier without compromising texture.
- Spacing the cookies properly ensures they bake evenly and don’t spread into each other.
- Pressing the Strawberry Kiss on after baking prevents it from melting too much and losing shape.
- Cookies taste delicious both warm with melty kisses and cooled with slightly firm candy.