Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats that combine the sweet flavor of strawberries with a playful chocolate surprise on top. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a vibrant pink hue, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Made with strawberry-flavored dough and topped with a chocolate kiss, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, or any time you want a fun, fruity twist on classic thumbprint cookies.
Easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike, Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring a burst of color and flavor to dessert tables and cookie exchanges.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, pink-hued cookies with a sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious Hershey’s Kiss. They’re visually stunning, delightfully chewy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, springtime baking, or any time you want a fruity twist on the classic blossom cookie. This recipe is simple, uses minimal ingredients, and offers a burst of flavor with every bite.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful, soft-baked treats bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a smooth chocolate Hershey’s Kiss.
Made with strawberry cake mix or strawberry-flavored dough, these cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, or whenever you're craving a fruity twist on classic blossom cookies.
Their bright pink hue and chocolate center make them as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Easy to make and irresistibly charming, they combine the nostalgic taste of strawberries and chocolate in one bite-sized dessert.
These cookies are loved by kids and adults alike and are great for gifting or sharing.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix with a rubber spatula or hand mixer on medium speed until a soft, uniform dough forms. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it in during this step.
The dough will be thick but manageable. If it feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
-
Roll and Coat the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. For extra sparkle and a festive look, roll each dough ball in red or pink sanding sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
-
Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly puffed. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies are best when soft and chewy.
-
Add the Kisses
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2–3 minutes. While still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
The heat from the cookie will soften the chocolate slightly, helping it to set as the cookie cools. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 130kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Sugars 13g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, pink-hued delights with a burst of strawberry flavor and a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss at the center.
These charming cookies are perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, spring brunches, or any day that needs a little sweetness.
Below are expert tips, smart serving tricks, proper storage methods, and a sweet conclusion to help you make the most of these irresistible cookies.
Expert Baking Tips
- Use Strawberry Cake Mix for Simplicity:
Many Strawberry Kiss Cookie recipes use boxed strawberry cake mix as a shortcut. This gives you consistent flavor, color, and texture without needing to hunt down strawberry extract or puree. - Chill the Dough:
After mixing, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their soft, puffy shape. - Don’t Overbake:
Bake until the edges are just set—about 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking will dry them out and ruin their signature softness. - Add the Hershey’s Kiss Immediately:
Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after removing them from the oven. The residual heat softens the chocolate just enough to bond without melting the shape. - Try Flavor Variations:
For extra flair, use flavored Kisses like white chocolate swirl, strawberry cream, or even dark chocolate. You can also roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar or pink sanding sugar for a crunchy exterior.
Serving Tricks
- Serve Chilled for a Firmer Bite:
Once cooled and set, refrigerate the cookies for about 30 minutes before serving. The contrast between the chilled chocolate and soft cookie creates a lovely texture. - Plate with Fresh Strawberries:
Create a stunning dessert platter by surrounding the cookies with sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves. It adds a fresh twist and visual appeal. - Make Mini Cookie Bites:
Use a small cookie scoop and mini Hershey’s Kisses (or chocolate chips) to create bite-sized versions for parties or dessert bars. - Themed Presentation:
These cookies are perfect for themed events. Use heart-shaped platters for Valentine's Day, or tuck them into decorative gift boxes with tissue paper for edible presents.
Storage Tips
Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration (Optional): If your home is warm or humid, refrigerate them in a sealed container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
- Cookie Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Unbaked dough: Roll into balls (without sugar coating) and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw before baking and proceed with rolling in sugar.
- Baked cookies: Freeze the cookies (without Kisses) and add the chocolate kiss after reheating slightly in the oven.
Variations & Additions
- Chocolate-Dipped Kiss Cookies: After baking and cooling, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Sandwich two cookies with a light cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a bakery-style presentation.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature eggs for a more even dough mixture.
- Don’t press the kisses in too early or they may melt completely into the cookie.
- Use parchment paper – it helps prevent overbrowning and sticking.
- Cool fully before stacking to avoid melted kisses smearing.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of two dessert worlds—strawberry sweetness and rich chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By following a few simple tips—like chilling the dough, not overbaking, and storing properly—you can ensure soft, flavorful cookies every time.
Their pretty pink color and chocolate center make them perfect for gifting or brightening up any dessert table. Make a batch today and watch them disappear—one delicious kiss at a time!
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Strawberry Kiss Cookies made of?
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet cookies typically made using strawberry cake mix or freeze-dried strawberries, flour, butter or oil, sugar, and a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center after baking.
Vegan or allergy-friendly versions often substitute plant-based butter and chocolate. These cookies are popular for their bright pink color, chewy texture, and fruity flavor.
Can I use fresh strawberries in the dough?
Fresh strawberries aren’t ideal for the cookie dough as they release too much moisture, which can lead to soggy or underbaked cookies.
Instead, opt for strawberry cake mix, strawberry extract, or finely ground freeze-dried strawberries for the best concentrated flavor and ideal texture.
If you want a fresh element, use chopped strawberries only as a garnish or topping.
How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kiss from melting?
To keep the chocolate Kiss from melting or losing shape, press it into the cookies after baking — once they’ve cooled for about 1–2 minutes but are still soft.
Then allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate them briefly to help the Kiss set.
How should I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (layered with parchment paper) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If frozen, let them come to room temperature before serving. Keep them away from heat to avoid chocolate melting.
