Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Posted on February 15, 2025

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and rich, chocolatey goodness. These delightful treats are made using a simple strawberry cake mix, creating a bright pink color and a deliciously sweet flavor. Topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, each bite delivers a balance of fruity and chocolatey perfection.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or just a fun baking day, these cookies are easy to prepare and look stunning on any dessert table. The best part? They require just a handful of ingredients, making them a fantastic quick and simple recipe for all skill levels. Whether you love milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate, you can customize them to your taste.

If you’re curious about how Hershey’s Kisses became such a baking favorite, check out this Wikipedia page on Hershey’s Kisses. Learning about the history of this iconic chocolate makes baking with them even more fun! For more creative cookie ideas, explore Pinterest’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Collection, where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for decorating and presenting these cookies beautifully.

These strawberry-flavored cookies are not just visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday treat or just because, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Strawberry Kiss Cookies! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these cookies are a quick, easy, and foolproof treat that never fails to impress.

1. Simple and Quick to Make

With just a strawberry cake mix, a few pantry staples, and Hershey’s Kisses, these cookies come together in no time. There’s no need to measure out flour, sugar, or baking powder—the cake mix does most of the work!

2. Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet

The texture of these cookies is absolutely divine—soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking gives them a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth coating that enhances their sweetness.

3. The Perfect Flavor Combination

Strawberry and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. The fruity sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy chocolate kiss on top. For those who love experimenting, try using white chocolate kisses for a lighter, creamier twist! You can even explore other ways strawberries enhance desserts by checking out this Wikipedia page on strawberries.

4. Ideal for Special Occasions

These cookies are perfect for holidays and celebrations, especially Valentine’s Day, baby showers, birthday parties, and even Christmas cookie exchanges. Their beautiful pink color makes them stand out on any dessert table. For more inspiration, check out this Pinterest collection of cake mix cookies to discover fun ways to customize them!

5. Easily Customizable

Use milk, dark, or white chocolate kisses to create different flavor profiles.
Roll the dough in colored sugar instead of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Add sprinkles to make them even more playful and fun!

If you love easy, eye-catching cookies with delicious flavors, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation!

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each ingredient in Strawberry Kiss Cookies helps you get the best results every time. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and appearance.

1. Strawberry Cake Mix

The key ingredient! Using a boxed strawberry cake mix simplifies the recipe while providing a rich, strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color. Since the mix already contains flour, sugar, and leavening agents, it eliminates the need for multiple ingredients. Learn more about how cake mixes work in baking from this Wikipedia article on cake mix.

2. Vegetable Oil

This keeps the cookies moist and soft. Unlike butter, which creates a denser texture, vegetable oil ensures the cookies stay chewy and tender. If you prefer, you can substitute melted butter, but it may slightly alter the texture.

3. Eggs

Eggs provide structure and richness to the dough. They help bind everything together, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while remaining soft inside.

4. Vanilla Extract

Though optional, vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cake mix and the chocolate. A high-quality pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference.

5. Powdered Sugar (for Rolling)

Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking gives them a slightly crinkled, frosty appearance. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Curious about how powdered sugar is made? Check out this Wikipedia page on confectioners’ sugar.

6. Hershey’s Kisses

The finishing touch! A milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate Hershey’s Kiss is placed on each cookie right after baking. As the cookie cools, the chocolate slightly melts into the soft dough, creating the perfect bite.

For more baking tricks, explore this Pinterest board on baking tips and tricks to enhance your cookie-making experience!

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

Baking Strawberry Kiss Cookies is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure soft, chewy, and delicious cookies every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but enhances flavor)
Stir until a smooth, thick dough forms. The dough may be slightly sticky—this is normal.

Step 3: Form Dough Balls

Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.

Step 4: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Pour 1/4 cup of powdered sugar into a small bowl.
Roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated.
This step gives the cookies a beautiful crinkled, snowy appearance once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Kiss

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one.
The heat from the cookies will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it stick.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture!

Want to explore other fun ways to use cake mix in baking? Check out this Pinterest collection of easy cake mix cookies for more inspiration!

Best Chocolate Kisses for These Cookies

The beauty of Strawberry Kiss Cookies is that you can customize them by choosing different Hershey’s Kiss flavors. While classic milk chocolate kisses are the most popular choice, there are several other options that can add a unique twist to your cookies.

1. Milk Chocolate Kisses (Classic Choice)

The traditional choice for these cookies! Milk chocolate kisses provide a creamy, rich contrast to the fruity, sweet flavor of the strawberry cookies. They melt slightly into the cookie, creating the perfect texture.

2. White Chocolate Kisses (Sweeter and Creamier)

For a sweeter, creamier option, try white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses. The combination of strawberry and white chocolate creates a smooth and indulgent bite, perfect for those who love extra sweetness.

3. Dark Chocolate Kisses (Rich and Slightly Bitter)

If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate kisses are an excellent choice. Their slightly bitter taste balances the sweetness of the cookies, making them ideal for those who enjoy less sugary desserts.

4. Strawberry Crème Kisses (Double Strawberry Flavor)

For a fun twist, try Hershey’s Strawberry Crème Kisses. These blend perfectly with the strawberry cake mix and intensify the fruity flavor. They also make the cookies look extra festive!

5. Cookies & Creme Kisses (Crunchy and Creamy)

If you love a little crunch, Cookies & Creme Kisses are a great option. They add a vanilla-flavored creaminess with bits of crunchy cookie inside, making each bite extra special.

Choosing the Best Kiss for Your Cookies

For a classic, chocolatey taste → Milk or Dark Chocolate Kisses
For a creamy and sweet option → White Chocolate or Cookies & Creme Kisses
For a fruity, extra strawberry flavor → Strawberry Crème Kisses

Want more fun ways to use Hershey’s Kisses in desserts? Check out this Wikipedia page on Hershey’s Kisses to learn about their history and varieties!

Fun Variations & Add-Ins

While Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delicious as-is, you can get creative with different flavors, toppings, and mix-ins to make them even more fun and unique! Here are some easy ways to customize your cookies.

1. Roll in Sprinkles Instead of Powdered Sugar

Instead of rolling the dough in powdered sugar, try using:

Pink, red, or heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day.
Rainbow sprinkles for birthdays or baby showers.
Colored sanding sugar for a sparkly effect.

This not only adds a crunchy texture but also makes the cookies extra festive.

2. Drizzle with Melted Chocolate

After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate for a bakery-style look. You can also use a fork to create thin, elegant chocolate lines across the cookies.

3. Add Mini Chocolate Chips to the Dough

For an extra chocolate boost, mix mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking. The combination of strawberry, chocolate chips, and a Hershey’s Kiss makes these cookies even more indulgent!

4. Make Them Heart-Shaped

For a romantic twist, gently flatten the dough balls into a heart shape before baking. When you press the chocolate kiss in the center, it enhances the heart design!

5. Use Different Cake Mix Flavors

Want to experiment with other flavors? Try using:

Lemon cake mix for a bright, citrusy twist.
Chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
Vanilla cake mix for a more subtle, creamy taste.

Looking for more creative cookie ideas? Check out this Pinterest board on cookie decorating for fun and unique ways to style your cookies!

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies

To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out soft, chewy, and picture-perfect every time, follow these expert tips.

1. Prevent the Kisses from Melting Too Much

One common issue when making kiss cookies is that the chocolate kiss can melt too much after being placed on the hot cookie. To prevent this:

Freeze the Hershey’s Kisses for at least 15–20 minutes before adding them to the cookies. This helps them hold their shape better.
Let the cookies cool for 1–2 minutes before pressing the chocolate on top. This slightly reduces the heat transfer.

2. Ensure a Soft and Chewy Texture

Do not overbake the cookies! They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.
Use vegetable oil instead of butter to maintain moisture. Butter can make the cookies denser and crispier.

3. Mix the Dough Evenly for the Best Consistency

If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before rolling it into balls.
If the dough feels too dry, add 1 extra teaspoon of oil to make it easier to shape.

4. Should You Chill the Dough?

Unlike some cookie recipes, Strawberry Kiss Cookies do not always require chilling. However:

If your kitchen is warm or the dough is too soft, chilling for 15–20 minutes can help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
If you’re in a hurry, you can bake the cookies immediately—just expect them to be slightly thinner.

Want more expert baking advice? Check out this Pinterest board on baking tips & tricks for helpful techniques!

How to Store & Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Proper storage ensures your Strawberry Kiss Cookies stay soft, fresh, and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you want to enjoy them over several days or freeze them for later, here’s how to do it right.

1. Storing at Room Temperature

Place cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Store at room temperature for up to 5–7 days.
To prevent the chocolate kisses from getting too soft, keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

2. How to Freeze Baked Cookies

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freezing them is a great option!

Arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Store for up to 3 months.
To serve: Let cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.

3. Freezing the Dough for Later

If you prefer to bake fresh cookies on demand, you can freeze the cookie dough balls instead.

Roll the dough into balls, but do not coat them in powdered sugar yet.
Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour until firm.
Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar and bake as usual—no need to thaw! Just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Bonus Tip: Keeping Cookies Extra Soft

If you want to keep your cookies extra soft and chewy, place a small slice of white bread inside the storage container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.

For more storage hacks and baking techniques, explore this Pinterest board on baking tips!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some of the most common questions about Strawberry Kiss Cookies to help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Can I Use Homemade Strawberry Cookie Dough Instead of Cake Mix?

Yes! If you prefer not to use a cake mix, you can make the dough from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and strawberry extract. However, using a cake mix saves time and ensures a consistent texture. Learn more about how cake mixes work in baking from this Wikipedia page on cake mix.

2. Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Too Flat?

Flat cookies can happen for several reasons:

The dough was too warm. If your kitchen is warm, try chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Too much oil. Stick to the exact measurement of oil in the recipe. Too much can cause spreading.
Baking at too low a temperature. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C).

3. Can I Use Butter Instead of Oil?

Yes, but it will change the texture. Vegetable oil makes the cookies softer and chewier, while butter will make them slightly firmer and crispier. If using butter, make sure it’s melted and cooled before mixing.

4. How Do I Keep the Chocolate Kisses from Melting Too Much?

Freeze the Hershey’s Kisses for 15–20 minutes before placing them on the cookies.
Let the cookies cool for 1–2 minutes before pressing the kiss on top.
Avoid placing cookies in a warm area right after baking.

5. How Do I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

To make gluten-free Strawberry Kiss Cookies, use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. Most brands offer gluten-free options, so check the label before purchasing.

For more creative cookie ideas, check out this Pinterest board on cookie decorating!