There’s something special about a cookie that looks as sweet as it tastes. Strawberry Kiss Cookies are exactly that. They’re soft, blush-pink mounds of dough, rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, and crowned with a perfect strawberry-flavored chocolate kiss.
It’s a treat that feels festive and fun, yet comes together with a simplicity that feels almost like a little secret. The secret, if we’re sharing, is in that box of strawberry cake mix. It gives the cookies their delightful flavor and color, while cream cheese works its magic to create a texture that’s wonderfully soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth.
If you’ve ever wanted to make cookies that bring a smile before the first bite, you’re in the right place. This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to for baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or just a regular Tuesday that needs a pink pick-me-up.
First off, these are incredibly easy. With just six main ingredients, the process is straightforward and forgiving, a great project for bakers of any level.
The flavor is a pure, fruity strawberry delight. It’s not artificial, just a bright and cheerful taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy chocolate of the kiss on top.
Finally, they are incredibly versatile. This recipe is a wonderful base for creativity. You can stick with the classic pink theme, or swap in different cake mixes and kisses for a whole new cookie experience every time.
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie success. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need.
No strawberry cake mix? No problem. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily change the entire character of the cookie with a simple swap.
Try using a lemon cake mix with a white chocolate kiss, or a chocolate cake mix with a classic milk chocolate kiss. For a fun holiday twist, a red velvet cake mix with a peppermint kiss is absolutely delightful.
If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a certified gluten-free cake mix. Just check that your chosen kisses are also gluten-free, as some specialty flavors may not be.
Ready to bake? The process is a series of simple, satisfying steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful cookies before you know it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and the egg. Beat them together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
Now, add the entire box of dry strawberry cake mix to the bowl. Beat on a low speed at first, then increase to medium until the dry mix is fully incorporated. You’ll have a soft, slightly sticky, and very pink dough.
This step is crucial. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and roll.
While the dough chills, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Place your powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball.
Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until it’s fully coated. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 to 2 inches apart. They will spread just a little as they bake.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just set; the centers will still look soft. That’s perfect. Overbaking will make them dry.
The moment the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a strawberry kiss into the center of each one. Do this firmly but carefully. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the base of the kiss, making it stick.
Here’s the hardest part: let the cookies cool completely right on the baking sheets. Moving them while warm can cause the soft kisses to smudge or become misshapen.
Once they are completely cool, the kisses will have set. You can then transfer your beautiful Strawberry Kiss Cookies to a plate or storage container. They’re ready to share, or, you know, enjoy a few yourself first.
These cookies shine bright on a dessert platter. Pair them with other simple treats like shortbread or brownies for a lovely contrast. They’re perfect with a cold glass of milk, a cup of tea, or as a sweet ending to a meal.
For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to five days. The chilled cookies have a wonderfully firm yet soft texture.
You can also freeze them. Layer the cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a pink, strawberry craving strikes.
These pretty pink strawberry kiss cookies are soft, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor—thanks to strawberry cake mix and a pink strawberry Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center of each one. Made with just six simple ingredients including cream cheese for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, these easy thumbprint cookies are perfect for Christmas, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and festive.
Servings 36
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.