Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A Sweet and Festive Treat
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies, combining the fruity sweetness of strawberries with the iconic chocolate kiss center. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want to impress with a colorful and tasty treat.
Let’s whip up these charming and delicious cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Burst of Flavor: Sweet strawberry flavor paired with creamy milk chocolate creates a heavenly bite.
Vibrant and Festive: Their bright pink color makes them perfect for special occasions.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps mean these cookies come together quickly.
Customizable: Swap out the kisses or flavoring to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- 1 package (17.5 oz) strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 24 milk chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in powdered sugar until evenly coated. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly cracked on top. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Step 5: Add the Kisses
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the kiss, helping it adhere.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures a smooth dough that’s easy to mix.
Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar: A thick coating creates the classic cracked appearance during baking.
Work Quickly with the Kisses: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
Customize the Kisses: Swap milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or seasonal flavors like peppermint or caramel.
Variations
Lemon Kiss Cookies: Use lemon cake mix instead of strawberry for a bright, citrusy twist.
Double Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Replace the strawberry cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolaty version.
Sprinkled Strawberry Cookies: Roll the dough in rainbow or heart-shaped sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the dough for an extra soft and creamy texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion:
Holiday Treats: Serve them at Valentine’s Day parties, bridal showers, or holiday gatherings.
Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes or tins for a sweet and thoughtful gift.
Cookie Platter: Add them to a platter with other colorful cookies for a vibrant dessert spread.
Storing and Freezing
Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer or place wax paper between layers to prevent the kisses from sticking.
Freezing Dough: Freeze the unbaked dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Roll in powdered sugar and bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze the fully baked and cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their soft texture, fruity flavor, and chocolaty center make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts on Strawberry Kiss Cookies
If you’re looking for a sweet, festive dessert that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect choice. Their vibrant color and delicious flavor make them a treat worth baking any time of year.
Bake a batch today and share the love with family and friends!
