Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet cookies that combine a bright strawberry flavor with a creamy chocolate center. Their light pink color and iconic chocolate kiss topping make them a favorite for holidays, parties, and special occasions, especially Valentine’s Day and spring celebrations. Each cookie is tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and finished with a candy center that melts slightly into the warm dough.
What makes these cookies especially appealing is how simple they are to prepare while still delivering bakery-style results. Using strawberry-flavored dough creates a vibrant taste without being overpowering, and rolling the dough in sugar adds a delicate crunch. Whether you’re baking for a festive dessert table or just craving something fun and nostalgic, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix – 1 box (15–16 oz, dry mix only)
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Eggs – 2 large
- Milk – 1 tablespoon
- Granulated sugar or pink sanding sugar – ¼ cup (for rolling)
- Strawberry or chocolate kisses – 30–36 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated or sanding sugar until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 30–36 cookies
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
How to Store
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- Cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
What Not to Do
- Do not overbake the cookies or they will lose their soft, chewy texture.
- Avoid pressing the chocolate kisses too deep, as they may melt excessively.
- Do not use melted butter, as it will make the dough too soft and spread too much.
- Avoid placing cookies too close together on the baking sheet.
Tips & Variations
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate kisses for a flavor twist.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring for a deeper pink color if desired.
- Roll the dough in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer finish.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~130
- Protein: ~2 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fiber: ~0.5 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~80 mg
The Cutest Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Valentine’s Day
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated or sanding sugar until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Protein: ~2 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fiber: ~0.5 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~80 mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun, festive dessert that blends soft strawberry-flavored dough with a sweet chocolate center for a perfectly balanced treat. They’re quick to make, visually appealing, and ideal for sharing at gatherings or gifting during holidays. With their tender texture and nostalgic charm, these cookies are sure to become a repeat favorite in your baking rotation.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without cake mix?
Yes, but the cake mix version is the easiest and gives consistent texture and flavor.
When should I add the chocolate kisses?
Press them into the cookies immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm.
Can I use different flavors of kisses?
Absolutely. Chocolate, cherry, or seasonal flavored kisses all work well.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread slightly but keep a nice round shape when baked correctly.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze for up to 2 months before baking.
