Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and just a little bit festive, you’re in for a treat with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not only gorgeous with their pink sanding sugar and adorable Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses on top, but they’re also so soft and tender that every bite feels like a little Valentine’s Day hug. I absolutely love how easy they come together, and once you try them, I’m sure you’ll be making these for every special occasion (or just because!). Let me walk you through all the little tricks I’ve picked up so you can nail these every single time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a crucial role here – the Funfetti sugar cookie mix is perfect for that classic sweet base with colorful sprinkles, while cream cheese brings softness and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. Make sure to use softened cream cheese so the dough mixes smoothly without lumps.

• Funfetti sugar cookie mix: Using a quality mix saves time and adds that nostalgic sprinkle touch everyone loves.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for smooth incorporation and ultimate soft texture.
• Large egg: Helps bind the dough while keeping it tender.
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: Adds crunch and a little sparkle to each cookie—pick your favorite color for visual fun.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show—a delightful strawberry flavor that melts slightly and finishes the cookies perfectly.

Variations

I love keeping this recipe open for a little creativity. You can easily switch up the coating or the cookie mix to suit your mood, and honestly, it’s fun seeing how different toppings transform the look and flavor. Play around, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Chocolate Sprinkle Coating: I once used chocolate non-pareils instead of sanding sugar, and the chocolatey crunch added a totally new dimension that my kids adored.
• Different Kiss Flavors: Try classic milk chocolate or even white chocolate kisses for a twist on the strawberry flavor—each brings its own vibe to the cookie.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix works wonderfully; just make sure it’s a mix you trust for good texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the egg and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and select vegan kisses to keep it cruelty-free and delicious.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Also, make sure your cream cheese is softened—if you forget, just microwave it gently for 10-15 seconds until just soft, not melted.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg. I use a handheld mixer for this step because it’s faster and easier to get a smooth, soft dough without any lumps. If you don’t have a mixer handy, just mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the dough comes together but still feels soft—not dry or crumbly.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Your Cookies

Pour your sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or just about a golf ball size in your hands), scoop the dough and roll the balls in the sugar coating. This not only adds beautiful sparkle but also helps keep the dough from sticking to your hands.

If you find the dough too sticky to handle, don’t worry—it’s a common thing! Simply pop the bowl into the fridge for 30–60 minutes, then try again. Chilling firms up the dough nicely, making rolling a lot easier.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place the sugar-coated cookie balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them about 1½ inches of space so they have room to spread slightly while staying pretty and round. Bake for 8–12 minutes—watch for the edges to look set but the centers still soft. This timing gives you that perfect soft bite every time.

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Kisses

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for about 3–5 minutes, just enough to avoid melting the kisses completely right away. Then gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie. This method keeps the kisses firm but warm, making them glossy and extra yummy. If you want a softer, melted center, press the kisses in immediately after baking while the cookies are hot.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool completely if you want the kisses to hold their shape well, or enjoy them warm and gooey straight away—both ways are fantastic! I usually sneak a warm one right after making them; you should try it too.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar really makes the pink kisses pop. For extra festivity, a sprinkle of edible glitter or tiny heart-shaped sprinkles around the edges adds a magical touch, especially for Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk. For brunch or a party, try serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light mousse for a perfectly balanced sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success presenting these cookies stacked on a pretty cake stand with a scattering of fresh strawberries around. For Valentine’s Day, I like to place each cookie in mini cupcake liners and tie a little red ribbon around the stack—makes a charming gift or party favor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and tasty, but if you notice the kisses getting a bit firm, a quick warm-up in the microwave helps bring them back to life.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cookie dough balls successfully by shaping and coating them first, then freezing on a tray before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When ready, just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. The results are just as delicious as fresh!

Reheating

When I want to enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a couple of cookies into the microwave for about 10 seconds—it’s the perfect way to soften the center and slightly melt the kisses without making the cookie too hot or hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to get bakery-quality results right at home. The combination of that sweet Funfetti base, the creamy softness from cream cheese, and the bright pop of strawberry flavor from the kisses feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s like sharing a warm hug with your taste buds! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—trust me, they’ll be a fast favorite in your cookie jar and at your next gathering.

Print