Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, moist, and irresistibly sweet treats made from strawberry cake mix, butter, egg, and cream cheese, baked to perfection and topped with a classic chocolate Hershey’s Kiss. These delightful cookies combine the tangy flavor of cream cheese with a fruity strawberry base, creating a perfect balance of flavors for any occasion or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Topping (Optional)
- Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar, for rolling
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add cream cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the batter by mixing until the dough thickens and the cream cheese is fully blended in, creating a cohesive dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking and maintain cookie thickness.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Form the cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls using a spoon or cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
- Roll in sugar (optional): If desired, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar to add a sweet, decorative coating; alternatively, place them plain on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a tender texture.
- Add the chocolate kiss: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes so they firm up slightly. Then, gently press an unwrapped chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, creating a classic centerpiece.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool thoroughly before serving or storing. Cooling allows the cookies to firm up and the chocolate kiss to set properly.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much and to achieve a thick, chewy texture.
- Light cracking around the chocolate kiss is normal and adds to the homemade charm.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
