Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this one—the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites for a sweet treat with a fun twist. These cookies are soft, loaded with that colorful sprinkle goodness from the Funfetti mix, and topped with a delicious, fruity Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss that melts into the warm cookie for that perfect “kiss.” Trust me, they’re a hit whether you’re baking for a party or just feel like adding a little extra sweetness to your day.

What really makes this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe stand out is how easy it is to whip up but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I love pulling these out when my friends drop by unexpectedly—because with just a few simple ingredients and one bowl, you’ve got a platter of charming, bakery-worthy cookies that everyone will swoon over. Plus, the pink sugar and cute kisses are just plain fun to look at and eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe really comes down to the balance between convenience and flavor. Using a Funfetti sugar cookie mix keeps things simple but still provides a delightful base, while cream cheese adds softness and richness. Each ingredient plays its part—here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started.

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix:This is the heart of the cookies and adds those colorful sprinkles that everyone loves. Grab your favorite brand or one you trust for consistent results.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the dough moist and tender. Make sure it’s room temperature to blend in smoothly without lumps.
• Large Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the dough structure—don’t skip it!
• Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: This adds a sweet, crunchy coating that prevents the sticky dough from being too tricky to handle. Plus, it makes the cookie edges sparkle.
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses:The star topping—these strawberry-flavored chocolates gently melt into the warm cookie for a gorgeous and tasty finish.

Variations

I love playing around with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. Sometimes, switching up the sprinkle color or flavor of the Kiss keeps things fresh—and you should totally feel free to make it your own. There’s something special about adding your own touch.

• Flavor Swap: I once tried swapping the strawberry kisses for classic Hershey’s Kisses during the holidays, and while you lose the fruity pop, the richness of milk chocolate actually paired beautifully with the Funfetti dough.
• Diet-Friendly: For a gluten-free twist, I’ve had luck substituting a gluten-free sugar cookie mix. Just keep an eye on baking time since gluten-free dough can bake quicker.
• Colorful Coating: Use multi-colored sanding sugar for a festive vibe, perfect for birthdays or baby showers. It’s such an easy way to customize without changing much.
• Additional Mix-ins: Sometimes I sneak in a handful of mini white chocolate chips into the dough for texture and extra sweetness, but be careful not to overdo it—you want that kiss to shine!

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Having everything on hand before you start makes the next steps flow smoothly, especially since cookie dough can be a bit sticky here.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the large egg until you have a smooth, soft dough. I like using a hand mixer for this, but a stand mixer or even a sturdy spoon works fine. The texture should be soft but hold shape—not too dry, not too wet. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, no worries—pop it in the fridge or freezer for 30-60 minutes to firm up, which makes scooping and rolling a lot easier.

Step 3: Coat and Shape the Cookies

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar (or non-pareils) into a shallow bowl. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls and roll them gently in the sugar to coat. I find this sugar coating really saves the day with sticky dough, giving a little barrier and sparkle. Roll the coated dough into smooth balls and place them about 1 ½ inches apart on your baking sheet—they’ll spread a bit when baking, so give them some breathing room.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Kisses

Bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want the edges to be set but the centers still soft. Right after you pull them from the oven, let cookies cool for 3-5 minutes on the sheet, then gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookie softens the kiss just enough to get that melted “kiss” effect—it’s such a lovely finishing touch.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

After adding the kisses, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely if you want that perfect set texture. Or, if you’re like me and impatient, dig in while they’re still a little warm—you’ll just get a gooey burst of strawberry chocolate in every bite. Either way, these cookies don’t stay around long!

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are gorgeous as-is, I sometimes sprinkle extra sanding sugar or non-pareils on top before baking for a little extra sparkle. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of white chocolate after cooling adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the strawberry flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite hot tea for a comforting combo. I also love serving them alongside fresh fruit slices or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert spread that feels special but effortless.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter with some fresh strawberries and greenery, which makes for a charming display. Another fun idea is to package them in cellophane bags tied with pink ribbons as cute favors. I once made a layered dessert tray, stacking cookies between layers of whipped cream and berries—so decadent and fun if you’re into an interactive dessert bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days this way. I recommend keeping them away from heat or humidity to preserve that soft texture and prevent the kisses from melting or sweating.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the kisses) for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them fresh and add the strawberry kisses. I’ve also frozen fully assembled cookies, but the texture of the kisses can change slightly, so keep that in mind.

Reheating

When reheating, warm your cookies gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes or pop them briefly in the microwave—this revives that fresh-baked softness and slightly melts the kiss again. Just be careful not to overheat, or the kiss might lose its shape.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become a sweet little tradition in my kitchen—simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough to impress at any gathering. I love how it blends ease with a playful, eye-catching look and a burst of strawberry flavor. Give it a try next time you want a quick, no-fuss dessert that feels homemade with a special touch—you might just find yourself making them again and again like I do!

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