There's a certain joy that comes from pulling a tray of freshly baked cookies out of the oven, especially when they bring with them a burst of flavor and a hint of nostalgia. Take, for instance, these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies, where the sweet tang of strawberry mingles with the creamy richness of chocolate. After a hectic week, I found myself craving something special that didn't require a ton of effort, and these cookies turned out to be the perfect solution.
The fabulous pink hue and delightful sweetness of strawberry cake mix make these treats not only visually appealing but irresistibly delicious. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, with a delightful surprise of melted chocolate in every bite, making them a true crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you're sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a sweet moment alone, these cookies are bound to lift your spirits.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this fun recipe that promises smiles with every bite!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can whip them up in no time.
- The combination of strawberry and chocolate creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone coming back for more.
- Their beautiful pink hue makes them visually striking, perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, they are a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Whether for a special event or a sweet treat at home, these cookies are the ultimate delight.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
Whether you're planning a cozy family gathering or a sweet surprise for someone special, gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for baking success!
For the Cookie Dough
• Strawberry cake mix – this dry mix brings a vibrant strawberry flavor with minimal effort.
• Unsalted butter – melted for rich flavor and luscious texture in the cookies.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Strawberry extract – enhances the strawberry flavor for a delightful burst in every bite.
• Cream cheese – softened for creaminess, making the cookies irresistibly tender.
For the Decoration
• Pink sanding sugar – adds a sparkling finish that makes these cookies picture-perfect!
• Hershey’s Kisses – the star surprise inside each cookie, providing a melty chocolate center that pairs beautifully with the strawberry.
With these ingredients on hand, you're almost ready to create a batch of delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses and place them in a bowl to freeze. This prevents them from melting too quickly when pressed into the warm cookies, ensuring a delightful chocolate surprise in every bite.
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Mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, egg, and strawberry extract in a large bowl until a dough forms. Then, add the softened cream cheese and blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, embodying that luscious strawberry goodness.
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Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring your cookies hold their shape while baking.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential so that when your dough hits the oven, the cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden exterior.
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Scoop the dough into 48 portions. Roll each portion in pink sanding sugar for a sparkly finish, giving your cookies a festive and appetizing appearance.
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Place 12 dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 8 minutes. You want them to be slightly underbaked for a soft, chewy texture in the center.
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Let the cookies sit on the baking tray for 2 minutes after baking. This helps them firm up a bit before you transfer them to a cooling rack or parchment paper to cool completely.
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Press a frozen Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow them to cool completely before storing so that the chocolate retains its shape and melts perfectly when you take a bite.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for extra sweetness and flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are covered well to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough portions for up to 3 months. Just scoop, roll in pink sanding sugar, and pop them in a freezer bag for easy baking later!
Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie experience, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, which will slightly melt the chocolate in the Strawberry Kiss Cookies while keeping the cookie soft.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Strawberry Kiss Cookies! There are so many fun ways to customize this delightful treat.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular strawberry cake mix. Your cookies will still be delicious and accommodating to everyone!
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Dairy-Free: Swap the butter with coconut oil and replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free delight. You'll still maintain that creamy texture without the dairy.
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the dough for extra crunch. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the strawberry and chocolate!
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Add Fresh Strawberries: Fold in 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries into the dough for a burst of real strawberry flavor that elevates your cookies to a whole new level.
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Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, like vanilla or almond, to create surprising flavor combinations. A hint of almond brings a delightful twist to the classic strawberry flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace some of the cake mix with cocoa powder for a chocolatey version, mixing the two flavors harmoniously. The addition of chocolate will take these cookies over the edge!
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Heat It Up: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough. You'll create a magical contrast between the sweetness of strawberry and the heat of spices.
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Decorative Toppings: Top each cookie with a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries once they cool. It adds a beautiful finish and a pop of flavor!
These variations not only encourage creativity but will make each batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Imagine a delightful gathering filled with laughter, stories, and sweet treats that leave everyone yearning for just one more bite.
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Fresh Strawberries: Juicy and bright, they enhance the cookie's strawberry flavor, providing a refreshing contrast with every nibble.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, classic flavor cools and balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful dessert duo.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Effervescent and tangy, this drink adds a refreshing zing that will make your taste buds dance with each sip.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience, transforming them into a decadent treat worthy of any celebration.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream offers a pleasing texture that complements the rich chocolate and fruity cookies beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits gives a vibrant color palette, balancing out the sweetness with tart and juicy bites.
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Hot Cocoa: Cozy and comforting, pairing these cookies with hot cocoa creates a warm and inviting experience, perfect for chilly days.
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Milk: A classic combination, the richness of milk brings out the strawberry and chocolate flavors, making every bite more delightful.
Each of these pairings sets the stage for scrumptious moments, allowing your Strawberry Kiss Cookies to shine even brighter at your next gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate; this helps maintain quality and flavor. Additionally, you can freeze the shaped dough balls (before rolling in sanding sugar) for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking tray, sprinkle with pink sanding sugar, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed. This way, you’ll have delicious, fresh Strawberry Kiss Cookies on hand with minimal effort, ready to delight your taste buds whenever the craving strikes!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Strawberry Kiss Cookies, ensuring your dough is well-chilled for at least one hour is crucial for maintaining the perfect shape and texture during baking.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the cream cheese, as this can lead to denser cookies rather than the light, fluffy texture we desire.
- Always use frozen Hershey's Kisses to prevent them from melting too quickly when pressed into the warm cookies, enhancing that delightful chocolate surprise.
- Finally, allow your cookies to sit on the baking tray for two minutes after baking; this helps them set properly and makes transferring them to a cooling rack much easier.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe strawberries for a recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and firm to the touch, with a sweet aroma. Avoid berries with dark spots or signs of mold, as they can affect both the flavor and texture of your cookies later on. If you're using strawberry cake mix without fresh strawberries, just ensure your cake mix is well-stored and not expired for the best results!
How should I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them a little longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just ensure they're well-covered to prevent any dryness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies?
Yes, you can! For freezing the unbaked cookie dough, scoop out portions, roll them in pink sanding sugar, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies; just be sure to place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container to maintain their shape.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies are spreading too much, it's likely because the dough was too warm before baking, or they may need more chilling time. Try chilling your cookie dough for an extra 30 minutes next time, and make sure your baking trays are cool when placing the dough balls on them. Also, using a bit more flour can help maintain shape!
Are these Strawberry Kiss Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It's essential to check! The ingredients include eggs and cream cheese, which can be problematic for those with dairy allergies. If you're catering to someone with specific dietary needs, consider using plant-based substitutes like dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacers. Always ensure that the ingredients you choose are allergy-friendly, especially if you are baking for pets or loved ones with allergies.
How long will the chocolate Kisses hold their shape after baking?
After pressing the frozen Hershey's Kisses into the warm cookies, allow them to cool completely. The chocolate should hold its shape beautifully, and when you take a bite, it will melt just enough to create a delightful surprise inside. If you’ve baked them correctly and not overdone it, they'll stay perfectly intact!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses and place them in a bowl to freeze.
- Mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, egg, and strawberry extract in a large bowl until a dough forms.
- Add the softened cream cheese and blend thoroughly until smooth.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop the dough into 48 portions and roll each in pink sanding sugar.
- Place 12 dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 8 minutes.
- Let the cookies sit on the tray for 2 minutes after baking.
- Press a frozen Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
- Allow them to cool completely before storing.
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