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These strawberry kiss cookies are a perfect soft and flavorful treat, especially for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a sweet delight with a fruity twist. They balance the fun of a classic sugar cookie with the surprise of a strawberry-flavored kiss nestled right on top, bringing a modern and playful touch to your baking.
I first baked these for a last-minute Valentine’s get-together and was amazed how everyone loved them. They have become my go-to cookie when I want a simple but impressive dessert that never fails to please.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: a convenient base that gives you that classic sugar cookie flavor and festive sprinkles built right in
- Cream cheese: softened helps create an irresistibly soft dough with a subtle creamy tang that makes the cookies moist and tender
- Large egg: a binding agent that keeps the dough together and adds richness
- Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils: adds a crunchy, colorful coating for decoration and texture
- Eighteen Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: these are what make the cookies special with their strawberry cream and chocolate combination—look for fresh, unwrapped kisses for the best melt and presentation
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the egg. Stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing
- Prepare coating:
- Pour the sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls adding both texture and a pretty finish
- Form dough balls:
- Use a 1 and one-half tablespoon scoop or spoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands then roll the ball gently in the sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated for that perfect crunch and sparkle
- Arrange on sheet:
- Place the coated dough balls spaced about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet giving them room to spread while baking
- Bake cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes keeping an eye on them. You want them just set with a very light golden color and still soft in the middle for the best texture
- Add kisses:
- Immediately after removing the baking sheet from the oven press one Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie gently so it melts slightly while the cookie cools
- Cool cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving to ensure the kisses set properly
My favorite part is pressing the strawberry kiss on top while the cookie is hot. It melts just enough to create a gooey center that has made many family celebrations extra sweet. Sharing these cookies has become a cherished tradition during Valentine’s week in our home.
Flavor Boosters
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out. If you want to keep them longer freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. To thaw frozen cookies place them at room temperature for an hour or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that just-baked softness
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a fun pink drink like strawberry lemonade for a festive treat. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a simple dessert plate. Perfect for gifting packed in a pretty box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon especially around Valentine’s Day or for birthday celebrations
Creative Twists
Try using white chocolate kisses with peppermint flavor during the holidays for a festive twist. Switch sanding sugar colors to match different holidays or parties like green for St. Patrick’s Day or orange for Halloween. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough for an extra boost of natural strawberry flavor when fresh or flavored kisses are unavailable
These strawberry kiss cookies never fail to impress, balancing fun and flavor with ease. Perfect for celebrations or a simple sweet moment.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of sugar is best for rolling the dough?
Using pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils adds a subtle crunch and colorful finish to the cookies.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
Cream cheese adds softness and moisture; you may substitute with mascarpone for a similar texture but expect slight flavor differences.
- → How do I ensure the cookies stay soft after baking?
Mixing cream cheese into the dough helps maintain softness. Baking for the recommended 30-45 minutes prevents over-drying.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature for baking these cookies?
Preheat the oven to 375°F for optimal baking that cooks evenly without drying the cookie.
- → Can I use other chocolate kisses as a topping?
While the strawberry kiss complements the cookies perfectly, other flavored chocolate kisses can be used to vary taste and presentation.