Looking for a charming, easy-to-make treat that combines the nostalgic comfort of cake mix cookies with the fun of chocolate kisses? These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect solution. Soft, pink, and kissed with chocolate, they’re ideal for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers big on flavor, visual appeal, and joy — especially for fans of strawberry desserts.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies check all the right boxes: they’re soft, chewy, delightfully pink, and incredibly simple to make. Using a strawberry cake mix significantly cuts down on prep time, making these cookies perfect for last-minute gatherings or family baking sessions. The addition of Hershey Kisses creates a chocolate-strawberry flavor pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser. They’re also freezer-friendly and easy to customize with different cake mixes or chocolate varieties.
What You’ll Need for These Strawberry Chocolate Kiss Cookies
• Strawberry Cake Mix: Delivers instant strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps firm up the dough for a soft but chewy texture
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cookies without overpowering the flavor
• Eggs: Provide structure and bind the dough ingredients together
• Milk: Just a touch creates a smooth, pliable dough
• Granulated Sugar: Rolled over each dough ball for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior
• Hershey Kisses: Nestled in the center for a rich chocolate finish and classic “blossom” look
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives
• Gluten-Free Cake Mix: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out milk for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate kisses or chocolate drops
• Chocolate Variations: Try dark chocolate kisses, white chocolate hearts, or even stuffed truffles for a twist
• Cake Mix Flavors: Substitute strawberry with lemon, red velvet, or chocolate to create different flavor profiles while keeping the same structure
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Step-by-Step
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil and eggs. Stir until fully incorporated
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in all-purpose flour and strawberry cake mix
- Incorporate Milk: Add a tablespoon of milk to bring the dough together — avoid overmixing
- Shape the Dough: Use a #30 cookie scoop or 2 tablespoons to form dough balls
- Roll in Sugar: Coat each dough ball in granulated sugar for a lightly crisp exterior
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking
- Bake: Place cookie balls on a prepared sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, one sheet at a time
- Add the Kiss: Immediately after baking, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm
- Cool and Store: Let cookies cool completely before transferring to a container for storage
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
• Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip chilling the dough — it helps maintain shape and improves texture
• Handle with Care: Press kisses into cookies gently; too much force can crack the tops
• Check Doneness Early: Cookies should be set at the edges but slightly soft in the center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool
• Use Parchment Paper: This helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom
• Store Smart: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months
Delicious Pairings and Recipe Variations
• Pair With: A glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or fresh strawberry lemonade
• Toppings: Add pink or red sprinkles before baking for extra festive flair
• Stuffed Version: Enclose a mini chocolate truffle or raspberry jam in the dough before baking for a filled cookie
• Holiday-Themed: Use red and white Hershey Candy Cane Kisses during the holidays or heart-shaped chocolates for Valentine’s Day
• Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls (without rolling in sugar) and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to bake time
When to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies are especially popular during Valentine’s Day, thanks to their sweet pink hue and romantic appeal. However, they’re also fantastic for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal brunches, or as a whimsical addition to any cookie platter. Their nostalgic flavor and eye-catching look make them a standout year-round.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a must-try. Bursting with strawberry flavor and topped with a smooth chocolate kiss, they bring together simplicity and indulgence in every bite — a truly irresistible treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are more than just a festive treat — they’re a sweet celebration of simplicity, color, and flavor. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising a loved one, or prepping for a party, these soft strawberry cookies topped with rich chocolate are guaranteed to impress. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Try them once, and they might just become your go-to pink cookie recipe for every special occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Alternatively, shape the dough balls and freeze them (without rolling in sugar). When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, roll in sugar, and bake as directed. This makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies a great make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Cookies can spread excessively if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Chilling the dough for at least one hour is essential to help solidify the fats and reduce spreading. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and avoid using warm cookie sheets from previous batches. These steps will help maintain the signature soft, puffy shape of Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
Can I use homemade strawberry cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer from-scratch baking, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade strawberry cookie dough using freeze-dried strawberries, flour, sugar, and baking soda. However, the cake mix offers a quick shortcut and guarantees that vibrant pink color and strawberry flavor with minimal effort — which is what makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies so appealing for beginner bakers and busy kitchens.
More Relevant Recipes
- Raspberry Cheesecake Truffles: These creamy, no-bake truffles are packed with tangy raspberry flavor and a rich cheesecake center — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any pink-themed celebration. A delightful alternative to Strawberry Kiss Cookies for berry lovers.
- Strawberry Turnovers: Featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with sweet strawberry preserves, these turnovers offer a fruit-forward twist that pairs well with tea or coffee. Ideal for those who love fruity desserts similar to Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
- Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies: With their festive colors and chewy texture, these crinkle cookies combine cherry flavor with nutty pistachios. A perfect complement or alternative to Strawberry Kiss Cookies during the holiday season.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 18 minutes + 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with delightful strawberry flavor, thanks to the cake mix base. Topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, they are easy to make and perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or whenever you crave a sweet pink treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 22 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil and eggs. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the strawberry cake mix and all-purpose flour, stirring until combined.
- Add in the milk and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to form dough into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Place chilled cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, one sheet at a time, until edges are set.
- Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
- Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Use different cake mix flavors like lemon or red velvet for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Unbaked dough can be frozen for make-ahead convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 113 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 138 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.02 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg