The first bite of a fresh-baked cookie can transport you back to simpler times, where smiles are shared over warm treats. That’s exactly what my Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring to the table—a delightful twist on traditional favorites. With their exciting strawberry flavor and a luscious chocolate kiss hiding in the center, these cookies are not just quick and easy to whip up, but they also add a pop of color to any occasion. Thanks to a simple cake mix base, you can impress friends and family with minimal effort, making them a guilt-free indulgence for busy days or special celebrations. Are you ready to fall in love with this sweet treat and create some delicious memories?
Why are Strawberry Kiss Cookies a must-try?
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Each bite of these cookies is beautifully soft and crumbly, creating a delightful eating experience.
Easy to make: Thanks to a cake mix base, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level, making it an ideal choice for a quick sweet fix.
Colorful and fun: The cheerful pink hue brightens any dessert table, making them perfect for celebrations or a cozy coffee break.
Kid-friendly treat: With their fun chocolate surprise, these cookies will quickly become a favorite among kids, making baking a family affair.
For more quick recipes, check out Cappuccino Cookies Chewy or Snickerdoodle Cookies Sweet and continue the baking fun!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Indulge in these delightful cookies!
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For the Cookie Batter
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Strawberry Cake Mix – The essential ingredient that provides the signature strawberry flavor.
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Butter (8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup, melted and slightly cooled) – Adds richness and moisture to enhance the cookie’s texture.
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Egg (1 large) – Acts as a binder for all the ingredients, keeping your cookies together.
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Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened) – Ensures a tender and moist cookie, elevating the overall taste.
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For the Sweet Surprise
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Chocolate Kisses (30, unwrapped) – These provide a rich chocolate surprise at the center of each cookie, making strawberry kiss cookies even more delightful.
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For Dusting
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Powdered Sugar (optional for dusting) – Adds a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal to your finished cookies.
Enjoy baking these Strawberry Kiss Cookies at home while creating sweet memories with your loved ones!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and the large egg. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps from the cake mix. This should take about 2 minutes. You’ll end up with a thick batter that has a lovely pink hue, ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
Next, incorporate the softened cream cheese into the dough. Mix thoroughly until it is fully integrated, creating a rich and creamy cookie batter. This step is crucial for adding moisture and tenderness to your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. The dough will have a thick consistency, indicating it is well blended and ready to chill.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to the perfect soft and thick texture. After an hour, the dough should feel firmer and easier to handle, ensuring impressive cookies when baked.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and allow for easy cleanup. Make sure the oven is fully heated before baking, as this will help achieve that desirable soft center with slightly crispy edges.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls between your hands. For an extra touch, you can roll the dough balls in powdered sugar or pink sugar for a festive look. Arrange the balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be set, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. You’ll know they’re done when they begin to crack slightly around the edges.
Step 7: Press in the Chocolate Kisses
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes on the baking sheet. While they’re still warm, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, letting it sink slightly into the soft cookie. This adds that delightful surprise when you take a bite.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it allows the cookies to set and the chocolate kisses to hold their shape. Once cooled, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are ready to be enjoyed, whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat.
Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Customize your delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies to suit every taste and occasion!
- Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) to keep it plant-based. The result will still be just as tasty and soft.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy these cookies without worry.
- Cheesecake Twist: Replace cream cheese with a cheesecake-flavored spread for an extra creamy texture that elevates your cookies. It adds a delightful surprise to each bite!
- Nutty Add-In: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like toasted almonds or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor. The nutty texture complements the luscious chocolate center perfectly.
- Berry Burst: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor. These additions create a delightful fruity surprise in each bite!
- Flavor Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of coconut extract to the dough for a tropical twist. It’s a fun way to change things up!
- Frosting Finish: Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant touch that adds sweetness and decadence. This creates a beautiful and delicious contrast!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heartier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy surprise that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
For more baking inspiration, try your hand at these Chocolate Strawberry Frozen, or indulge in Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies for sweet, heartwarming treats!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for meal prepping, saving you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This chilling process not only helps the flavors blend beautifully but also maintains the cookies’ thick texture. If you’re planning to bake them later, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, refrigerate for another 30 minutes before baking. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in a preheated oven and follow the steps as usual; they’ll turn out just as delicious, with that joyful chocolate surprise waiting in every bite!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Create the perfect atmosphere for sharing these delightful cookies with something sweet and refreshing alongside!
- Fresh Strawberries: The natural sweetness of juicy strawberries complements the cookie’s flavor, creating a beautiful symphony of tastes.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, adding a contrasting cooling element that enhances the overall dessert experience.
- Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk balances the sweetness while making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty lemonade brightens the table, offering a delightful citrusy counterpoint to the strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate echo the cookie’s chocolate kiss center, providing a fun and indulgent touch.
- Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee brings a cozy vibe, perfect for enjoying alongside these cookies during a charming afternoon break.
- Mini Fruit Tarts: Light and fruity tarts can enhance the brightness of the cookies, making your dessert table feel festive and colorful.
- A Fruit Platter: A colorful selection of seasonal fruits adds freshness and variety, creating a well-rounded dessert spread.
Embrace the joy of sharing these flavorsome delights!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.
Fridge: If you need a longer storage solution, place them in the fridge, where they can last for up to a week—but be sure to let them come to room temperature for the best taste!
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies without sugar dusting for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before indulging in your delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough for at least 1 hour. This helps maintain the thickness and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Don’t Overbake: Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them around the 8-minute mark.
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Precise Measurements: Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the cake mix. Too much or too little can affect the texture of your Strawberry Kiss Cookies significantly.
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Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and chocolate kisses. The richness of these ingredients enhances the overall flavor and experience of your cookies.
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures they set properly and keeps the chocolate kiss intact for that delightful surprise.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberry cake mix should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a good-quality strawberry cake mix. It provides the essential strawberry taste without needing fresh strawberries, which can alter the cookie’s texture.
How long can I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need them to last longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week—just allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavor!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very good question! Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop the cookie portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will last for up to 3 months. To bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find that your Strawberry Kiss Cookies spread too much, make sure you’ve chilled the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. Additionally, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—sometimes ovens run hotter, which can cause cookies to spread. If your cookies still spread, try using a little extra cake mix to thicken the dough.
Can dogs eat Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
No, definitely not! While the ingredients are safe for humans, chocolate is toxic to dogs. It’s best to keep these delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies away from our furry friends to ensure their safety.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you’re looking to make gluten-free Strawberry Kiss Cookies, you can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free version. Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder and powdered sugar, are also gluten-free. Follow the instructions as usual, and you’ll still have delightful cookies to share!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Kiss Cookies for Sweet Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and the large egg. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps from the cake mix.
- Next, incorporate the softened cream cheese into the dough. Mix thoroughly until it is fully integrated, creating a rich and creamy cookie batter.
- Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Arrange the balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes on the baking sheet. While they're still warm, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
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