The first time I baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies, the whole kitchen smelled like a candy shop. Warm sugar, a hint of vanilla, and those pretty pink Kisses melting just enough to glisten it felt like love in cookie form. These cookies are soft, cheerful, and perfect for sharing, especially around Valentine’s Day.
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What Makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies So Special
These cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly easy. Each bite brings together the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the fruity charm of Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses. The pink sugar coating adds sparkle and crunch. Even better, the dough starts from a simple Funfetti sugar cookie mix, so there’s no stress just pure fun baking.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
You’ll only need a few pantry staples and one special candy to make these cookies shine.
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Ingredient Notes and Simple Substitutions
If you can’t find the Funfetti mix, use a regular sugar cookie or even a strawberry cake mix. Any Kiss flavor will work milk chocolate, cookies and cream, or even Hugs. Don’t have sanding sugar? Try colored sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fun twist.
Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon size)
- Cooling rack
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Step-by-Step
Mixing the Dough the Right Way
In a large bowl, mix the cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms. The cream cheese adds richness and keeps the cookies soft. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 30–60 minutes.
Rolling, Shaping, and Prepping for the Oven
Place sanding sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop the dough using your cookie scoop, roll each ball gently, then coat it in sugar. Arrange them on your prepared sheet about 1½ inches apart.
Baking and Adding the Strawberry Kisses
Bake at 375°F for 8–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. Let cookies cool for 3–5 minutes. Then gently press a Strawberry Kiss into the center of each. Let them cool completely or enjoy them warm and slightly melty.
Expert Tips for Soft, Pretty, and Perfect Kiss Cookies
Managing Sticky Dough
If your dough sticks to your hands, coat your palms lightly in sanding sugar. You can also chill the dough for up to an hour to make rolling easier.
How to Control Melted vs. Firm Kisses
If you want the Kisses to keep their shape, wait until the cookies cool slightly before pressing them in. For a softer, melty center, add the Kisses right after baking. Adjust the cool time based on your preference.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Options
Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’ll keep for about a week in the fridge. To freeze, arrange baked cookies in layers with parchment between and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Ideas for Valentine’s Day and Beyond
These cookies are perfect for school parties, gift boxes, or cozy dessert platters. Pair them with cocoa or pink lemonade. You can also mix and match Kiss flavors for holidays try peppermint Kisses at Christmas or caramel ones in fall.
More Such Recipes
If you love baking treats like this, you’ll enjoy:
- chewy chocolate chip cookies with soft centers
- soft gingerbread cookies perfect for holidays
- simple churro cheesecake bars
- no bake cookie dough bars (vegan + gluten free)
- chocolate no bake cookies recipe
- apple pie bites for easy dessert platters
- cinnamon sugar french toast muffins
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of treat that looks fancy but feels effortless. With a soft sugar base and creamy strawberry center, they bring sweetness to every bite. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a rainy afternoon, these cookies promise smiles all around. For more seasonal inspiration, follow along on Pinterest or join the fun on Facebook.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 16–18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy Strawberry Kiss Cookies made with Funfetti mix, cream cheese, and topped with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
3. Place sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl.
4. Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll in sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls.
5. If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes.
6. Arrange cookie balls on baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
7. Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
8. Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center.
9. Cool completely or enjoy warm.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
Chill dough if sticky and use sanding sugar to coat hands.
For firm Kisses, cool cookies slightly before pressing.
If you prefer soft melted centers, press Kisses immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Category: Valentine’s Day Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 139mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg