Strawberry Kiss Cookies combine soft, buttery strawberry-infused dough with a rich chocolate kiss pressed into the center. Made with cake mix for convenience and cream cheese for extra tenderness, these cookies bake up thick, slightly crinkled, and irresistibly soft. A light coating of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and bakery-style finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Cream cheese enriches the dough, creating tender, pillowy cookies.
- Strawberry-Chocolate Classic Combo – Fruity sweetness pairs beautifully with rich chocolate centers.
- Beginner-Friendly Ingredients – Uses boxed cake mix for consistent, reliable results.
- Perfectly Thick Cookies – Chilling prevents excessive spreading.
- Festive & Giftable – Their pink hue and chocolate center make them ideal for holidays.
- Quick Prep Time – Minimal mixing and simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cookie Base
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix – Provides strawberry flavor, sweetness, and leavening.
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled – Adds richness and structure.
- 1 large egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Creates a soft, slightly dense texture and subtle tang.
Optional Coating
- Powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and decorative finish.
Topping
- 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped – Provide a rich chocolate center and signature look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly until the dough becomes thick and uniform, with no streaks remaining.
Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, preventing spreading and enhancing texture.
Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls.
Coat (Optional)
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for a decorative finish, or leave plain.
Bake
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Add the Chocolate Kiss
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Light cracking is normal.
Cool Completely
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool fully to allow chocolate to set.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Chill for Thickness – Skipping chill time may result in flatter cookies.
- Soft Centers Are Ideal – Remove from oven when centers still look slightly underdone.
- Press Gently – Avoid pressing too hard when adding chocolate to prevent collapsing.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese – Ensures smooth dough consistency.
- Let Chocolate Set Naturally – Avoid refrigeration to prevent condensation.
- Store Properly – Keep airtight to maintain softness.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 120–140 calories per cookie (estimate)
Perfect Pairings
- Cold Glass of Milk – Balances sweetness.
- Hot Cocoa – Enhances chocolate center.
- Vanilla Latte – Complements strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry Milkshake (for dessert tables) – Amplifies fruity notes.
Ideal Occasions
- Valentine’s Day Treats – Pink hue makes them festive.
- Holiday Cookie Exchanges – Easy and eye-catching.
- Bake Sales & Parties – Crowd-pleasing and portable.
- Homemade Gift Boxes – Attractive presentation.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store Airtight at Room Temperature – Keeps fresh up to 3 days.
- Layer with Parchment Paper – Prevents chocolate smudging.
- Freeze Unbaked Dough Balls – Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Allow Chocolate to Firm Before Storing – Prevents sticking.
Creative Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Kisses – For a softer visual contrast.
- Strawberry Extract Boost – Add ¼ teaspoon for stronger flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosted Version – Skip kiss and add piped frosting swirl.
- Chocolate-Dipped Base – Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies Spreading Too Much – Chill dough longer before baking.
- Dough Too Sticky – Lightly flour hands when rolling.
- Chocolate Melting Excessively – Press kisses after slight cooling.
- Dry Texture – Avoid overbaking; remove when centers are soft.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe leverages the structure and leavening agents in cake mix for consistent results, while melted butter contributes richness and moisture. Cream cheese increases fat content and reduces gluten development, creating a soft, tender crumb. Chilling solidifies fats before baking, preventing excessive spread and maintaining thickness. Adding the chocolate kiss immediately after baking allows residual heat to anchor it without melting completely. At approximately 120–140 calories per cookie, they offer a sweet indulgence in a manageable portion.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a charming, flavorful treat that combines convenience with classic strawberry-chocolate appeal. Their soft texture, vibrant color, and iconic chocolate center make them ideal for celebrations or everyday baking. For a lighter variation, use reduced-fat cream cheese while preserving their signature softness. Whether shared at a party or packaged as a gift, these cookies deliver simple joy in every bite.
