Soft Baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Strawberry kiss cookies stole the show at our neighbor’s Valentine bake swap. Everyone was asked to bring a treat with a pink or red twist, and I knew I wanted something playful, sweet, and just a little romantic.

Earlier that week, my cousin Tasha had called in a panic her daughter’s class party needed “heart-themed” treats and she didn’t want to make another batch of sugar cookies. We brainstormed while folding laundry and drinking coffee, and that’s when strawberry cake mix came into the conversation.

By Saturday morning, Tasha and I had a plan. She brought over her bright red apron and a bag of Hershey’s kisses, while my youngest, Dylan, carefully peeled the wrappers off each chocolate and kept “accidentally” eating one every third candy.

We mixed up the dough, rolled the soft pink balls in sugar, and slid them into the oven. The house filled with this sweet berry aroma, almost like cotton candy and vanilla dancing together. Once the cookies came out, warm and puffy, we gently pressed each kiss in the center. Dylan asked if we could call them “love buttons.”

Later that afternoon, at the community swap, trays of chocolate truffles and raspberry bars lined the table, but it was the strawberry kiss cookies that vanished first. They’re cheerful, simple to make, and undeniably festive.

Since then, they’ve shown up at baby showers, spring brunches, and even a bridal tea party I catered last month. These little pink bites have a way of showing up when joy is on the menu.

Short Description

Strawberry kiss cookies are soft, chewy treats made with strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and topped with a chocolate Hershey’s kiss perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday baking fun.

Key Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
• 8 tbsp (½ cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• Optional: powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar (for coating)
• 30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Base Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese and beat or stir until thick and fully incorporated. The dough will be soft but manageable.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour so it firms up and becomes easier to handle.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Coat in powdered or pink sugar if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie balls onto prepared sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Kisses
Let cookies rest 1–2 minutes, then gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before storing or serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make with minimal prep

Bright, fun color perfect for themed parties

Soft and chewy texture with creamy centers

Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Customizable with flavored kisses or sugar coatings

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Skipping the chill time
Warm dough will spread too much during baking.
Solution: Chill for at least 1 hour to prevent flat cookies.

Using overly melted butter
Hot butter can curdle the egg or melt the cream cheese.
Solution: Let the butter cool slightly before adding.

Pressing kisses too soon
They’ll melt into the cookie and lose shape.
Solution: Wait 1–2 minutes after baking before pressing in.

Overbaking
These cookies should be soft and tender.
Solution: Remove when edges are set but centers still look a bit underdone.

Uneven cookie size
Smaller cookies will bake faster and dry out.
Solution: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a pink or white platter for themed events

Pair with hot cocoa, strawberry milk, or vanilla lattes

Add to dessert tables alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries

Pack in gift boxes with tissue paper for Valentine’s or birthdays

Arrange in tiers for baby showers or tea parties

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days

Refrigerate for up to 1 week if needed

Freeze baked cookies (without kisses) for up to 2 months

Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh kisses before serving

Do not microwave to reheat—the chocolate will melt too fast

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try vanilla, lemon, or red velvet for other fun variations.

2. Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, chill the dough overnight or freeze the baked cookies for later.

3. Do I have to roll them in sugar?
Not at all—it’s optional. Sugar adds sparkle but the cookies are delicious plain too.

4. Can I use mini kisses or other chocolates?
Absolutely. Mini kisses, hearts, or peanut butter cups all work well.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your chocolate kisses are certified gluten-free.

Tips & Tricks

Use a small scoop for uniform cookies

Let cream cheese fully soften for easier mixing

Chill dough overnight for more intense flavor

Swap in flavored kisses (like strawberry or white chocolate swirl)

Use gel food coloring for deeper pink tones if desired

Recipe Variations

Strawberry Cream Kiss Cookies
Add ½ tsp vanilla extract and use white chocolate kisses for a strawberries-and-cream vibe.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies
Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Berry Shortcake Cookies
Add ¼ cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries into the dough and top with whipped cream kisses.

Valentine Sprinkle Kiss Cookies
Roll dough in pink sprinkles instead of sugar before baking for extra crunch and color.

Lemon Strawberry Twist
Use lemon cake mix instead of strawberry and pair with dark chocolate kisses for a tangy twist.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry kiss cookies have a way of turning the simplest baking day into something festive. They’re bright, sweet, and almost too pretty to eat until you take that first bite and realize they’re even better than they look. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just looking for something joyful to bring to the table, these cookies deliver.

In every kitchen I’ve made them in from my neighbor’s farmhouse to my niece’s tiny apartment they’ve sparked delight. The strawberry scent, the kiss of chocolate, the soft center it all works together like a little baked gift. Keep this recipe handy. It might just be your new favorite pink treat.