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Colorful, fun, and totally pink—Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a mashup of sugar cookies and chocolate kisses in one cute bite. All it takes is 5 basic ingredients, and they're way easier than you'd think. The pink strawberry kiss melts into the warm cookie, giving you a mix of gooey and soft textures with loads of flavor.
I baked these last Saturday with my kiddo for her Valentine’s party at school. The big smiles when her friends saw the shiny pink cookies totally made the sprinkle mess worth it. And a little secret? The dough has cream cheese, which is what makes these extra pillowy and soft.
Essential Ingredients
- Large egg: Gets everything to hold together just right
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: Pink, tasty, and so fun—but any kind of chocolate kiss will work
- Cream cheese: Need it nice and soft first for the dreamiest dough
- Pink sanding sugar: Adds sparkle, but plain sugar is okay if you can't find the pink kind
- Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: Love the sprinkles for color, but plain sugar cookie mix does the trick too
Simple How-To Guide
- Finishing Touches:
- Let kisses cool off and set all the way. Use a rack for cooling. Sprinkle on extra bling if you like. Try not to eat while they're still piping hot!
- Give It the Kiss:
- Cool cookies on the tray for a few. Unwrap all your kisses while you wait. Gently squish a kiss into each cookie. Let them sit in place till firm.
- Bake Away:
- Fire up your oven to 375°F. Make sure the cookies aren't crowded—space out about 1½ inches. Bake for 8-12 minutes. When the edges look finished, they're done.
- Shaping Time:
- Portion out dough (about 1½ tablespoons each). Roll them all in sanding sugar. Shape into smooth little balls. Pop onto your baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Mixing Up:
- Whip cream cheese till it’s creamy. Add in cookie mix plus your egg. Mix ‘til it's a soft dough. Too sticky? Chill for a bit so it's easier to handle.
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Best Centers Every Time
Getting the chocolate kisses just right comes down to timing. I've learned you want to wait about 3 to 5 minutes after baking, so the cookies are warm enough to make the kisses stick but not burn-your-mouth hot.
Chill for Control
When your dough is a sticky mess, just pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm it up. I like to roll out all the dough balls and chill them on the pan before they bake so they keep their shape.
How To Store Them Right
Pop your cookies into an airtight jar, and they’ll stay soft at room temp for up to 4 days. If your kitchen’s stuffy, stash them in the fridge instead, but let 'em warm up to room temperature before digging in.
Getting Ahead
Dough balls freeze well—just skip the sugar until you’re ready to bake. Thaw for a bit, roll in sugar, then bake (just tack on one more minute to the oven time).
Decorating Makes It Fun
I set out a few bowls of different sanding sugars for everyone to use. Pink and white are our favorites on Valentine’s, but switch up the colors for whatever you’re celebrating.
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Baking these cookies is our go-to for Valentine’s now. Even little kids can help and they come out pretty enough to give away. No matter if it’s a class party, family get-together, or just because—it’s impossible for anyone to eat just one. Soft sugary cookie with a burst of strawberry chocolate in the middle? Absolute magic for any day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why add cream cheese to cookie mix?
- It makes them extra moist and rich. You'll notice a fluffier texture, too.
- → When should I add the Kisses?
- Pop them on right after they come out of the oven. They'll stick best while the cookies are hot.
- → Can I use different Kisses flavors?
- Of course! Grab any Hershey's Kiss you like.
- → Why is my dough sticky?
- That’s totally normal. Just chill it for a bit so it’s easier to scoop.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes but skip adding the Kisses until after thawing. Warm the cookies then press on the candy.