There’s something special about Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight the way their sweet strawberry scent and gentle sweetness make people gather around the counter. Clara remembers pressing each glossy pink kiss into warm cookie centers and watching faces light up. This recipe feels like a small celebration you can make any day.
If you like soft, tender cookies, you might also enjoy my take on soft Christmas thumbprint cookies, which use a similar technique and the same kind of comforting finish.
Why You’ll Love Making This Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
There are so many reasons this recipe becomes a favorite. It comes together fast, uses a simple store-bought cookie mix for an easy base, and adds cream cheese for that irresistible soft, slightly tangy texture. The Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses are fun, seasonal, and make every cookie feel like a tiny gift.
These cookies are forgiving. Even if you are new to baking, the dough is straightforward to work with and a short chill can fix stickiness in a minute. They are perfect for Valentine’s, school lunches, party platters, or whenever you want a sweet, cheery treat that looks special without hours of fuss.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”
Before we get into exact measurements and steps, here’s a quick plan. You will mix a cookie base with cream cheese and an egg, roll the dough in pink sanding sugar or non-pareils for sparkle, bake just until set, and press a strawberry kiss into the warm center. The result is soft, slightly chewy, and perfectly pretty.
Take a moment to lay out your ingredients, preheat the oven, and line a baking sheet. That small bit of prep makes the rest feel calm and easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix, use a brand you trust for consistent texture and flavor.
4 oz cream cheese, softened, room temperature makes it blend smoothly.
1 large egg, brings structure and tenderness.
½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils, for sparkle and a little crunch.
18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, one per cookie, for a bright strawberry finish.
Notes: Use real butter if the cookie mix calls for it or if you’re adding butter; real butter gives the best flavor. If you prefer, pick nonpareils for a classic dotted look. Having the cream cheese at room temperature is the small tip that ensures a uniform dough and avoids lumps.
Directions: Cooking with Confidence
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or a hand mixer on low until everything comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky ball.
- Place sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl. This makes it easy to roll each dough ball evenly and gives a uniform coating.
- Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll in sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls. Aim for even sizes so the cookies bake at the same rate.
- If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes. Put the dough in the fridge in a covered bowl. A firmer dough is much easier to shape and roll.
- Arrange cookie balls on baking sheet about 1½ inches apart. They do not spread too much, but giving them room keeps edges neat and helps the kisses settle in without touching.
- Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Look for edges that have set and maybe a whisper of color, while the middle still looks slightly underbaked. That soft center is what gives the cookie its tender texture.
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center. Press gently so the cookie does not crack. The warmth will make the kiss sink just enough to set as the cookie cools.
- Cool completely or enjoy warm. If you love a warm, gooey bite, enjoy right away. For neat stacking and serving, let them cool fully so the kisses set up.
These steps are simple and direct. If you want to use a mixer, work at low speed and scrape the bowl. If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough in the refrigerator between scooping batches.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight and Make It Shine
Serve these cookies on a plain white plate for contrast, or on a small doily for a classic touch. A tiered dessert stand makes them feel like a party, especially if you add a few fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar around the platter.
Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a creamy hot chocolate, or a mild coffee. For a Valentine’s presentation, place each cookie in a small paper liner and tie a ribbon around the box. They are terrific for bake sales, classroom treats, or a cozy night in.
If you want a more grown-up pairing, try a slightly tart raspberry compote on the side or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cookies are soft enough to sandwich a little whipped cream between two for a playful dessert.
How to Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight for Later
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers so the kisses stay pretty and nothing sticks.
For longer life, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
If you’d rather freeze dough, shape and roll the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. That way you can have fresh-baked cookies on demand.
To freshen cookies that lost a bit of their softness, warm them in a 300°F oven for 4–6 minutes or microwave one cookie for 8–10 seconds. They will regain a gentle, just-baked texture.
Clara’s Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese makes lumpy dough. If it’s not soft, cut it into small pieces and let it sit 15–20 minutes.
- Use a uniform scoop. A 1½ tablespoon scoop gives even cookies. If you don’t have a scoop, use a tablespoon and keep sizes consistent.
- Chill sticky dough briefly. If rolling is hard because the dough is tacky, a 30-minute chill helps a lot. It also concentrates the flavors slightly.
- Press kisses gently. After baking, press the kiss into the center while the cookie is still warm. Too hard and the cookie cracks. A light, steady press is all you need.
- Bake by feel. Oven temperatures vary. Start checking at 8 minutes and remember that leaving the center slightly soft gives the best texture.
Simple Variations to Try
- Chocolate-Dipped Edges: Once cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie’s bottom in melted semi-sweet chocolate and let set on parchment. The combo of strawberry and chocolate is classic.
- Lemon Sparkle: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrus lift that brightens the strawberry kiss.
- Almond Swap: Replace the Funfetti mix with a plain sugar cookie mix and add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nuttier profile.
- Sprinkle Swap: Use rainbow nonpareils for a playful look, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an intense strawberry flavor and rosy color.
- Seasonal Twist: Try these for other holidays by swapping the kiss for other flavored kisses or small chocolate candies. For fall, try a caramel kiss or pumpkin spice chocolate.
If you enjoy taking these textures and using them in other places, check out my version of soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting for a cozy seasonal idea that uses some of the same soft-cookie tricks.
The Science Behind the Softness
A couple of simple facts help explain why these cookies stay soft. The cream cheese adds moisture and fat which slows gluten development and keeps the structure tender. Using a cookie mix designed for soft cookies helps, too, because the mix usually contains the right ratio of sugar, fat, and leavening to avoid over-chewy results.
Baking until edges are set but centers still look a touch underdone is key. As the cookies cool, residual heat finishes the gentle cook in the middle without drying it out.
If you replace the cream cheese with butter, expect a slightly firmer texture and a richer flavor. If you replace the egg, use an egg replacer that adds similar moisture and binding to keep them tender.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cookies spread too thin: Your oven may be too warm or the baking sheet too close to the heat. Use a middle rack and check oven temperature with a thermometer. Alternatively, chill the dough a bit longer.
Cookies are too cakey: You may have added too much leavening or overmixed the dough. Mix just enough to combine ingredients and check that the cookie mix you use is not a cake-like mix.
Kisses sink too far: Press them in as soon as the cookies come out but do so gently. If the dough is very soft, give cookies a minute to cool on the sheet before pressing.
Kisses crack: That usually means you pressed too hard or the cookie cooled too much before pressing. Press while still warm and with a gentle touch.
Cookies stick to the pan: Use parchment or a silicone mat. Also check that cookies have cooled enough before moving; warm cookies tear easier.
Making This Recipe with Kids
This is a joyful recipe for baking with kids. They will love rolling dough balls, covering them in sparkly sugar, and placing kisses on top. Teach them the gentle press and let them do the glittering. It’s a great way to show measurements and timing in a low-pressure setting.
Use smaller scoops for little hands. Keep a wet wipe or damp towel nearby for floury fingers. The clean-up is simple because most of the fun parts happen on a single baking sheet.
Presentation Ideas for Gifting or Parties
Place cookies in small cellophane bags with a handwritten tag for a personal touch. Stack them in a small box with tissue paper and a ribbon for a neat gift.
For a party, arrange cookies on a low platter with fresh berries and a few sprigs of mint. Use different sizes of cookies to add visual interest and scatter a few extra kisses around the tray.
A single cookie in a pretty cupcake liner makes a charming place setting for a casual dinner. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful, homemade detail.
Healthier Swaps and Dietary Notes
If you need to reduce sugar or adapt for dietary needs, here are a few possibilities. Use a low-sugar cookie mix and a sugar substitute that measures like sugar if you must cut sweetness. Be mindful that sweetener changes can alter texture.
For dairy-free options, use a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free cookie mix. The texture will be slightly different, but you can still get soft, tasty cookies.
For egg-free, use a commercial egg replacer, or try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, chilled) in place of the egg. Note that flax eggs can slightly modify texture and color.
Always taste and test a small batch when making substitutions.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Place sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll in sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls.
- If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes.
- Arrange cookie balls on baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center gently.
- Cool completely or enjoy warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be chilled overnight, or you can freeze baked cookies for up to two months. Thaw and warm briefly before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
Can I make the cookies without the Funfetti mix?
Yes. Use a 16-ounce sugar cookie mix or make a classic sugar cookie dough and fold in a little colorful sprinkle if you like. The cream cheese trick still works to keep them soft.
Why did my cookies flatten?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm, the oven temperature is off, or the scoop sizes vary. Try chilling the dough and using consistent scoops. An oven thermometer helps too.
Can I use other Hershey’s Kiss flavors?
Absolutely. The strawberry kiss is lovely, but chocolate, caramel, or seasonal flavors are all delicious. Just press them in while cookies are warm.
How do I keep the kisses from melting too much?
Press gently and only once, right after removing the cookies from the oven. Let the cookie’s residual heat soften the kiss just enough so it sets as it cools.
Final Encouragement from Clara
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight are simple, forgiving, and full of personality. You do not need a lot of baking experience to make them look like a treat from a bakery. Take your time, enjoy the small steps, and remember that a slightly imperfect cookie is still a warm, welcome cookie.
Baking is part technique and part heart. Trust your hands and the feel of the dough. If a batch needs a small fix, you can usually adjust on the fly. Above all, have fun with it. You have everything you need to make a beautiful plate of cookies that will make people smile.
Conclusion
If you want another approachable source of cookie inspiration, I like the friendly tutorials on Baking with Blondie for practical tips and pretty ideas. For a recipe closely related to this one, check out the original take on Strawberry Kiss Cookies at xoxoBella’s Strawberry Kiss Cookies for another perspective on the classic treat.
I hope this Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. You’ve got this.
