Save
These strawberry kiss cookies bring a wonderful combination of soft, buttery texture and a rich cream cheese flavor, finished with a sweet chocolate kiss on top. They make a perfect festive treat for sharing or enjoying anytime you want a cozy sweet bite.
I first made these for a friend’s birthday party, and everyone loved how soft and flavorful they were. Now they’re a go-to whenever I want something that looks impressive but takes very little effort.
Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix: provides the base flavor and sweetness, choose a good quality brand for best results
- Butter, melted and cooled: adds richness and moisture, ensure it is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg
- Large egg: binds the dough together and helps with structure
- Cream cheese, softened: important for moist, tender cookies with a slight tang, room temperature is key for easy mixing
- Optional powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar: adds a pretty sparkle and a bit of crunch on the outside if you like
- Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped: the classic finishing touch that melts slightly on top for a perfect contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted cooled butter, and egg until you get a smooth batter with no lumps. This step is crucial to develop the right dough consistency.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir thoroughly until the dough turns thick and fully combined. The cream cheese makes the dough creamy and tender.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour so it firms up. This helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Form and Sugar Coat the Cookies:
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough, roll it in sugar if you want an extra sweet crust, and place each ball on the baking sheet spaced apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for around 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set but centers that remain soft to keep the perfect chewy texture.
- Add the Chocolate Kiss:
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. Then gently press a chocolate kiss right in the center of each cookie. Expect some slight cracking, that is normal.
- Cool Completely:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully before serving to allow the chocolate to set properly without melting away.
Save
My favorite ingredient has to be the cream cheese because it takes these cookies from simple to irresistibly soft and flavorful. I remember making these around Valentines once, and my kids kept stealing them from the cooling rack, insisting they were the best cookies ever.
Storage Tips
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft but avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out. They last best when eaten fresh within three days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw on the counter before serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find strawberry cake mix you can try a vanilla or white cake mix with 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries finely crushed to maintain the strawberry flavor. You can substitute regular granulated sugar for pink sugar for a less decorative sweet coating. If you do not have cream cheese you can try mascarpone but it will alter the tang slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or cold milk for a comforting snack. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie platter or a pretty homemade gift wrapped with a ribbon. Adding a few fresh strawberries on the side pairs nicely for a themed presentation.
Cultural and Historical Context
Strawberry flavored desserts have long been a symbol of spring and new beginnings in American cooking. The use of cake mix in cookies is a clever method popularized in home baking circles for quick and foolproof recipes. Chocolate kisses add a nostalgic holiday touch, making these perfect around Christmas or Valentine’s Day when pink and red treats are most celebrated.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour firms it up, helping maintain the cookie's thickness and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- → How can I achieve a soft center with set edges in these cookies?
Baking for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft creates a tender texture with a gentle bite.
- → What role does cream cheese play in these cookies?
Cream cheese adds richness and moisture, producing a smooth, thick dough and a tender, buttery texture once baked.
- → Can I substitute the strawberry cake mix with another flavor?
While strawberry mix brings distinct flavor and color, experimenting with other cake mixes will change the taste and texture, but the method remains similar.
- → How should the cookies be stored for best freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness and flavor for up to three days.
- → What is the purpose of pressing the chocolate kiss after baking?
Pressing the chocolate kiss into the warm cookie slightly softens it, creating a classic sweet center and adding a decorative touch.