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Blending juicy strawberry with decadent chocolate makes these tempting cookies that add a dash of charm to every gathering. These soft, pink delights boast a cakey consistency topped with a signature chocolate kiss, making them ideal for Valentine's Day or whenever you're craving something sweet. Using cake mix as the foundation lets you enjoy the fun parts of baking without getting bogged down in complicated steps.
I first baked these for my kid's Valentine's class party and watching the kids get excited about pink cookies with chocolate middles turned them into an instant hit. They're now requested throughout the year, showing that some treats are just too tasty to save only for special days.
Quality Ingredients Matter
- Strawberry cake mix: Delivers both taste and pretty color; grab a good brand for the best outcome
- Vegetable oil: Adds needed moisture; make sure it's not sitting in your pantry too long
- Large eggs: Let them warm up to room temp for easier mixing
- All-purpose flour: Creates just the right texture; use the spoon and level way to measure it right
- Granulated sugar: For coating gives a nice shine and subtle crunch
Baking Step by Step
- Start the Base:
- Whisk oil and eggs until they're fully combined into a smooth mixture.
- Add Dry Stuff:
- Mix in cake mix and flour bit by bit for even blending.
- Finish the Dough:
- Pour in milk slowly, mixing just enough to bring everything together.
- Create Portions:
- Form same-size balls and roll them in sugar for sparkle.
- Cool Down Time:
- Let the dough chill in the fridge to get the best results.
- Add the Finale:
- Push chocolate kisses into warm cookies so they stick just right.
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When my daughter helped me make these cookies, I learned something about taking your time - watching her carefully push each chocolate kiss into the cookies showed me that small details really do make treats extra special.
Tasty Presentation Options
Show off these cookies by stacking them on a multi-level dish with fresh strawberries and mint sprigs. For get-togethers, stick them on decorated craft sticks in a pretty container to make a cookie bouquet. They also work great in gift boxes or Valentine's care packages.
Mix It Up Ideas
Try switching things up with red velvet cake mix for deeper red cookies, or go with lemon cake mix for a tangy twist. You can swap regular kisses for ones filled with caramel or use white chocolate versions instead. For extra flair, roll your cookies in colored sugar that fits your party theme.
Keeping Them Fresh
Your cookies will stay tasty when kept in a sealed container at room temp for about five days. Put wax paper between layers so the chocolate tops don't get smooshed. If you need to store them longer, freeze the cookies without kisses for up to three months, then thaw and add the chocolates right before you serve them.
After making batch after batch of these strawberry kiss cookies, I've realized they're not just for Valentine's Day - they're little bits of happiness that make people smile whenever they show up. Something magical happens when you pair a soft pink cookie with a chocolate kiss, turning everyday moments into sweet little memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What if I skip chilling?
- Wouldn’t suggest it—chilling keeps them from spreading too much, so they stay thick and pretty.
- → Can I swap out the cake mix flavor?
- Sure! You can try chocolate, vanilla, or whatever flavor you like with chocolate kisses.
- → Why are my chocolate kisses melting?
- Make sure to let cookies cool for 1-2 minutes before adding kisses, but don’t wait too long, or they’ll slide off.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
- Yep! Freeze them for up to 3 months. Just stack them with wax paper in between layers.
- → Is a cookie scoop necessary?
- Not at all! Use two tablespoons to measure if you don’t have a #30 scoop handy.