There's nothing sweeter than the sight of Strawberry Kiss Cookies fresh out of the oven. These soft, chewy cookies are bursting with strawberry flavor and topped with a decadent chocolate kiss, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, a spring gathering, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

I first discovered this recipe while experimenting with flavored cake mixes, and it quickly became a family favorite. The vibrant pink hue and irresistible pairing of strawberry and chocolate make these cookies perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Get ready to add this charming dessert to your list of go-to cookie recipes. These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect combination of taste, texture, and simplicity.

First, they’re super easy to make. With just a few ingredients – many of which you might already have on hand – you can whip up a batch in no time. They’re ideal for last-minute treats or impromptu baking sessions.

The strawberry and chocolate combination is a match made in heaven. The cookies have a light, fruity flavor that complements the rich, creamy chocolate in every bite.

These cookies are also visually stunning. Their vibrant pink color and elegant Hershey’s Kiss topping make them stand out on any dessert table. They're perfect for gifting, parties, or simply brightening up your day.

Finally, they’re versatile and fun to customize. You can switch up the chocolate kisses or even experiment with different cake mix flavors to create your own twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll achieve big flavor with minimal effort.

Strawberry cake mix: The foundation of this recipe! Using a cake mix saves time and ensures the cookies have a soft, tender texture. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
Eggs and oil: These pantry staples bind the cookie dough and add moisture, creating a chewy texture. Stick with neutral oils like vegetable or canola for the best flavor.
Hershey’s Kisses: The crowning touch! Classic milk chocolate kisses are the most popular choice, but you can experiment with other flavors like dark chocolate or cookies and crème.
Powdered sugar: For rolling the cookie dough, giving the cookies a beautiful crackled appearance when baked.

If you have a cookie scoop on hand, it’ll make portioning the dough quick and easy, ensuring all your cookies bake evenly.

How To Make These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Creating these beautiful cookies is as simple as can be. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, chocolate-topped treats in under 30 minutes.

Prepare your ingredients and oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap about 30 Hershey’s Kisses and set them aside – you'll want them ready to go as soon as the cookies come out of the oven.
Mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 box of strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, and ⅓ cup of vegetable oil. Stir until everything is well incorporated, forming a thick dough.
Shape the cookies. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating them evenly, and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re set but still soft. The tops will develop a beautiful crackled pattern, and the vibrant pink color will peek through.
Add the kisses. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are just as delightful a day or two later – if they last that long! Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate kisses from smudging.
Freezing: Want to make them ahead of time? Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Unbaked dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll them in powdered sugar and bake as directed – no need to thaw!

To reheat the cookies, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make these cookies your own:

Different cake mix flavors: Swap the strawberry cake mix for another flavor like lemon, red velvet, or chocolate for a new twist.
Switch up the kisses: Try Hershey’s Hugs, caramel-filled kisses, or even peppermint kisses for a unique flavor combination.
Add sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, roll the cookie dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
Make it a sandwich: Skip the Hershey’s Kiss and instead sandwich two cookies with chocolate ganache or frosting in the middle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies. The soft, strawberry-flavored cookies paired with a sweet chocolate kiss are a treat for the senses – visually stunning, delightfully aromatic, and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the recipe. Happy baking!