Have You Ever Wondered Why certain Flavors Instantly Transport You Back to Childhood?
Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif, your resident home cook and the voice behind Mister Recipes. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen when I was just ten years old. While she was famous for her Texas style barbecue, she also had a magical touch with baking. One of my fondest memories is the scent of sweet fruit and chocolate filling the air during the holidays. That is exactly the feeling I wanted to recreate with these Strawberry Kiss Cookies. Whether you are a busy parent or someone who loves a good kitchen project, this recipe is designed to bring a little extra joy and connection to your table.
I believe that cooking is about more than just food; it is about making people happy. These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the ultimate crowd pleaser because they combine the nostalgic fluffiness of a sugar cookie with the bold, fruity punch of strawberry. They are bright, beautiful, and incredibly easy to whip up with the kids on a Sunday afternoon. In our house, my kids Adams and Jana love being the ones to press the chocolate kisses into the warm dough. It is a small moment, but it is those moments that make a house feel like a home.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
There is a reason these cookies disappear so fast at every bake sale and family gathering I host. Here is why you are going to fall in love with them:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The tartness of the strawberry perfectly offsets the sweet milk chocolate center.
- Kid Friendly Fun: This is a great recipe for little hands to help with, especially the unwrapping and pressing of the kisses.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink color makes them a standout addition to any dessert platter or valentines sweets charcuterie board recipe.
- Quick and Effortless: You do not need professional training or fancy equipment to get bakery quality results at home.
- Adaptable: You can easily swap the chocolate for different flavors or use different fruit bases to keep things fresh.
Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Before we grab our aprons, let us make sure we have everything we need. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry!
- 1 box of Strawberry Cake Mix (this is the secret to that perfect pink color and soft texture)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature for better mixing)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough)
- 36 to 40 Milk Chocolate Kisses (unwrapped)
- Optional: A drop of pink food coloring if you want an extra vibrant look
If you prefer a more from scratch approach, you can check out my strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe which uses fresh fruit and cream cheese for a decadent twist.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so your cookies do not stick.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or hand mixer until a soft dough forms. It will be a bit sticky, but that is normal.
- Chill the Dough: If the mixture feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. This makes rolling the balls much easier.
- Roll and Coat: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a 1 inch ball. Roll the ball in the bowl of granulated sugar until it is fully coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft.
- The Finishing Touch: While the cookies are in the oven, unwrap your chocolate kisses. As soon as you take the cookies out, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will melt the bottom slightly, acting like a tasty glue.
- Cool Down: Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
To get the best results every single time, here are a few tricks I have picked up in my own kitchen:
- Do Not Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. If you leave them in too long, the pink color might start to brown.
- Freeze the Kisses: If you find the chocolate is melting too much and losing its shape, try putting the chocolate kisses in the freezer for 30 minutes before pressing them into the hot cookies.
- Flavor Twist: Try using a valentines strawberry white chocolate cookies recipe variation by using white chocolate kisses or even dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Add Some Texture: You can add 1/2 cup of mini white chocolate chips directly into the dough for extra sweetness in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
While these Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect on their own, I love pairing them with other treats to make a full dessert experience. If you are hosting a party, try serving them alongside a creamy pink hot chocolate recipe at home for a fun monochromatic theme. They also look beautiful served on a platter with our heart shaped sugar cookies recipe during the holidays or Valentine’s Day. For more inspiration on fruity treats, you can search for professional techniques at The Little Epicurean or find family favorites at Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons.
Storage and Reheating for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
If you somehow end up with leftovers, here is how to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers so the chocolate kisses do not smudge.
Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Reheating: If you like that just out of the oven feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5 to 8 seconds. Be careful, as the chocolate kiss will get very soft and messy!
FAQ about Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I use an organic cake mix?
Yes! Just ensure the dry weight of the mix is similar to a standard 15.25 ounce box for the best consistency.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if the butter was too hot. Ensure you chill the dough if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Can I make these gluten free?
Absolutely. Simply use a gluten free strawberry cake mix and check your chocolate brand to ensure it is certified gluten free.
Final Thoughts on Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies reminds me why I started Mister Recipes in the first place. It is about the simple joy of creating something with your own hands and sharing it with the people you love. Whether it is a quick weeknight dessert or a special occasion treat, I hope these cookies bring a smile to your face just like they do for my daughter Jana and my son Adams.
Please save this recipe on Pinterest, leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out, and subscribe to our newsletter for more kitchen hacks and family favorites. Grab your apron and let us get cooking!
