Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, tender sugar cookie bites with a creamy hint from cream cheese and a fruity, chocolatey finish from Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses. The center stays soft while the edges set just right, giving a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, a classroom party, or a cozy dessert tray. This recipe is simple: one bag of Funfetti cookie mix, cream cheese, an egg, and a roll in pink or white sanding sugar before baking. No chill time is required unless the dough feels sticky, and the whole batch comes together fast. Serve warm on a platter or pack cooled cookies in a pretty box for gifting. If you like fruity cookie ideas, try this related strawberry cheesecake cookie recipe for another fun option.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
- Ready fast with a single bag of Funfetti sugar cookie mix and a couple of common pantry items.
- Soft, pillowy centers with slightly set edges — very comforting and easy to bite.
- Sweet cream cheese adds a subtle tang that keeps the cookie from tasting flat.
- Pink or white sanding sugar or non‑pareils give a festive, photo-ready look with minimal effort.
- The Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss adds a fruity chocolate finish and a cute topper.
- Minimal equipment: a bowl, scoop, baking sheet, and a shallow bowl for rolling.
- Kid-friendly and great for school parties, bake sales, or simple holiday gifting.
- Flexible: dough can be chilled if sticky and decorated however you like.
What Is Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight?
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sugar cookie-style bites made from a Funfetti sugar cookie mix enriched with cream cheese and one egg. They bake into soft, slightly chewy rounds that get rolled in pink or white sanding sugar (or non‑pareils) and finished with a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss pressed into the warm center. The taste is sweet and buttery from the cookie mix, with a light tang from the cream cheese and a strawberry-chocolate pop from the Kiss. The cooking method is straightforward baking at 375°F on a parchment-lined sheet. The vibe is sweet comfort food — great for a quick weeknight treat, a festive brunch plate, or a Valentine’s dessert table.
Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
For the Cookies
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
For Decoration & Topping
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix: This gives the batter flavor and texture. If you only have plain sugar cookie mix, the cookies will still work; add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles into the dough if you want the Funfetti look.
- Cream cheese: Use block-style full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but expect slightly less creaminess and a firmer dough.
- Egg: One large egg binds the dough. For egg-free diets, try a commercial egg replacer suitable for baking — results may be slightly different.
- Sanding sugar or non-pareils: These are cosmetic. If you prefer less crunch, roll in granulated sugar instead or press plain dough balls without rolling.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: If unavailable, use any strawberry-flavored chocolate, white chocolate, or classic Hershey’s Kisses for a different finish. Keep the number to one per cookie for size balance.
- For lower sugar: The mix and Kisses drive sweetness. You can reduce visual sugar by using plain sanding sugar or skipping sprinkles but overall sugar will remain high because of the mix and candy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Visual cue: The oven should reach full temperature before you place the first sheet in.
Step 2 – Mix the dough
- In a large bowl, mix the 16 oz bag of Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened 4 oz cream cheese, and 1 large egg until a soft dough forms.
- Mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the dough is uniform but still soft.
Step 3 – Prep the sugar coating
- Place ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl. This makes rolling faster and neater.
Step 4 – Portion and roll
- Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll each portion in the sanding sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes on a plate or in a bowl, then continue scooping.
- Visual cue: Smooth, round dough balls that hold their shape will bake into even cookies.
Step 5 – Arrange and bake
- Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Pro cue: Start checking at 8 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center — that’s perfect for a soft finish.
Step 6 – Add the Kiss and cool
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into each center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack or enjoy warm right away.
- Visual cue: Kisses will soften slightly when pressed into warm centers and set as they cool.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends easily and you don’t overwork the dough.
- Don’t overmix after you add the egg; stop once the dough is uniform to keep cookies tender.
- Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop for uniform cookies and consistent bake time.
- If your kitchen is warm and dough gets sticky quickly, chill the dough 30–60 minutes before scooping.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots for even browning.
- Press Kisses in while cookies are still warm so they stick without cracking the cookie.
- For neat cookies, cool the pan slightly before moving to a rack — cookies set better when allowed to firm a little on the sheet.
- If using non‑pareils, handle gently to avoid flattening the coating — roll once and shape lightly.
Flavor Variations
- Optional: Classic Chocolate Kiss — Replace the strawberry Kiss with a plain milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss for a familiar chocolate-sugar cookie combo.
- Optional: White Chocolate & Raspberry — Use a white chocolate Kiss and press a tiny raspberry jam dot into the top after pressing for bright flavor.
- Optional: Sprinkle Mix-In — Fold 1–2 tablespoons extra sprinkles into the dough for more color inside the cookie (still roll in sanding sugar outside).
- Optional: Lemon Zest Brightness — Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrus lift that pairs well with strawberry Kisses.
- Optional: Dip Half in Chocolate — After cookies cool, dip half of each cookie in melted white or milk chocolate and let set for a professional finish.
- Optional: Almond Extract Twist — Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberry.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange warm on a dessert platter with extra Kisses in the center as a focal point.
- Package cooled cookies in clear treat bags for party favors or Valentine’s Day gifts.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert — the warm cookie and cold ice cream are a great contrast.
- Pair with a simple pot of tea or a cold glass of milk for a classic combo.
- Make a cookies-and-cocoa tray for a cozy movie night or small gathering.
- Use as a sweet addition to brunch tables or bake sale displays — they’re portable and eye-catching.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Mix the dough and shape into balls, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen; add 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- Refrigerator: Dough balls can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking; this can deepen flavor and help with shaping.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes or microwave a single cookie for 8–10 seconds to restore softness. Kisses may soften — allow to cool slightly before handling.
- Texture changes: Cookies will firm up over time. Reheating briefly restores softness but avoid overheating or cookies will become dry.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- To freeze baked cookies: Cool completely, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 2 months.
- To freeze unbaked dough: Scoop and roll dough balls, place on a sheet to freeze, then bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- Thawing: Thaw baked cookies at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving. Reheat gently if you want them warm.
- If you prefer not to freeze due to the candy topping, freeze dough instead and add Kisses after baking. This keeps the topping fresh and prevents texture changes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
Approx. 160 kcal | 2 g | 20 g | 8 g | 0.5 g | 110 mg
Estimates vary by brands and portions.
FAQ About Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Q: My dough is too sticky to scoop. What should I do?
A: Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes; this firms it up and makes scooping easier.
Q: How do I know when cookies are done?
A: Bake 8–12 minutes until edges look set and slightly golden but centers still appear soft. They’ll firm as they cool.
Q: Can I make fewer or more cookies than 18?
A: Yes. Use the 1½ tablespoon scoop size as a guide; adjust bake time slightly for smaller or larger cookies.
Q: Can I replace the cream cheese?
A: You can try reduced-fat cream cheese, but results may be less rich. Non-dairy cream cheese can be used for dairy-free attempts, but texture may differ.
Q: Will the Kisses melt if I press them into hot cookies?
A: Kisses soften and may slightly melt, which helps them stick. Press in after 3–5 minutes of cooling for best results.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
A: Yes — freeze baked cookies after fully cooling. For best topping appearance, freeze dough and add Kisses after baking if you’re concerned about candy texture.
TastyInspo Notes
- Toast a few almond slivers and press one beside the Kiss for a crunchy accent on some cookies.
- For a clean look, press Kisses straight down once and rotate slightly to center them.
- Use a small offset spatula to move warm cookies to a rack to avoid smudging the coating.
- If serving at a party, arrange cookies with color contrast: white doilies, pink candies, or small flowers to highlight the Valentine theme.
- Add a tiny handwritten label for gift boxes telling recipients to enjoy warm or room temperature.
Troubleshooting
- Dough too dry or crumbly: Add 1 teaspoon milk at a time until the dough holds together; mix gently.
- Dough too sticky: Chill for 30–60 minutes, or dust hands with a little sugar before scooping.
- Cookies spread too much: Ensure your dough balls are firm and chill the dough briefly before baking. Also check oven temp accuracy.
- Overbaked or dry cookies: Reduce baking time by a minute or two and remove when centers look just set.
- Kisses cracking when pressed: Let cookies cool 3–5 minutes before pressing; press gently without twisting.
- Non‑pareils falling off: Roll once in coating and press lightly — too much handling causes loss of sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are simple to make, visually delightful, and perfectly soft — a dependable treat for holidays, gifts, or everyday sweetness. The recipe’s small ingredient list and quick steps make it easy to pull off even with kids helping in the kitchen. For more simple and festive dessert ideas, check out Recipes by Nyla – Delicious Creations for Every Occasion.
Strawberry Kiss Cookies - Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 bag 16 oz Funfetti sugar cookie mix If plain sugar cookie mix is used, add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Best with full-fat cream cheese.
- 1 large egg For egg-free diets, use a commercial egg replacer.
For Decoration & Topping
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils For less crunch, roll in granulated sugar.
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses Can substitute with other strawberry or chocolate Kisses.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Place sanding sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll each portion in sanding sugar, and shape into smooth balls. If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes.
- Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft, checking at 8 minutes.
- Let cookies cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack or enjoy warm.
