introduction
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, fun, and made for sharing. These cookies mix a funfetti sugar cookie base with cream cheese and a sweet strawberry Hershey’s Kiss on top. The dough stays soft, the edges bake light, and each cookie gets a little pink or white sparkle from sanding sugar or non-pareils. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a cute, soft cookie.
If you like soft, tender cookies, you may also enjoy this chewy soft gingerbread cookies recipe for another soft cookie idea. This recipe is easy and quick, so you can bake a batch in an afternoon and share them with friends or family.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
You will love these cookies because they bake soft and stay tender. The cream cheese in the dough makes each bite moist and rich without tasting like cheese. The Funfetti mix gives a light sugar cookie flavor and colorful sprinkles inside the dough. The Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses add a fruity strawberry center and a fun cone shape that looks like a little hat on each cookie. The cookies are small, sweet, and bright, so they make a good gift or party treat. They look pretty on a plate and they taste even better warm, right after baking.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want an easy and fast cookie that still feels special. You can use a boxed Funfetti sugar cookie mix, so the prep time is short. The recipe needs just a few added ingredients and one bowl to mix. You do not need to chill the dough for a long time unless it is very sticky. Kids can help roll the dough in sanding sugar or non-pareils, and an adult can press the Kiss in after a short cool. These cookies are a great last-minute Valentine’s treat or a simple dessert for school parties, bake sales, or cozy nights at home.
What You Need for Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
You need simple kitchen tools and a few ingredients. For tools, use a large mixing bowl, a rubber spatula or spoon, a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a shallow bowl for sugar or non-pareils. You also need an oven that reaches 375°F and a cooling rack.
For ingredients, the list is short and easy to find at most stores. You will use a boxed Funfetti sugar cookie mix and cream cheese to make the dough soft. One egg binds the dough. Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils add sparkle on the outside. Finally, the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses finish each cookie with a strawberry surprise.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
This recipe is simple and works in a few clear steps. First, mix the cookie mix, cream cheese, and egg in a large bowl. Stir until the dough comes together and is soft. If the dough is sticky, chill it for 30–60 minutes so you can handle it easier. Next, pour the sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl for rolling.
Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball with your hands. Drop each ball into the sanding sugar or non-pareils and roll to coat. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1½ inches apart so they have space to rise and spread a little. Bake at 375°F for 8–12 minutes. Look for edges that are set but centers that still look soft. This keeps the cookies tender inside.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 3–5 minutes so they firm up a bit. Then press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat helps the Kiss stick and melt slightly into the cookie for a soft center. Let the cookies cool fully on a rack or enjoy them warm if you like a melty center.
Ingredients:
1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
Place sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl.
Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll in sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls.
If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes.
Arrange cookie balls on baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center.
Cool completely or enjoy warm.
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Serve these cookies on a plate or in a box for gifts. They look nice on a simple white plate to let the colors show. Pair them with milk, hot chocolate, or a light tea. For a party, arrange them on a tiered tray with other small bites. If you bring them to a potluck or party, put them on a platter with napkins so people can grab them easily. They also work well in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Serve them warm for a soft, slightly melty center or room temperature when you want the cookie to hold its shape.
How to Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers so they do not stick together. If you want to keep them longer, freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Scoop and roll the dough, then freeze in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, move to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two, watching for the edges to set.
Easy Tips to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it mixes smoothly into the dough.
- If the dough is sticky, chill it for 30–60 minutes. This helps make smooth balls.
- Don’t overbake. Pull the cookies when the edges look set but the centers still feel soft. They firm up as they cool.
- Press the Kiss into the cookie while the cookie is still warm. This helps the candy stick well.
- For even sizes, use a 1½ tablespoon scoop or weigh dough portions.
- If you like extra crunch, swap sanding sugar for crushed cone pieces for texture around the edge.
Try These Variations of Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
- Chocolate chip twist: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey bite.
- Lemon kiss: Use lemon-flavored candy or a lemon heart candy for a citrus surprise.
- Double sprinkles: Mix colorful jimmies into the dough as well as using sanding sugar on the outside for more color.
- Red velvet base: Mix a red velvet cake mix instead of Funfetti for a richer, red cookie.
- Nutty edge: Roll the cookie balls in finely chopped nuts instead of sanding sugar for a nutty edge (only if no one has nut allergies).
Common Questions About Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight
Q: Can I use another cookie mix instead of Funfetti?
A: Yes. You can use a basic sugar cookie mix or another boxed mix. Keep in mind the texture may change with different mixes. If a mix is dry, add a little less cream cheese. If it is richer, you may need to adjust the egg.
Q: What if I do not have cream cheese?
A: You can try using 2–3 tablespoons of butter softened instead, but the cookies will be less soft and rich. Cream cheese gives a unique soft texture, so it is the best choice.
Q: Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses?
A: Yes. Regular Kisses work fine and give a chocolate center instead of strawberry. The cone Kisses add a fun look and a strawberry flavor, but any Kiss will work.
Q: How do I keep the cookies soft longer?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and place a slice of bread in the container to help keep moisture. Replace the bread slice if it dries out.
Q: Can I make these larger or smaller?
A: Yes. For larger cookies, use a bigger scoop and add a minute or two to baking time. For smaller cookies, bake a little less. Watch the edges to know when they are done.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a simple and joyful treat. They use a few easy ingredients and bake quickly. The cream cheese keeps them soft and tender, and the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses add a bright, fruity finish. These cookies make a great Valentine’s Day treat, a sweet gift, or a quick dessert for friends and family.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather the ingredients and tools, preheat the oven to 375°F, and start mixing. These cookies come together fast and make a lot of smiles. Follow the simple steps, and you will have a plate of soft, pretty cookies to enjoy or share.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fun cookies with a cream cheese base topped with a sweet strawberry Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) bag Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Place sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop dough using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, roll in sugar or non-pareils, and shape into smooth balls.
- If dough is too sticky, chill for 30–60 minutes.
- Arrange cookie balls on baking sheet about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each center.
- Cool completely or enjoy warm.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg