Few treats capture the magic of love, celebration, and pure joy quite like Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight. These irresistibly soft cookies combine the nostalgic charm of classic kiss cookies with a fun, festive strawberry twist that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, bridal events, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special. With a tender Funfetti base, a hint of tangy cream cheese, sparkling pink sugar, and a sweet Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss tucked right in the center, these cookies are as adorable as they are delicious.
Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a romantic dessert spread, or simply craving something soft and cheerful, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to steal hearts from the very first bite.
Why Strawberry Kiss Cookies Are the Ultimate Valentine’s Treat
Valentine’s desserts should be cute, comforting, and easy to share—and these cookies check every box.
What Makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies So Special
- Ultra-soft and pillowy texture
- Festive pink sparkle that pops on dessert tables
- Sweet strawberry-flavored chocolate center
- Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps
- Perfect for gifting, parties, and classroom treats
They look bakery-worthy but are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking.
Ingredients for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
One of the biggest reasons these cookies are so popular is their simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create something truly magical.
You’ll Need
- 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
Ingredient Tip:
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so it blends smoothly into the dough without lumps.
What Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a playful variation of traditional thumbprint or blossom cookies. Instead of peanut butter or chocolate dough, these cookies use a soft sugar cookie base enriched with cream cheese for extra tenderness. Each cookie is rolled in sparkling sugar before baking and topped with a strawberry-flavored Hershey’s Kiss while warm.
The result?
A cookie that’s soft in the center, lightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with strawberry sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Step by Step
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving—perfect for beginner bakers or busy schedules.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- Softened cream cheese
- Egg
Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Why Cream Cheese Matters:
Cream cheese adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cookies stay soft for days instead of becoming crumbly.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For easier handling, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading and makes rolling cleaner.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into smooth balls between your palms.
Step 5: Coat in Sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated.
Visual Tip:
Pink sanding sugar gives the cookies their signature Valentine’s sparkle.
Step 6: Bake
Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
Do not overbake—these cookies should stay pale and tender.
Step 7: Add the Strawberry Kiss
Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press one Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The kisses will soften slightly, then set as they cool.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Chill dough for neater rolling
- Press kisses gently to avoid cracking
- Use parchment paper to prevent browning
- Unwrap kisses ahead of time for speed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even easy cookies benefit from a little guidance.
- Overbaking (leads to dry cookies)
- Using cold cream cheese
- Pressing kisses too deeply
- Skipping sugar coating
Why These Cookies Stay So Soft
The secret lies in the cream cheese. Unlike butter-only cookies, cream cheese retains moisture, giving Strawberry Kiss Cookies their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Strawberry Kiss Cookie Variations
Once you master the base recipe, it’s easy to customize.
Chocolate Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Use chocolate sugar cookie mix
- Roll in red sanding sugar
Heart-Shaped Valentine Cookies
- Slightly flatten dough and shape into hearts before baking
Gluten-Free Option
- Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix
Extra Strawberry Flavor
- Add ½ teaspoon strawberry extract to the dough
When to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
These cookies shine at almost any celebration.
Perfect Occasions
- Valentine’s Day dessert trays
- Baby showers
- Bridal showers
- Classroom parties
- Holiday cookie boxes
Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love:
- The bright colors
- The candy center
- Rolling dough in sugar
This recipe is perfect for baking with little helpers.
How to Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Refrigeration
- Keeps fresh for up to 7 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Freezing
- Freeze baked cookies (without kisses) up to 2 months
- Add kisses after reheating
Make-Ahead and Gifting Tips
- Bake cookies one day ahead for parties
- Package in clear treat bags with ribbon
- Stack in decorative tins with parchment between layers
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 2g
(Values vary based on brand and decorations.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies actually taste better the next day as flavors settle.
Why are my Strawberry Kiss Cookies spreading too much?
Warm dough causes spreading. Chill the dough before baking for best results.
Can I use different Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! Strawberry Kiss Cookies also work with white chocolate or milk chocolate kisses.
Do Strawberry Kiss Cookies need refrigeration?
Not required, but refrigeration extends freshness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully for parties and gifting.
How do I keep the kisses looking neat?
Press gently and avoid moving cookies while warm.
Why This Recipe Is Beginner-Friendly
- Uses cookie mix
- Minimal measuring
- Short bake time
- Forgiving texture
Even first-time bakers can succeed with confidence.
Final Thoughts: A Cookie That Speaks Love
Strawberry Kiss Cookies – Amazing Soft Valentine’s Delight are more than just a dessert—they’re a sweet gesture, a cheerful celebration, and a guaranteed smile in cookie form. With their soft texture, festive sparkle, and irresistible strawberry center, they’re perfect for sharing love one bite at a time.
Call to Action
Bake a batch of Strawberry Kiss Cookies today and turn any ordinary moment into a heartfelt celebration. Save this recipe, share it with someone you love, and don’t forget to enjoy one straight from the cooling rack!
