Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 24 Hershey’s Kisses or other chocolate candies; Optional: pink sanding sugar or sprinkles for rolling

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Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet, and pretty-in-pink treats topped with a chocolate kiss. I make these with strawberry-flavored dough that’s buttery and chewy, then press a chocolate candy in the center just after baking. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime I want something fruity, festive, and fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re easy to make, full of strawberry flavor, and always look adorable. The combination of sweet strawberry and rich chocolate is a classic, and the kiss in the center makes them feel special. Whether I’m baking them for a party, packing them into gift bags, or just enjoying them with a glass of milk, these cookies are always a hit. Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry cake mix
Egg
Butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Hershey’s Kisses or any chocolate candy
Optional: pink sanding sugar or sprinkles for rolling

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
I scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and, if I want extra sparkle, roll them in pink sugar or sprinkles.
I place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
I bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the cookies are set but still soft.
As soon as they come out of the oven, I gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to bake, so they’re ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I use white chocolate kisses or heart-shaped chocolates for a different look and flavor. I’ve also added a few mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate in every bite. When I want to make them even more festive, I drizzle them with melted white chocolate or top them with colorful sprinkles after baking. Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to freeze them, I freeze the baked cookies (without the kisses pressed in), then add the chocolate after reheating slightly in the oven. That way, the kisses stay pretty and don’t get cloudy or melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of cake mix?

Yes, I’ve made a simple strawberry cookie dough from scratch using freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry extract, but cake mix is quick and still delicious.

Do the kisses melt in the center?

No, as long as I press them in right after baking and let the cookies cool fully, the kisses stay solid on the outside but slightly soft inside.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. If it’s too firm, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.

How do I keep the kisses from melting or losing shape?

I chill the kisses in the freezer for a few minutes before using them. That helps them hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and check that the chocolate kisses are gluten-free. The texture stays soft and chewy.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The soft, strawberry-flavored cookie and melty chocolate center make a sweet combo that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying fresh from the oven. Whether it’s for a holiday, a party, or just a treat-yourself kind of day, these cookies always bring a little joy with every bite.