Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun, colorful twist on classic blossom cookies. Soft strawberry-flavored sugar cookies are rolled in sparkling sugar, baked until tender, and topped with a sweet strawberry kiss for a cheerful, eye-catching finish. They’re slightly crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor in every bite.
These cookies are especially popular for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, birthdays, and holiday cookie trays, but they’re just as enjoyable any time you’re craving something playful and sweet. Easy to make and impossible to resist, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to brighten any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Soft, chewy texture with a sugar-cookie base
- Sweet strawberry flavor and pretty pink color
- Simple ingredients and easy steps
- Perfect for holidays and parties
- Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
- Great for gifting and cookie exchanges
Why You Should Try This Recipe
A Fun Twist on a Classic
If you love blossom cookies, this strawberry version adds a fruity flavor and festive look that stands out from traditional chocolate varieties.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Because of their pink color and candy topping, these cookies are ideal for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or themed parties.
Beginner-Friendly and Reliable
This recipe requires no chilling, no special tools, and delivers consistent results, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Strawberry cake mix or strawberry cookie mix
- All-purpose flour
- Cream cheese, softened
- Egg
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Strawberry kiss candies, unwrapped
How to Make Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, flour, cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until set.
Step 5: Add the strawberry kisses
Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press a strawberry kiss into the center of each cookie.
Step 6: Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)
- Calories: 140–170
- Carbohydrates: 18–22g
- Fat: 7–9g
- Protein: 2–3g
- Sugar: Moderate
Tips for the Best Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
- Don’t overbake—cookies should stay soft
- Unwrap kisses before baking for easy placement
- Press kisses gently to avoid cracking
- Let cookies set before moving
Variations & Substitutions
- Roll in pink or red sanding sugar
- Use vanilla or chocolate kisses instead
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough
- Use heart-shaped candies for holidays
- Drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Cold milk
- Strawberry milk
- Hot cocoa
- Coffee or tea
- Dessert platters or cookie trays
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the cookies
- Using cold cream cheese
- Pressing kisses too hard
- Skipping the sugar coating
- Moving cookies before they set
Storing & Freezing Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
- Refrigerate for up to 7 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Freeze dough balls (without kisses) for best results
Conclusion
Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, cheerful, and irresistibly cute. With their bright color, sweet strawberry flavor, and candy center, they’re the kind of cookie that instantly makes people smile. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
They are soft strawberry-flavored sugar cookies topped with a strawberry candy kiss pressed into the center.
2. What gives these cookies their strawberry flavor?
The strawberry flavor comes from strawberry cake mix or strawberry cookie mix used in the dough.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
No. This dough does not require chilling, making the recipe quick and easy.
4. When should I add the strawberry kisses?
Press the kisses into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven.
5. Why do my cookies crack when I add the kiss?
Small cracks are normal and add character. Press gently to avoid large cracks.
6. Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead?
Yes. Chocolate or vanilla kisses work well if strawberry kisses aren’t available.
7. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of cake mix?
Yes, but cake mix gives the soft texture and strong strawberry flavor more easily.
8. Are Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies good for Valentine’s Day?
Absolutely. Their pink color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day and romantic occasions.
9. Can kids help make these cookies?
Yes. Rolling the dough and adding the kisses is very kid-friendly.
10. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature.
11. Can I refrigerate these cookies?
Yes. Refrigeration extends freshness up to 7 days.
12. Can I freeze Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Yes. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
13. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze dough balls without kisses, then bake and add kisses later.
14. Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Bake just until set.
15. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and gluten-free flour.
16. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free candy alternatives.
17. What sugar should I roll the cookies in?
Granulated sugar works best, but colored sanding sugar adds a festive look.
18. Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes. Use smaller dough balls and reduce baking time slightly.
19. Do these cookies travel well?
Yes. They’re sturdy and perfect for gifting or parties.
20. Are Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies very sweet?
They’re moderately sweet. You can reduce sweetness by rolling lightly in sugar.