Oh, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe—it’s one of those delightful treats that just makes any day feel special. The tender sugar cookie base paired with the tangy cream cheese and that iconic pink Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss on top is pure magic. It’s perfect for everything from birthday parties to cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.

I remember the first time I made these cookies; I was amazed at how easy the recipe was, yet how impressive the cookies looked and tasted. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together harmoniously, making the dough silky and flavorful while giving you that satisfying crunch from the sanding sugar and the fun pop of strawberry from the Kiss chocolates. Here are a few tips on picking the best components for your cookie magic.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: This mix adds a soft and slightly sweet base that’s fun and festive, perfect for these cookies.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and helps keep the cookies moist and tender.
Large Egg: Acts as a binder tying all ingredients together—make sure it’s at room temperature.
Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: I love the sparkle this adds, but sanding sugar also helps tame the sticky dough during shaping.
Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: The star of the show! These bring that sweet strawberry flavor and a cute, festive look.

Variations

I like to experiment a bit depending on the occasion and who I’m baking for. The Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is flexible enough to handle some fun tweaks without losing what makes it special.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the cream cheese for a little Greek yogurt to lighten the dough, and it still works beautifully! Plus, a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a nice crunch.
Dietary: For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese and make sure your sugar cookie mix is vegan-friendly.
Seasonal: Around holidays, I’ve swapped the Strawberry Kisses for peppermint or pumpkin spice Hershey’s Kisses to match the season’s vibe.
Decor: Instead of sanding sugar, use colored sugar crystals for a pop that matches your party’s color scheme.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375°F. This simple step keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures even baking. I always set my timer too—nothing ruins the perfect cookie like an overlooked oven timer!

Step 2: Mix the Magic Dough

In a large bowl, use your mixer to combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and the egg until you get a soft, smooth dough. It’ll be slightly sticky—that’s totally normal. One trick I love is chilling the dough for 30 minutes if you find it too sticky; it helps tremendously with shaping.

Step 3: Coat and Roll

Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and gently roll it in the sugar, coating the outside nicely. The sanding sugar will help keep that dough from sticking to your hands — sprinkle a bit on your palms if needed.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your prepared sheet with about 1½ inches between each. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to set but the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 5: Press on the Strawberry Spotlight

After letting the cookies cool on the sheet for 3-5 minutes, gently press an unwrapped Strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie. This step is key—you want to do it while the cookie’s still warm enough to soften but not hot, or the Kisses might melt unevenly.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm straight from the oven. Personally, I can’t resist these cookies fresh and warm—the strawberry centers are gooey and the cookie is tender.

How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a round cookie covered completely in small red, pink, and purple candy beads with a light beige base visible underneath the beads; in the center of the cookie is a dollop of smooth light pink frosting shaped like a small peak; the cookie sits on a white marbled surface with scattered candy beads around it, and behind it is a tall glass of light pink milk slightly out of focus; another similar cookie with the same candy beads and pink frosting is partially visible in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust a tiny pinch of powdered sugar over the cookies for an extra touch of elegance. For a fun twist, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate or even sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of the Kiss before it sets.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea. For a party, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit skewers or a light, creamy dip like mascarpone with honey.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve presented these cookies on pretty tiered dessert trays for showers or birthdays, sometimes lining the trays with fresh strawberry slices and edible flowers. You can even put a few in decorative cellophane bags tied with a pink ribbon for party favors—everyone loves those little touches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for 3-4 days. Just remember, don’t cover them while they’re still warm, or the Kisses will lose their shape.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I usually freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep for up to 2-3 months, which is great when you want to prep ahead for a party.

Reheating

To reheat, I let the cookies thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to freshen them up—this brings back that slight softness without melting the Kiss too much. It’s a little trick I use to make leftovers taste just-baked!

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of sanding sugar for the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe?

While you can, sanding sugar is preferable because its coarse texture helps keep the dough from sticking when rolling and adds a lovely sparkle to the cookies. Regular granulated sugar might not give the same effect and can dissolve into the dough.
Is it necessary to chill the dough for this recipe?

Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory but can make handling easier if you find the dough too sticky. I usually chill mine for about 30 minutes when I’m not in a rush—it makes scooping and rolling smoother.
Can I substitute the Hershey’s Strawberry Kisses with another flavor?

Definitely! Switching to flavors like peppermint, milk chocolate, or even caramel Kisses gives you the flexibility to customize the cookies for different holidays or tastes while keeping that charming Kiss centerpiece.
How many cookies does this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe make?

You’ll get about 16 to 18 large cookies, perfect for sharing or gift-giving.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! These cookies freeze really well and can be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want a pretty, festive treat that’s not complicated but still feels special. I love sharing them with friends and family because they always spark joy and a few compliments! Give them a try—you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of soft cookie and sweet strawberry in every bite, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 131 reviews

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: 16–18 large cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful, soft sugar cookies made with a funfetti cookie mix and cream cheese for extra moisture and flavor. Each cookie is topped with a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss, adding a fruity twist and a charming look. These cookies are perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix
4 ounce cream cheese, softened (½ of an 8-ounce package)
1 large egg

Coating

½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils

Topping

18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, unwrapped

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and large egg until fully combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Prepare Sugar Coating: Place the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils in a shallow bowl to easily coat the cookie dough balls.
Scoop and Coat Dough: Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough balls and drop them into the sugar or non-pareils. Roll them gently until they are evenly coated and then shape them into smooth balls.
Optional Chilling: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate or freeze it for 30-60 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to scoop and shape but is not mandatory.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until the cookie edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
Add Strawberry Kisses: Let the cookies cool for 3-5 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cool or Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely for best texture. They can also be enjoyed warm if preferred.

Notes

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
You can freeze baked cookies for 2-3 months to preserve freshness.
Avoid storing cookies while warm to prevent Strawberry Kisses from deforming.
Chilling the dough or cookies will firm them up but may cause them to dry out; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
The sanding sugar helps manage sticky dough, and can be used on hands and cookie scoop to make shaping easier, unlike non-pareils which do not have this effect.