Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract (optional); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 3 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder; Pink or red food coloring (optional); ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling); 24-30 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

There’s something magical about the sweet aroma of Strawberry Kiss Cookies baking in the oven. These soft, pink-hued treats are bursting with strawberry flavor and topped with a rich, chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss for the perfect bite.

I first made these cookies for a Valentine’s Day treat, hoping to impress my family with something festive and delicious. They were an instant hit! Now, they make an appearance for birthdays, baby showers, and any time I’m craving something sweet and pretty.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Kiss Cookies! They’re more than just pretty—they’re incredibly delicious and super easy to make.

First off, they start with a cake mix! That means minimal ingredients and maximum strawberry flavor without any fuss. You’ll have cookies ready to bake in no time.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The combination of the strawberry cookie and the creamy Hershey’s Kiss on top creates an irresistible texture and flavor.

They’re also perfect for special occasions. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a bridal shower, or just a fun baking day, their adorable pink color makes them a standout dessert.

Finally, they store beautifully. Make a batch ahead of time and keep them fresh for days—perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect cookie.

Strawberry Cake Mix – This is the secret to the vibrant color and delicious strawberry flavor. I prefer using a moist cake mix like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker for the best texture.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cookies soft and chewy. You can substitute melted butter for a richer taste.
Eggs – Help bind everything together and give the cookies structure.
Hershey’s Kisses – The crowning jewel! Classic milk chocolate Kisses pair perfectly with the strawberry flavor, but feel free to try white chocolate or dark chocolate Kisses for a twist.
Powdered Sugar (Optional) – Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking gives them a pretty, crackled appearance.

Special Equipment: A cookie scoop helps create evenly sized cookies, and parchment paper ensures they don’t stick to the baking sheet.

How To Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Baking these Strawberry Kiss Cookies is as easy as can be! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of soft, delicious treats.

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses so they’re ready to go as soon as the cookies come out of the oven.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until fully combined—you should have a thick, slightly sticky dough. If you’d like, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

3. Shape the Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or roll 1-inch balls of dough between your hands. If you want a crackled effect, roll them lightly in powdered sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies will be soft when they come out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

5. Add the Kiss

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it stick. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These cookies stay fresh and delicious for days, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezer: These cookies freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For best results, avoid stacking the cookies while they’re still warm, as the chocolate Kiss can melt and lose its shape.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Strawberry Kiss Cookies is how versatile they are! Try these fun twists to mix things up.

Chocolate Strawberry Cookies – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
Different Kisses – Swap the classic Hershey’s Kiss for white chocolate, caramel-filled, or dark chocolate Kisses for a unique taste.
Stuffed Cookies – Press a small chunk of cream cheese or white chocolate into the center of the dough before baking for a surprise filling.
Extra Strawberry Flavor – Mix in ½ teaspoon strawberry extract for an even bolder strawberry taste.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, and you’ll have a perfect gluten-free version of these cookies.

No matter which variation you try, these cookies are sure to be a hit!