These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, thanks to an easy shortcut using cake mix. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion, these cookies are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss that makes every bite special. Enjoy them as a treat for yourself or share them with loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using cake mix simplifies the baking process, making it perfect for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: The strawberry cake mix delivers a deliciously fruity taste that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, from Valentine’s Day to birthday parties—everyone will love them!
- Cute Presentation: The sparkling sugar coating and Hershey’s Kiss create an eye-catching finish.
- Perfectly Soft: Chilling the dough ensures your cookies come out soft and chewy every time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and ensure you’re ready for a sweet baking adventure!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop (#30)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizes for even baking.
- Parchment paper: Lining sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
These adorable Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor thanks to an easy shortcut—cake mix! Rolled in sugar for sparkle and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, they make a perfect Valentine’s Day treat or sweet snack year-round.
For the Cookies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and eggs until well combined. Gradually add in the flour and strawberry cake mix. Stir in the milk and mix just until a dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Using a #30 cookie scoop or about 2 tablespoons per cookie, scoop the dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Bake cookies one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes. Keep remaining dough chilled between batches.
Step 4: Add the Kisses
Immediately after baking, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring or storing.
With these steps, you’ll have beautiful Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready to impress! Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not only delightful to eat but also beautiful to serve. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home, there are many ways to present these cookies that will impress your guests.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The strawberry flavor complements the warmth of a cup perfectly.
Gift Boxes
- Arrange the cookies in decorative gift boxes tied with ribbons. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family, especially around Valentine’s Day.
Cookie Platters
- Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies on a colorful platter alongside other treats like brownies or fruit tarts for a dessert table that dazzles guests at parties.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two Strawberry Kiss Cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra burst of flavor!
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags and attach a cute tag for party favors at birthdays or weddings.
How to Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
To ensure your Strawberry Kiss Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape and texture of the cookies as they bake.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and check the expiration date on your cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to try different varieties of Hershey Kisses to customize the taste of your cookies!
- Measure Accurately: Measure your ingredients carefully, especially flour, to avoid altering the cookie’s texture.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Serving side dishes alongside Strawberry Kiss Cookies can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some tasty options that pair well with these delightful treats.
- Fresh Strawberries: Serve sliced strawberries drizzled with chocolate or honey to complement the cookie’s flavor.
- Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping both strawberries and cookies, creating an interactive dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances out the sweetness of the cookies very well.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing contrast and can help cleanse the palate between treats.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which can provide a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Sparkling Water: Offer flavored sparkling water as a refreshing drink option that pairs nicely without overwhelming sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Kiss Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling the dough. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the time. Cookies can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone, which will affect their texture.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: Avoid sticking by always using parchment paper on your cookie sheets. It helps with easy removal and prevents burning.
- Ignoring Flavor Variations: Experiment! Using different varieties of Hershey Kisses can elevate your Strawberry Kiss Cookies to new flavor heights.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Layer parchment paper between each layer of cookies for freshness.
Reheating Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Microwave individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavors of cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with other cake mixes like vanilla or chocolate for unique flavors.
How do I prevent my Strawberry Kiss Cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough properly before baking. This step is essential in keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
What are some good variations for Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You can use different types of Hershey Kisses, such as white chocolate or caramel, to create new taste experiences.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough balls and bake them later. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if baking from frozen.
How do I know when my Strawberry Kiss Cookies are done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked—this is normal as they’ll continue cooking after being taken out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile. With their soft texture and delightful strawberry flavor, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by trying different types of Hershey Kisses or even adding sprinkles for extra fun. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, a charming twist on classic treats that combine soft, chewy cookies with a burst of strawberry flavor. These cookies are incredibly easy to make thanks to the use of strawberry cake mix, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers and special occasions alike. Topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, each cookie becomes a sweet surprise that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Gradually stir in the flour and strawberry cake mix, followed by the milk until a dough forms.
- Using a cookie scoop or 2 tablespoons per cookie, roll the dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Bake cookies one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes.
- Immediately after baking, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
