Strawberry Kiss Cookies – The Best Easy Valentine’s Treat You’ll Ever Bake

Looking for a dessert that’s just as sweet as it is simple? These Strawberry Kiss Cookies check all the boxes colorful, chewy, and crowned with a melty Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s get-togethers, classroom parties, or a fun treat-yourself weekend, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

With a shortcut dough using Funfetti cookie mix and a handful of pantry staples, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Want more berry-packed baking ideas? Check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for another fruity favorite!

What Makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies So Special

A Sweet Fusion of Nostalgia and Fun

At first bite, these Strawberry Kiss Cookies give you the perfect blend of soft-baked sugar cookie and creamy strawberry candy. The nostalgic feel of Hershey’s Kisses meets the cheerful color of pink sprinkles for a treat that’s just as cute as it is delicious.

Using a box of Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix cuts prep time without sacrificing flavor. Add cream cheese for richness, roll in bright nonpareils or sanding sugar, and press a Kiss on top. The result? A bakery-worthy cookie in under 30 minutes.

Why These Cookies Work for Every Occasion

These aren’t just Valentine’s cookies they work for birthdays, baby showers, bake sales, or any time you want to share something sweet and playful. The pink-and-red color scheme makes them feel festive, while the soft chew and kiss center make them irresistible for all ages.

You can even get creative with color by using white, silver, or rainbow sprinkles for other holidays. Want to match a party theme? Use colored sugar to coordinate your batch and customize the kisses for any season.

Want something gooier? Don’t miss our S’mores Brownies for a nostalgic chocolate fix!

Next, we’ll dive into what ingredients you need to create this simple but show-stopping cookie.

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Ingredients Breakdown – What You’ll Need

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best parts of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe is how easy the ingredients are. Most of what you need can be found in a regular grocery store. Even better, you only need five main ingredients. This makes the recipe perfect for busy bakers, beginner cooks, or anyone needing a last-minute dessert that still looks impressive.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect batch:

1. Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix (16 oz bag)
This boxed mix gives the cookie its soft, cakey texture and subtle vanilla flavor. It also saves time, since the base is already blended. You can use other brands of sugar cookie mix too, but look for one that includes confetti sprinkles for that festive look.
Explore Pillsbury Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix here

2. Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
Cream cheese adds richness and moisture to the dough. It makes the cookies softer in the center while still holding their shape. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese and let it come to room temperature before mixing for best results.

3. One Large Egg
The egg helps bind everything together. It also adds a slight rise to the cookie, helping balance the dense richness of the cream cheese.

4. Sanding Sugar or Nonpareils (½ cup)
This is where the cookies get their sparkle and texture. Rolling each dough ball in pink, red, or white sprinkles makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day or themed parties. You can use coarse sugar or fine sanding sugar for different finishes.

5. Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (about 18)
These are the heart of the cookie. Each one is pressed into the center of a warm cookie right after baking, slightly melting to create a creamy, candy-filled top. The strawberry flavor complements the cookie’s sweetness and turns a simple dessert into something memorable.

Optional Ingredient Tip

If your dough feels sticky after mixing, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before scooping. This helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.

Want more berry-filled bakes? Try our Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies for a fruity twist on a classic.

Next, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to create soft, flavorful Strawberry Kiss Cookies that look as good as they taste.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Step-by-Step

Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies is easier than you think. This recipe uses a shortcut cookie mix and just a few steps to get bakery-style results at home. Whether you’re a first-time baker or just short on time, this guide walks you through everything.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and blend until a soft dough forms. It should be smooth and easy to scoop. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Scoop out 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll each scoop into a ball using your hands, then coat it in sanding sugar or nonpareils. The coating gives the cookies their colorful sparkle and texture. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room to spread.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Keep an eye on the cookies after the 8-minute mark—overbaking can make them dry instead of soft.

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kiss

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each one. The chocolate will melt slightly from the heat, helping it stay in place once cooled.

Looking for more bite-sized dessert ideas? Don’t miss our Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Cupcakes for another easy and elegant option.

Once the cookies are completely cool, they’re ready to serve or store. Up next, we’ll cover how to store them, how long they last, and whether you can make them ahead of time.

Baking & Topping with Hershey’s Kisses

Timing Is Everything: When to Add the Kiss

The most common mistake when making Strawberry Kiss Cookies is placing the chocolate kiss too early or too late. Timing really matters here. If you add the Kiss while the cookies are still too hot, the candy can melt too much and lose its shape. If you wait too long, it won’t press down easily or stay in place.

The sweet spot is 3 to 5 minutes after the cookies come out of the oven. At this point, the cookies have started to firm up but are still soft enough to hold the kiss perfectly. Press one Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. No need to push all the way through—just nestle it in until the base is secure.

Getting That Signature Look

To keep the chocolate Kisses looking neat and glossy, avoid touching them too much with your hands. The heat from your fingers can soften the candy and make it less polished once it cools. If you’re baking multiple trays, unwrap all the Kisses ahead of time so you’re ready to go as soon as the cookies come out of the oven.

The signature Hershey’s point in the center of each cookie is what makes Strawberry Kiss Cookies so eye-catching. It’s what sets them apart from standard sugar cookies and gives them a festive, store-bought appeal without the high cost.

Once the Kisses are in place, let the cookies cool completely at room temperature. If you want to speed up the setting process, you can place the tray in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes.

This step ensures the Kisses remain firm and glossy when served. Want to see another cookie with a swirl and a soft center? Try our Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies for a berry-rich twist.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Once cooled, Strawberry Kiss Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored properly, they will stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days. Stack them carefully with parchment or wax paper between layers to avoid smudging the chocolate.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving so they return to their original soft texture.

Can You Freeze These Cookies?

Yes, both the baked cookies and the dough can be frozen. For the dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw for 10–15 minutes, roll in sugar, then bake as usual.

If you want to freeze fully baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies, let them cool completely and store in layers between parchment paper. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. The Kisses may develop slight white streaks due to temperature change, but the taste stays intact.

Tips for Making Them Ahead

If you’re baking for a party or event, you can prep everything a day in advance. Make the dough, scoop and roll into balls, and store them in the fridge overnight. Bake fresh the next day and top with Hershey’s Kisses for that just-baked feel.

These cookies are also great for gifting. Package them in clear treat bags or small cookie boxes, and tie with red or pink ribbon for a seasonal, polished presentation.

Love citrusy desserts too? Try our Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars for a bright, zesty bite alongside your cookie tray.

Customization Ideas – More Than Just Strawberry

While the original Strawberry Kiss Cookies recipe is a showstopper, it’s also incredibly flexible. There are plenty of ways to customize these cookies to match different themes, flavors, or holidays.

Flavor Variations for Every Season

If strawberry isn’t your go-to, swap in a different Kiss flavor. Hershey’s offers seasonal varieties like peppermint, hot cocoa, caramel, and even cookies & cream. Each one pairs differently with the soft cookie base, creating brand-new flavors from one base recipe.

Want a tangier twist? Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. It brings out the fruitiness of the strawberry kiss and balances the sweetness. Prefer a deeper taste? A drop of almond extract or vanilla bean paste enhances the richness.

Fun Toppings to Try

Instead of just sprinkles, roll your cookie dough in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra berry flavor and crunch. Or coat them in sparkling sugar for an elegant finish. You can also drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate for added decoration.

Looking for inspiration? Try Coconut Lime Chia Pudding Bars for another creative flavor combo you can serve alongside these cookies.

Make It Your Own

Consider turning this cookie into a thumbprint version by pressing the kiss deeper into the center and slightly reshaping the cookie around it. You can also bake them mini-size for cookie platters or party favors.

When you play with flavor, texture, and appearance, the possibilities are endless. These cookies are fun to bake, simple to style, and hard to mess up making them ideal for experimentation.

Serve, Share, or Gift – Fun Ways to Present Your Cookies

Whether you’re baking Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a party, as a homemade gift, or just for a cozy weekend treat, presentation matters. These cookies are pretty on their own—but with a few creative touches, they’ll look bakery-worthy.

Great for Gifting

Package them in clear treat bags tied with red or gold ribbon, and attach a hand-written label. Add tissue paper or pink parchment inside a cookie box for extra flair. They also fit perfectly in mason jars for a rustic gift option.

These cookies hold their shape well, so they’re ideal for shipping short distances or adding to a bake sale table. If you’re including them in a larger cookie tray, pair them with complementary treats like our Heavenly Raspberry Cheesecake Cupcakes or Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

When to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• Valentine’s Day

• Bridal or baby showers

• Holiday cookie swaps

• Birthday parties

• School celebrations

They’re just the right amount of sweet and festive, making them the go-to treat when you want cookies that impress with minimal effort.

For another nostalgic and gooey recipe, don’t miss these S’mores Brownies.

FAQ – People Also Ask About Strawberry Kiss Cookie

What does “strawberry kiss” mean in slang?

In slang, “strawberry kiss” can refer to a sweet or romantic kiss. Sometimes it’s also used in pop culture or music lyrics to describe affection with a berry-sweet twist. However, in this context, it refers to Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses used in baking.

How to make a strawberry kiss?

To make a Strawberry Kiss Cookie, prepare dough from Funfetti cookie mix, cream cheese, and an egg. Roll in sprinkles, bake until soft, and top with a Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for beginners.

What is Strawberry Cookies personality?

This question comes from a character in the Cookie Run game series. Strawberry Cookie is a shy, sweet character with a quiet personality. The playful name ties well with the sweet and soft vibe of Strawberry Kiss Cookies, making them a perfect fit for themed parties.

When to put kisses on cookies?

Always add the Hershey’s Kiss after baking, when the cookies are still warm about 3 to 5 minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows the kiss to soften slightly and stick to the cookie without melting completely.

 Conclusion + What to Bake Next

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make a memorable dessert. With just a few ingredients, one bowl, and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for nearly any occasion.

From the soft cookie base to the sweet strawberry Kiss center, every bite delivers color, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re baking solo, with kids, or for a crowd, this recipe is easy to follow and impossible to mess up.

If you’re in the mood to expand your baking list, don’t miss these other popular favorites from our kitchen:

• Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars – perfect for citrus lovers

• Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies – soft, fruity, and stunning

• Coconut Lime Chia Pudding Bars – refreshing and unique

Strawberry Kiss Cookies may start as a Valentine’s Day treat, but one taste and they’ll earn a spot in your year-round cookie lineup.