Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix; 4 ounce cream cheese, softened (½ 8-ounce package); 1 large egg; ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils; 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, unwrapped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

I am so excited to share this delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are an irresistible combination of soft, funfetti-studded sugar dough topped with a melt-in-your-mouth strawberry-flavored Hershey’s kiss. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and that nostalgic hint of strawberry candy that just makes me smile. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this one is a keeper in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

I truly adore these cookies because they bring together such a joyful mix of flavors and textures. The funfetti sugar cookie base has this wonderful buttery softness that just melts in your mouth, while the cream cheese adds a slight tanginess that keeps the sweetness balanced. Then, topping it off with that iconic strawberry kiss, you get a burst of fruity, creamy flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a flavor adventure that always brightens my day.

Another reason I’m such a fan of this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. The dough is soft and easy to mix, especially with a hand mixer, meaning you don’t need hours or a dozen tools to get fantastic results. I love pulling out this recipe whether I’m baking for a party, a holiday, or just because I want to treat myself and my family. The colorful sanding sugar or non-pareils add such a fun finishing touch, and the entire process feels like a celebration in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a pink cookie with a round shape covered in small colorful sprinkles in red, pink, and white, creating a bumpy texture. On top of the cookie, in the center, there is a soft pink dollop of frosting with a smooth, slightly glossy texture shaped like a small peak. Another similar cookie is placed slightly behind the first one and out of focus, with part of a white glass of milk visible in the background. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in both taste and texture, making the baking process simple yet wildly satisfying.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix (16-ounce bag): The foundation of the cookie, bringing the classic buttery sweetness and colorful sprinkles within every bite.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): This adds a subtle tang and richness that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough together and provides structure without drying the cookies out.
Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils (½ cup): For rolling the dough balls, adding a sparkling texture and visual appeal.
Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (18 pieces): The pièce de résistance, giving each cookie that luscious strawberry finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure none of these beauties stick during baking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg until you form a soft dough. Don’t overmix; you want it just combined for tender cookies.

Step 3: Pour your chosen sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl, making it easy to coat the cookie dough balls evenly.

Step 4: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or a spoon if you prefer), scoop out balls of dough and drop each directly into the bowl of sugar or sprinkles.

Step 5: Gently roll the dough balls around to coat them completely, then shape each into a neat, even ball for uniform baking.

Step 6: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Refrigerate or freeze it for 30 to 60 minutes before scooping; this step is optional but really helps with easier shaping.

Step 7: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake your cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but the centers still look soft—this ensures a chewy, tender bite.

Step 9: After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Kiss gently into the top of each warm cookie to create that signature look and flavor.

Step 10: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm and gooey if you simply can’t wait.

Servings and Timing

This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe makes approximately 16 delicious cookies—perfect for sharing or indulging over several days. The prep time is about 15 minutes, including mixing and shaping the dough. Baking will take you around 8 to 12 minutes per batch, with an additional 3 to 5 minutes of cooling time before adding the kisses. If you choose to chill the dough before baking, plan on up to 1 hour more. In total, you’re looking at roughly 48 minutes from start to finish, making this recipe wonderfully manageable even for a weekend baking session.

How to Serve This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a cupcake-shaped cookie with three layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light beige cookie dough covered in tiny, round sprinkles in red, light pink, and white, giving a bumpy texture; the middle layer shows a thicker, smooth, and glossy light pink icing shaped like a dollop on top of the cookie, with small red bits embedded inside; around the cookie, there are scattered red, pink, and white round sprinkles on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these cookies, I love pairing them with simple, complementary treats that don’t overpower their delightful strawberry and funfetti flavors. Fresh strawberries or a small bowl of whipped cream on the side can elevate the presentation for a casual tea party or a festive dessert tray. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to transform them into a more indulgent dessert.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange these cookies on a pretty platter or tiered stand, making sure the shiny pink or white sanding sugar and the bright red strawberry kisses catch the eye. Garnishing the plate with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers adds a lovely touch for special occasions, especially when you’re serving friends and family during holidays or celebrations.

For drinks, I find these cookies truly shine alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a light, fruity white wine for an adult gathering. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cold glass of lemonade or strawberry-infused sparkling water complements their flavors wonderfully. I usually recommend serving these at room temperature so the kiss chocolate is perfectly soft but not melty, making each bite just right whether it’s for a party or an after-dinner treat.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe to suit different moods and dietary needs. If you want to switch up the flavor, try using white chocolate or even classic Hershey’s Kisses in place of the strawberry flavor for a different twist while keeping the funfetti dough the same. Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough also brightens the flavor beautifully.

For friends or family who require gluten-free options, I recommend swapping out the sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free version that works well in cookies. Vegan bakers can try replacing the egg with a flax egg and using vegan cream cheese to keep that soft, tangy texture intact. Though the cookies are best fresh, you could experiment with baking mini cookie cups and filling them with strawberry jam instead of using the kiss on top for a fun alternative.

If you’re feeling adventurous with cooking methods, I’ve even tried baking these as bite-sized thumbprint cookies and pressing the kiss into a small dollop of cream cheese frosting once cooled. This method takes a little more time but makes a fantastic party appetizer. No matter which variation I choose, this recipe’s core charm always shines through.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. I usually layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they remain delicious for up to 4 days. If you want to stretch their shelf life a bit further, keeping them in the fridge can help, but I recommend allowing them to come to room temperature before enjoying again to restore their perfect texture.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing these cookies works well if you want to prep in advance. After baking and cooling completely, I place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours until solid, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They can keep frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for an hour or so, and they taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked.

Reheating

To reheat Strawberry Kiss Cookies without losing their charm, I gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300 degrees fahrenheit) for 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the kiss again, recreating that melty, gooey experience fresh out of the oven. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the cookie or cause the kiss to get too melty and runny.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Regular full-fat cream cheese works best for the right texture and flavor, but you can use reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cheese if you prefer. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing to blend easily into the dough.

What if I don’t have sanding sugar or non-pareils for coating the dough?

No worries! You can simply use granulated sugar or colored sugar crystals you have on hand. They add sweetness and a bit of texture, even if the sparkle isn’t quite the same.

Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is optional. Chilling helps make the dough easier to handle if it feels too sticky, but if you don’t mind a bit of stickiness, you can scoop and roll the dough right away. Just be gentle to keep the shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free funfetti mix that is suitable for baking. You may need to adjust mixing slightly, but the end result is just as delightful.

How should I store these cookies if I want them to stay crisp?

If you prefer a crisper cookie, store them in an airtight container with a silica gel packet or a small piece of bread to absorb moisture. Avoid refrigeration as that can make cookies chewy rather than crisp.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe because it truly feels like a little bit of happiness baked into each cookie. They are simple to make, bursting with wonderful flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles at any gathering or quiet moment at home. Once you make them, I promise they’ll become one of your go-to favorites, just like they have for me!