As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet, fruity aroma of strawberry cake mix wafting through the air, I couldn't help but smile at the simple joy of baking. Strawberry Kiss Cookies are not just another treat; they are an enchanting blend of nostalgia and creativity that can warm the heart and please any crowd. This delightful recipe offers a quick prep time and the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, boasting a playful twist with each cookie topped by a luscious Hershey Kiss. Get ready to impress your friends and family while indulging your sweet tooth in the most delightful way possible! Are you curious to discover how you can bring smiles and sweetness into your home with just a few ingredients? Let’s dive in!
Why are Strawberry Kiss Cookies irresistible?
Irresistible Flavor: These cookies combine the sweet, fruity essence of strawberry cake mix with a rich Hershey Kiss perched on top, creating a taste sensation that's hard to resist.
Quick & Easy: With a mere 15 minutes of prep, you can whip these up effortlessly—ideal for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
Chilling Magic: Allowing the dough to chill enhances the flavors while helping the cookies maintain their shape, which leads to a visually appealing treat.
Memorable Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet surprise, these cookies will charm everyone who takes a bite. Want to elevate your cookie game? Try experimenting with our classic chocolate chip cookies next!
Fun for Everyone: Baking Strawberry Kiss Cookies is not only a delight, but it’s also a great activity to bring the family together in the kitchen!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Ingredients
• Ready to bring joy to your kitchen? Here's what you'll need!
For the Cookie Dough
- Vegetable oil – adds moisture to ensure a tender cookie.
- Large eggs – provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- Flour – balances the sweet flavors; all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
- Strawberry cake mix – infuses that delightful berry flavor into the cookies.
- Milk – a splash keeps the dough smooth and easy to work with.
For Rolling
- Granulated sugar – rolling the dough enhances sweetness and gives a lovely sparkle.
For Topping
- Hershey's Kisses – the luscious cherry on top, providing a gooey, chocolatey surprise in every bite!
Get ready to savor the deliciousness of these Strawberry Kiss Cookies, perfect for any occasion!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of vegetable oil and 2 large eggs. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a glossy base for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The consistency will be slightly thick but pourable.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of flour along with 1 box (15.25 oz) of strawberry cake mix to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will become thick and pink, with bits of cake mix visible.
Step 3: Add Milk and Form Dough
Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk to the dough, mixing until it comes together into a cohesive ball. This additional liquid ensures the Strawberry Kiss Cookies are moist and tender. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it's too dry, add a tiny splash more of milk.
Step 4: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a #30 cookie scoop or approximately 2 tablespoons per cookie, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place each cookie ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. Aim for about 24 cookie balls total, and prepare for the next step.
Step 5: Roll in Sugar
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, ensuring they're completely coated. This step not only adds sweetness but makes for a beautifully sparkly surface. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for chilling.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances the flavors. You'll notice the dough becoming firmer, which is perfect for shaping when baked.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with fresh parchment paper to prepare for baking. This ensures your Strawberry Kiss Cookies have a non-stick surface, making it easy to transfer them once baked.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place one sheet of cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they'll be done when the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies when they’re just set, as they will continue to cook slightly on the sheet.
Step 9: Top with Hershey Kisses
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a delicious gooey topping—a signature feature of Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack or an airtight container. This step ensures they maintain their shape and texture. Once cooled, store them, or share these delightful treats with family and friends!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Transform your sweet treat into a delightful meal surrounded by cozy flavors and cheerful moments.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Nothing beats the creamy goodness of milk, enhancing the cookie flavors with each sip.
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Strawberry Shortcake: Elevate your dessert game with a light, fluffy strawberry shortcake. The fresh berries complement the cookie's fruity essence beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a luscious texture and makes each bite of cookie an indulgent experience.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweets echo the flavors of the cookies while adding a crisp texture and extra sweetness—perfect for a celebration or special snack.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the fruity cookies, making it a heavenly dessert combo.
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Fruit Salad: A freshness of a colorful fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a cheerful and healthy side to your dessert spread.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a refreshing drink, try sparkling water with lemon. Its lightness complements the sweetness without overshadowing the flavor of the cookies.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cookies
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Chill Time Matters: Skipping the chilling step may result in overly flat cookies. Allowing the dough to chill enhances texture and flavor.
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Perfect Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a touch more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until manageable. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
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Don’t Overbake: For chewy cookies, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
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Sugar Coating: Ensure each dough ball is well coated with granulated sugar before chilling. This adds a delightful sweetness and sparkly finish to your Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
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Experiment with Toppings: Want a new twist? Try swapping the Hershey’s Kisses for other chocolates or candies to give these cookies your personal flair!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and soft for enjoying whenever the craving strikes!
Fridge: If you'd like to keep them a bit longer, place your Strawberry Kiss Cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they're in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Pop them in the microwave or let them thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Reheating: To enjoy that just-baked taste, reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This warms them up nicely while slightly softening the chocolate on top!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make these delightful cookies truly your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate for a tasty treat that everyone can enjoy!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cake mix is certified gluten-free for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in each bite!
- Add Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist that beautifully complements the strawberry flavor.
- Extra Chocolate: Swap out the Hershey Kisses for chocolate-covered strawberries, or try dark chocolate for a rich, decadent option.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that enhances these sweet cookies perfectly.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar coating or replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier sweetness that still satisfies your cravings.
- Chewy Cookies: For extra chewiness, add an additional egg yolk to the dough, ensuring they stay soft and tender even after baking.
No matter how you choose to customize your Strawberry Kiss Cookies, there's magic waiting to happen in your kitchen. Just like when you bake our classic chocolate chip cookies, share your creations with loved ones and enjoy the delicious results!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fantastic option for make-ahead meal planning! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe up to the chilling step, then cover and refrigerate the dough. This chilling period not only enhances flavor but also helps maintain the cookies' shape. Once you're ready to bake, just scoop out the chilled dough, roll in sugar, and bake as directed. For an even quicker treat, you can freeze the uncooked cookie balls for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cook time. With these smart prep options, you’ll have delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready to impress with minimal effort!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe strawberries for the cake mix?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and with a natural shine. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes. Fresh strawberries will give your cookies a fuller flavor and delightful fruity aroma!
How should I store Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
You can store your cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. This way, you can enjoy their sweetness at your leisure!
Can I freeze Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Yes, you certainly can! To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find that your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Start by sprinkling a tablespoon of flour at a time into the mixture, gently folding until the consistency becomes more manageable. Remember, overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so mix just enough to combine.
Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delight for us, they aren't suitable for pets. The chocolate in Hershey's Kisses can be toxic to dogs and cats. Additionally, if anyone has a gluten allergy, consider using gluten-free cake mix and flour options to make this recipe safe and enjoyable for everyone!
Sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a Delightful Treat
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- spatula
- cookie scoop
- Parchment Paper
- Baking sheets
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup Vegetable oil adds moisture to ensure a tender cookie
- 2 large Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups All-purpose flour balances the sweet flavors
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Strawberry cake mix infuses the delightful berry flavor
- 1 tablespoon Milk keeps the dough smooth
For Rolling
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar adds sweetness and sparkle
For Topping
- 24 pieces Hershey's Kisses provides a gooey chocolate surprise
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of vegetable oil and 2 large eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of flour and 1 box of strawberry cake mix to the wet mixture. Fold together until just combined.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk to the dough until it comes together into a cohesive ball.
- Using a #30 cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated, then place back on the baking sheet.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
