Irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe for Easy Valentine Treats

Looking for a charming, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day—or, honestly, any sweet occasion? These strawberry kiss cookies hit all the right notes: soft, chewy centers, a punch of strawberry flavor, and a creamy chocolate kiss nestled on top. They’re just as beautiful as they are delicious and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re whipping up a tray to impress your sweetie, hosting a Galentine’s Day gathering, or planning a cozy baking session with the kids, this recipe makes it both fun and foolproof. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These strawberry kiss cookies aren’t just adorable—they’re downright irresistible! Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection:

Flavorful and Fun: With a boost of strawberry from cake mix and the smooth chocolate kiss topping, these cookies deliver the perfect sweet bite.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here. Thanks to the shortcut of boxed cake mix, you’ll spend more time enjoying them than baking them.
Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for little hands to help shape the cookies and unwrap kisses—it’s a great recipe for family bonding.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cuties in cellophane bags or heart-shaped tins for a homemade love note that tastes better than any card.
Customizable: Want to try a chocolate version? A lemon twist? The base is super adaptable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grab these basic tools before you start to keep the baking process smooth and stress-free:

Baking tray or cookie sheet
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Measuring spoons and cups
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Wire cooling rack
Cookie scoop (optional, but helps with uniform size)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Preparation Tips

Want bakery-style results without breaking a sweat? Here are a few time-saving and flavor-boosting tips:

Unwrap your kisses ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to get chocolate ready while your cookies cool.
Use room-temperature butter and eggs. This helps the dough mix more evenly and improves texture.
Chill your dough for 15–20 minutes. Slightly firm dough makes it easier to roll and bake without spreading too much.
Use a cookie scoop. It helps ensure all cookies are uniform in size, making for even baking.

Ingredients List

You’ll only need a few pantry staples—most of which you might already have!

1 (15.25 oz) box strawberry cake mix
1 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs (room temperature)
⅓ cup vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Powdered sugar (for rolling)
About 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Step-by-Step Directions

These strawberry kiss cookies come together in a flash. Follow these easy steps to get picture-perfect results:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add strawberry cake mix, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Add wet ingredients. Crack in the eggs, pour in the oil, and add vanilla extract. Beat everything together with a hand mixer until a thick dough forms.
Chill the dough (optional but helpful). Pop the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
Form the dough into balls. Scoop out dough (about 1 tablespoon per cookie), roll lightly in powdered sugar, and place on a prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes. Cookies should be puffed and just set—not browned. Watch closely after 8 minutes.
Add the kisses. Right after taking them out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Let cool completely on a wire rack. (Tip: Don’t stack until the chocolate has set.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few easy-to-miss errors can make or break your batch. Here’s how to dodge them:

Overbaking: These cookies won’t brown much. Don’t wait for golden edges or you’ll end up with dry centers.
Adding kisses too late: If you wait too long and the cookies cool, the kisses won’t stick well.
Skipping powdered sugar: Rolling in powdered sugar gives that delicate crackle look. Don’t skip it—it also adds sweetness!
Not spacing cookies: Even though they don’t spread much, give them room to puff up during baking.

Best Side Dishes

Need a few extras to complete your Valentine’s Day dessert spread? Pair these cookies with:

Fresh Berries and Cream: A light and refreshing contrast to the cookie’s richness.
Strawberry Milk or Hot Chocolate: A sweet drink makes cookie dunking more fun.
Mini Cheesecake Bites: Add a creamy option to your dessert table to balance textures.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve cookies slightly warm next to a scoop—it’s a dreamy combo!

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take these cookies from great to unforgettable? Try these pro tricks:

Switch up the kisses: Try using white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses.
Add decorative sprinkles: Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking to match your party theme.
Layer flavors: Add a touch of almond extract for a surprisingly complex flavor twist.
Include freeze-dried strawberries: Mix crushed pieces into the dough for more vibrant strawberry flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These cookies are easy to make ahead and store—but follow the tips below to keep them fresh and tasty:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a piece of bread to keep them soft.
Freezing Dough: Roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 2 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze after adding kisses; just allow to cool fully. Layer parchment between cookies to avoid sticking.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that just-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Try chocolate, lemon, or even red velvet for a different yet equally delicious cookie.

How do I keep the kisses from melting?

Press them into the cookies immediately after baking, then let everything cool in a room with good airflow. You can also pop the tray in the fridge for a few minutes to set the chocolate.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Both the dough and baked cookies can be prepped ahead and stored. They travel well too—great for gifting.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar instead. It won’t give the same cracked look, but they’ll still be delicious.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s optional but recommended for easier rolling and prettier cookies.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry kiss cookies are the kind of treat that brings smiles to faces—whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just another Tuesday. They look impressive, taste amazing, and come together in no time. Plus, the pink hue and chocolate kiss on top make them totally photo-worthy.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try! Bake a batch, snap a pic, and share the love (and cookies) with someone special. Have questions? Drop them below—I’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes!

And if you’re craving more easy cookie recipes, don’t miss our Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Lemon Sugar Cookies for even more sweet inspiration.

Happy baking! 💕