If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender treats that burst with fruity charm, you are absolutely going to love this Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies pair the fluffiness of a strawberry cake mix dough with the creamy tang of cream cheese, all topped off with a melting strawberry ice cream cone kiss that’s as cute as it is delicious. Whether it’s a family gathering, afternoon snack, or just a moment when you crave a little sweetness, these cookies bring joy with every bite and a lovely pop of pink that makes them as easy on the eyes as they are on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and every item plays a starring role. From the richness of the unsalted butter to the fruity essence locked in the strawberry cake mix, each component works together to create a cookie full of flavor, softness, and that signature strawberry glow.
- ½ Cup unsalted butter: Room temperature butter helps keep the dough smooth and adds richness without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 Box strawberry cake mix (15¼ ounces): This brings the foundational strawberry flavor and vibrant color to your cookies effortlessly.
- ½ Cup powdered sugar: Rolling dough balls in powdered sugar gives each cookie a sweet, delicate exterior and a gentle crunch.
- 8 Ounces cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a luscious texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 egg: At room temperature, this binds the dough together, creating the perfect soft cookie consistency.
- 36 strawberry ice cream cone kisses (unwrapped): The pièce de résistance—these charming kisses melt slightly atop each cookie, delivering an extra burst of strawberry flavor and a fun finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter, Egg, and Cream Cheese
Start by placing your room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and egg into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step ensures your dough starts with a perfect, velvety texture that will make your cookies absolutely melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Mix in the Strawberry Cake Mix
Next, add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to the bowl. Beat on low speed until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and you no longer see any lumps of cake mix. The batter will start to come together, becoming thick and ready to transform into those soft, delightful cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld, making the dough easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape when baked. This step is key to those perfectly soft yet sturdily shaped cookies.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Having everything ready means you can bake fresh batches immediately when the dough is set.
Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Coat in Powdered Sugar
Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll each ball gently between your palms to round them nicely. Then, roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This extra touch not only adds sweetness but also creates a pretty, snowy finish on each cookie.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place your dough balls at least 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until the edges look set, but the centers remain soft. This timing ensures that your cookies will be tender and hardly crispy, giving you that classic strawberry kiss softness in every bite.
Step 7: Press the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one unwrapped strawberry ice cream cone kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the kiss, creating a luscious, glossy finish and a perfect strawberry topper that invites you to dig right in.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets; this helps the kisses set in place and the cookies firm up just enough. Once cooled, these strawberry kiss cookies are ready to be admired and devoured!
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the strawberry ice cream cone kiss is a standout garnish itself, feel free to sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar lightly over the cookies before serving. Adding fresh strawberry slices on the side can also enhance the strawberry experience and add a fresh, juicy element.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a fruity iced tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. They are also perfect alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange these cookies on a tiered serving tray with pink and white decorations to match the strawberry theme. Place a few small bowls of dipping sauces—like white chocolate or strawberry glaze—nearby to make the snack table interactive and fun. You could even package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with pink ribbon for cute homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure the cookies have cooled completely before storing to prevent sogginess. This way, they stay soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve, and the kisses will retain their charm.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 3-5 minutes. This short heat brings back the soft texture and slightly melts the strawberry kisses without hardening the cookies.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While the Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe shines with strawberry cake mix, you can experiment with flavors like white cake or vanilla for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the strawberry kiss on top pairs best with similarly fruity or neutral flavors.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it helps the cookies maintain shape and makes them easier to handle. Skipping this step might result in flatter cookies that spread too much during baking.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key for the texture and flavor balance in this recipe. You might try mascarpone for a slightly richer taste, but it’s best to avoid swaps like butter alone since it changes the overall consistency.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No worries! You can use a tablespoon to measure out dough portions and roll them by hand. Just try to keep the balls as uniform as possible for even baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze dough balls, placed on a tray, until firm, then transfer to a freezer container. When ready, bake from frozen adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. This is perfect for making these Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe extra convenient!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and share. The marriage of cake mix simplicity with the unique strawberry kisses creates a cookie that feels special yet effortlessly doable. I hope you enjoy baking and eating these as much as I do—their soft texture and sweet strawberry finish are downright irresistible!
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
Description
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies made with strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, topped with a sweet strawberry ice cream cone kiss. These delightful treats are rolled in powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 Box strawberry cake mix (15¼ ounces)
- ½ Cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 8 Ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
Topping
- 36 strawberry ice cream cone kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Beat the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the unsalted butter, egg, and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to the wet ingredients and beat until fully combined with no visible dry ingredients left in the batter.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up, which makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even baking.
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Scoop and shape: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Coat in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, then place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges have set but the centers are still soft.
- Add the kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one unwrapped strawberry ice cream cone kiss on top of each cookie to adhere while warm.
- Cool completely: Let the cookies cool entirely on the baking sheets to set properly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Room temperature butter, cream cheese, and egg are crucial for smooth mixing and the best texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, you can add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the dough.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute powdered sugar with fine granulated sugar for a slightly different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
