Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe

Craving a sweet treat that'll impress your friends and family? Strawberry Kiss Cookies are your secret weapon in the dessert world. You'll transform a simple strawberry cake mix into a bakery-worthy delight that's both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you're about to discover a cookie recipe that'll become your new go-to for gatherings, holidays, or those moments when you need a touch of pink-hued happiness.

Recipe Highlights

• Strawberry Kiss Cookies are delightful treats made using strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and chocolate Kisses, creating a soft, pink cookie with a chocolate center.
• The simple recipe involves mixing cake mix ingredients, rolling dough into balls, coating with powdered sugar, and baking at 350°F for 9-11 minutes.
• After baking, immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each warm cookie and allow them to cool completely to set the chocolate.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days and are perfect for gifting or serving at parties.
• Variations can be achieved by experimenting with different Kiss flavors, cake mix types, and presentation styles to suit various occasions and personal preferences.

History

While the exact origins of Strawberry Kiss Cookies remain somewhat unclear, these delightful treats emerged as a creative variation on traditional cookie recipes during the late 20th century.

You'll find their roots in the trend of using cake mixes as cookie bases, a technique popularized by home bakers seeking convenience and flavor innovation.

These cookies likely developed from:

• The rise of packaged cake mix in the 1950s
• Growing popularity of Hershey's Kisses in dessert recipes
• Increasing consumer desire for colorful, playful baked goods

Culinary experimenters began combining strawberry cake mix with chocolate elements, creating a novel dessert that appealed to both children and adults.

Recipe

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet strawberry flavor and rich chocolate, creating a perfect treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

These soft, pillowy cookies boast a vibrant pink hue from strawberry cake mix and feature a decadent chocolate Kiss nestled in the center, making them as visually appealing as they're delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients and offering maximum flavor impact. With just a few easy steps, home bakers can transform basic pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 24 chocolate Kiss candies
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, which will help the Kiss set and maintain its shape.

For best results, consider freezing the chocolate Kisses for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive melting.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage, making them a versatile and convenient treat for any occasion.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by mixing the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and oil in a large bowl until a soft dough forms.

Next, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat them generously in powdered sugar, placing them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9-11 minutes, watching for set edges and soft centers, then immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the middle of each warm cookie.

Step 1. Mix Cake Ingredients Together

As you prepare to create these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies, grab a large mixing bowl and gather your key ingredients.

Pour the entire 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix into the bowl, creating a vibrant pink base for your treats. Crack two large eggs directly into the mix, then measure exactly 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, consistent dough.

You'll want to:

• Mix thoroughly
• Eliminate any dry cake mix lumps
• Achieve a soft, pliable texture

Pay attention to the dough's consistency – it should be slightly sticky but manageable. When you can easily roll the mixture into 1-inch balls without significant crumbling, you've reached the perfect mixing point.

The strawberry cake mix will provide both color and flavor, setting the stage for your delectable chocolate-topped cookies.

Step 2. Roll Dough Into Balls

Grab your powdered sugar and prepare to transform that vibrant pink dough into perfectly uniform cookies. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out equal amounts of dough to ensure consistent sizing. Roll each portion between your palms, creating smooth, 1-inch balls that are compact and round.

Key rolling techniques:

• Keep hands lightly dusted with powdered sugar
• Work quickly to prevent dough from warming
• Aim for golf ball-sized spheres
• Rotate hands in gentle circular motions

Carefully place each dough ball into the powdered sugar, gently rotating to create a complete, even coating. Tap off excess sugar, then arrange the sugared balls 2 inches apart on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

This spacing prevents cookies from merging during baking and ensures even heat distribution.

Step 3. Coat Dough Balls Sugar

Powdered sugar transforms ordinary cookie dough into a delicate, elegant treat with its pristine white coating.

You'll want to create a shallow bowl or plate with the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, ensuring an even, light dusting.

Gently roll each 1-inch dough ball through the sugar, using a light touch to prevent compressing the soft mixture.

Rotate the ball carefully, allowing the powdered sugar to create a complete, even layer that looks like a soft, white snowfall.

Tap off any excess sugar to prevent clumping and ensure a clean, sophisticated appearance.

The sugar not only adds visual appeal but also creates a subtle sweetness and delicate texture that complements the strawberry cake mix base.

Position the sugar-coated balls 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, ready for the next step in creating these delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies.

Step 4. Bake Until Edges Set

When the strawberry cookie dough balls emerge from their powdered sugar bath, they're primed for the transformative heat of the oven.

Carefully position the sugared spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to prevent merging during baking. Set your oven to precisely 350°F, creating an ideal environment for these delicate treats.

Slide the sheet into the center rack, allowing even heat distribution. Watch closely during the 9-11 minute baking window, focusing on visual cues: edges should turn slightly golden and set, while centers remain soft and pillowy.

The cookies won't look fully done, but trust the process. Their gentle, slightly underbaked texture ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that'll make these Strawberry Kiss Cookies irresistibly tender and delectable.

Step 5. Press Chocolate Kiss Center

The magic moment of transforming hot, freshly baked strawberry cookies happens immediately after removing them from the oven.

Working quickly, press a frozen chocolate Kiss into the center of each soft, pillowy cookie. The slight chill on the Kiss prevents complete melting while ensuring a beautiful, glossy chocolate center. Use gentle, even pressure to embed the Kiss, creating a slight indentation without cracking the cookie's delicate surface.

Key pressing techniques:

• Center the Kiss precisely in the cookie's middle
• Press down about 1/4 inch deep
• Work within 30-60 seconds of removing cookies from oven
• Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet

The chocolate will set beautifully, creating a stunning visual and delicious flavor contrast against the pink strawberry cookie base.

Final Thoughts

Because these Strawberry Kiss Cookies offer such a delightful blend of flavor and simplicity, you'll find they're an irresistible treat that can elevate any dessert table or casual gathering.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily customize it for different occasions by swapping Kiss flavors or experimenting with cake mix variations.

Key serving suggestions include:

• Dust with additional powdered sugar for a festive look
• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Package as homemade gifts in clear cellophane bags
• Serve slightly warm for maximum chocolate Kiss meltiness

Remember that practice makes perfect, and don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't Pinterest-worthy.

Each cookie tells a delicious story of creativity and culinary adventure.