Strawberry Kiss Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet, festive treat that combines fun, flavor, and a little bit of whimsy, look no further than these Strawberry Kiss Cookies. With a base made from Funfetti sugar cookie mix, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a vibrant pink hue. The addition of cream cheese makes the cookies rich and tender, while the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses melt in to create a delightful surprise in every bite. These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, summer parties, or any occasion where you want to add a pop of color and flavor. Topped with pink or white sanding sugar, they’re both eye-catching and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these fun and festive cookies that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Kiss Cookies

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are an absolute treat for anyone who loves a fun twist on traditional cookies. The use of Funfetti sugar cookie mix makes them simple to whip up, and the cream cheese adds an extra level of softness and richness to the dough. The star of the show, however, is the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, which melt perfectly into the cookies, creating a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite. The sanding sugar or non-pareils on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. These cookies are perfect for gifting, holiday baking, or a casual treat that will wow your family and friends. They’re festive, easy to make, and incredibly delicious, making them an irresistible addition to your cookie repertoire.

Ingredients

• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix (16-ounce bag)
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened, about half of an 8-ounce package)
• Large egg (1)
• Pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils (½ cup)
• Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (18 pieces)

Variations

• Different Kiss Flavors: You can swap the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses for other Hershey’s Kisses, like milk chocolate, caramel, or mint, depending on your taste preferences.
• Add Fruit Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free sugar cookie mix, available in most grocery stores.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a touch of elegance.
• Sprinkles: Add more colorful sprinkles to the dough for a fun and festive touch, perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations.

How to Make the Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the ingredients together until the dough comes together and is smooth.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in pink or white sanding sugar (or non-pareils) to coat them generously.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center should still be soft.

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Kisses

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies have cooled, serve them up! These cookies are deliciously sweet, and the melted strawberry kiss in the center adds the perfect touch of flavor.

Tips for Making the Strawberry Kiss Cookies

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure the dough is smooth and well-blended.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are soft by nature, so be sure not to overbake them. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to roll, you can refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to add extra sprinkles or even mini chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Press Kisses Gently: When pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the center of the cookies, be gentle, as the cookies will be soft and could break if handled too roughly.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day celebrations to casual get-togethers. Serve them with a glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially if you package them in a cute tin or jar with a ribbon. Their colorful appearance and delicious flavor make them a great addition to any dessert table or holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sanding sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) until slightly warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of Hershey’s Kisses?

Yes, you can substitute the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses with other flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as milk chocolate, caramel, or white chocolate.

2. Can I make these cookies without the cream cheese?

The cream cheese helps create a soft and chewy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer. Just note that the cookies may be slightly firmer without it.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix in place of the regular Funfetti mix.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar for coating the cookies?

Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar or colored sugar instead of sanding sugar for coating. Non-pareils work great for a fun, festive look.

5. How long will these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last for up to 5 days at room temperature.

6. Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time.

7. Do I have to use Funfetti sugar cookie mix?

No, but the Funfetti mix adds a colorful, festive touch to the cookies. You can use any sugar cookie mix or make the dough from scratch if preferred.

8. Can I make these cookies without sanding sugar?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the sanding sugar or use sprinkles or non-pareils for a different look.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate would be a great addition to the dough for added flavor.

10. How can I make the cookies more firm?

If you prefer firmer cookies, you can slightly reduce the amount of cream cheese and chill the dough before baking.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a fun, festive, and absolutely delicious treat that everyone will love. With their soft texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and colorful appearance, they’re perfect for any celebration or just because. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect addition to any dessert table.

Related Posts:

• Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe
• The Best Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Frosted Strawberries and Cream Cookies: A Sweet, Fruity Delight

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