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Sweet, pretty, and perfectly pink - these Strawberry Kiss Cookies bring together the best of sugar cookies and chocolate kisses in one adorable treat. With just 5 simple ingredients, they're the kind of cookies that look like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really they come together in minutes. The creamy strawberry kiss melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Last weekend, I made these with my daughter for her class Valentine's party. Watching the kids' faces light up at the pink sparkly cookies made all the sprinkle cleanup worthwhile. The secret? Using cream cheese in the dough makes them extra soft and tender.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: The sprinkles in the mix add extra festive flair. Regular sugar cookie mix works too
- Cream cheese: Make sure it's fully softened for the best texture
- Pink sanding sugar: Creates that magical sparkle. Regular sugar works, but the shimmer is worth seeking out
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: Their pink color and strawberry flavor make them perfect. Any kisses work in a pinch
- Large egg: Brings everything together into a perfect dough
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add cookie mix and egg. Mix until soft dough forms. Chill if too sticky to handle.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions. Roll in sanding sugar. Form into smooth balls. Place on lined baking sheet.
- Baking Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Space cookies 1½ inches apart. Bake 8-12 minutes. Watch for set edges.
- Adding the Kisses:
- Let cookies cool 3-5 minutes. Unwrap kisses while waiting. Press gently into centers. Don't move until set.
- Final Touches:
- Let kisses set completely. Transfer to cooling rack. Add extra sprinkles if desired. Resist sampling while too hot!
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Making Perfect Centers
The timing of adding the chocolate kisses is crucial. I've found that waiting 3-5 minutes after the cookies come out of the oven is perfect - the cookies are still warm enough to help the kisses stick, but not so hot that they completely melt.
Temperature Matters
If your dough feels too sticky, a quick 30-minute chill in the refrigerator makes it much easier to handle. I like to roll all the balls first, then chill them on the baking sheet before putting them in the oven.
Storage Success
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge to prevent the kisses from melting, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead Magic
You can prepare the dough balls ahead of time and freeze them (before rolling in sugar). When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and add an extra minute to the baking time.
Decorating Tips
Set up a sprinkle station with different colors of sanding sugar for variety. I like to use pink and white for Valentine's Day, but you can match any holiday or celebration.
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These strawberry kiss cookies have become our favorite Valentine's Day tradition. They're simple enough for little helpers but pretty enough for gifting. Whether you're making them for a school party, holiday celebration, or just because, these cookies bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The combination of soft, sugary cookie and sweet strawberry kiss creates something magical that makes any moment feel special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why add cream cheese to cookie mix?
- Cream cheese makes cookies softer and adds rich flavor.
- → When should I add the Kisses?
- Add them right after baking while cookies are still warm.
- → Can I use different Kisses flavors?
- Yes, any Hershey's Kiss variety works well.
- → Why is my dough sticky?
- This is normal - chilling helps make it easier to handle.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Freeze without Kisses, add candy after thawing and warming.