Introduction

Strawberry cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional treats, combining the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake mix with a creamy texture from cream cheese. Topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, these cookies are both visually appealing and deliciously soft.

The image shows four pink cookies, each with a soft, rough texture and a rounded shape. In the center of each cookie is a single, dark brown, smooth, shiny chocolate kiss placed upright. The cookies have a light dusting of white powder on top, giving a slight sparkle. They are arranged on white paper with faint pink and red writing, all placed on top of a wooden surface. The background is softly out of focus, drawing attention to the details of the pink cookies and chocolate kisses. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Optional: powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar
30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add the softened cream cheese to the mixture and stir until the dough becomes thick and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help it firm up for easier handling.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls for evenly sized cookies.
Step 6: If desired, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar or pink granulated sugar for a sweet, decorative coating. Otherwise, place the dough balls plain onto the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest for 1–2 minutes. Then gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the dough.
If you prefer, substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate or raspberry-filled chocolates for a unique twist.
Rolling the dough in sugar before baking adds a fun crunch, but you can skip this step for a softer outer texture.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dough.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To refresh, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then press the chocolate kiss back in if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of round pink cookies arranged on white parchment paper on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Each cookie has a smooth, bright pink base with a slightly grainy texture from sugar or sprinkles, topped with a dark, smooth chocolate drop in the center. The chocolate drop is cone-shaped and glossy, standing upright in the middle of the pink cookie. Fine white powdered sugar is lightly dusted on the cookies, adding a soft contrast to the pink surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.