Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 24 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft, sweet, and irresistibly cute. I love baking them for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or anytime I want a cookie that’s a little extra special. With their pretty pink hue, soft strawberry flavor, and chocolate kiss centers, they’re a fun twist on classic blossom cookies — fruity, festive, and always a hit.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, colorful, and packed with flavor. The strawberry cookie dough comes together quickly — especially if I use a cake mix shortcut — and the warm cookie topped with a chocolate kiss is just the perfect combination. They look impressive, but they’re actually simple to make. Plus, they make any cookie tray instantly more cheerful.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry cake mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract (optional)
Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Directions

Preheat the oven
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the cookie dough
In a bowl, I mix the strawberry cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and a splash of vanilla if I want a little extra flavor. I stir until a thick dough forms.
Roll and coat
I scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a sparkly coating.
Bake the cookies
I place the dough balls a couple of inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and the edges are set (but not browned).
Add the chocolate kisses
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, I gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. Then I let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Bake time: ~8–10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

I use white chocolate or strawberry-flavored kisses for a twist
Sometimes I drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies
I roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar for extra sparkle
I add a few drops of strawberry extract to intensify the flavor
I use heart-shaped chocolates for a festive variation

storage/reheating

Room temperature: I store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer: I freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months. I add the kisses after baking.

Reheating: I don’t usually reheat these, but a few seconds in the microwave softens them if I want a warm treat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cookie dough?

Yes, I can make my own dough using flour, butter, sugar, and freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry extract — but using cake mix saves time and still tastes great.

Will the chocolate kisses melt?

The kisses soften but hold their shape if I press them in immediately after baking. I let the cookies cool completely to avoid smudging.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. I often bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. The texture stays soft and chewy.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, but if the dough feels sticky, I chill it for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes — lemon, cherry, or vanilla cake mix would work well. I like experimenting with different flavors and chocolates.

Conclusion

Strawberry Kiss Cookies are sweet, simple, and so much fun to make. I love how the fruity flavor pairs with the chocolate center, and how pretty they look on a plate. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just want a cheerful treat, these cookies always bring a smile.