Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen, where we are about to create something truly special and utterly delicious: Strawberry Kiss Cookies. These delightful treats are a fantastic way to bring a burst of fruity flavor and cheer to any occasion, from a festive Valentine’s Day spread to a cozy afternoon tea. Made effortlessly from a simple cake mix, these soft and chewy cookies are incredibly easy to bake. But wait, there is a secret ingredient, a subtle twist, that takes these beautiful Strawberry Kiss Cookies from simply good to absolutely unforgettable. Get ready to discover a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I truly believe this recipe for Strawberry Kiss Cookies will become a treasured go-to in your baking repertoire. The reason is our unique twist: a tiny hint of almond extract. This small addition creates a magical synergy with the strawberry flavor. To learn more about how almond extract complements fruit, check out this article on flavor extract uses and pairings. It enhances the perceived fruitiness, adding a sophisticated, almost bakery-quality depth to what would otherwise be a straightforward cake mix cookie.

This recipe delivers an elevated flavor profile. The almond extract transforms the simple sweetness, preventing it from tasting one-note. Instead, you get a complex, inviting flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret, much like the timeless appeal of a good chocolate chip cookie recipe.

It is incredibly easy to make these. Starting with a strawberry cake mix base means less measuring and quicker prep, allowing you to achieve impressive results with minimal effort.

You will adore the soft and chewy texture. These fruity strawberry cookies boast a delightful chewiness, perfectly complemented by the creamy, melty chocolate center of the Hershey Kisses.

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking for Valentine’s Day Cookies, Mother’s Day Cookies, or simply need a quick pick-me-up, their vibrant color and irresistible taste make them suitable for any celebration or everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Hershey Kisses

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Regarding strawberry cake mix, I often recommend popular brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. These brands consistently deliver good flavor and texture for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies. You can also experiment with flavor variations like red velvet cake mix, lemon cake mix, or chocolate cake mix for a different take on these Blossom Cookies.

The two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are crucial for structure. This extra flour helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and contributes to that desirable chewy texture. It is a key player in managing cookie spreading.

Vegetable oil acts as our primary fat content, providing essential moisture and contributing to the tender, rich mouthfeel of the cookies. You can easily substitute it with other neutral oils such as canola oil if needed.

For the eggs and milk, I always suggest bringing them to room temperature before mixing. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother dough. Eggs act as a binder, giving structure and moisture, while milk adjusts the dough’s consistency.

Hershey Kisses are the classic choice, but feel free to get creative with your chocolate centers. Chocolate hearts are lovely for Valentine’s Day, Brach’s chocolate stars work well for holidays, or even Dove chocolates for an extra touch of creaminess.

And finally, the almond extract is our special twist. I advise using pure almond extract for the best and most authentic flavor, ensuring that unique depth that truly elevates these Strawberry Kiss Cookies.

How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and the two eggs. Whisk them together thoroughly until they are well mixed and appear uniformly blended. This is the base for our soft, chewy cookie dough.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the two tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, followed by the entire box of strawberry cake mix. Mix slowly, either by hand or with a hand mixer on low speed, just until the dry ingredients are mostly moistened and combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.

Step 3: Add Milk & Our Twist

Now, add in the tablespoon of milk. At this point, also add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix the batter just until a cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies due to excessive gluten development. You want a soft, pliable dough.

Step 4: Form & Coat Cookie Balls

Using a #30 cookie scoop, or approximately two tablespoonsful of dough for each cookie, scoop out uniform portions. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in granulated sugar. This coating adds a beautiful sparkle and helps create a slight crust, further aiding in shape retention during baking.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place the rolled cookie dough balls back into the bowl or onto a plate, cover it, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step is absolutely essential. It helps prevent cookie spreading in the oven, allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and makes the dough much easier to handle.

Step 6: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. While the oven heats, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. Set the prepped sheets aside, ready for your chilled cookie dough.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Once chilled, arrange the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for slight expansion. Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers should still appear slightly soft. It is crucial to keep the remaining unbaked cookie dough in the refrigerator between batches to maintain its proper temperature and prevent excessive spreading.

Step 8: Press in the Kisses

Immediately upon removing the hot cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each one. Press just enough to nestle the kisses down into the cookies. For perfectly unwrapping Hershey Kisses without damage, I find keeping them slightly cold and twisting the wrapper gently rather than peeling works best.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow the Strawberry Kiss Cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is important for the chocolate to set properly and for the cookies to firm up to their ideal soft and chewy texture before you transfer them for storage.

The Science of Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies & Yield

Why Each Ingredient Matters

Every ingredient in our Strawberry Kiss Cookies plays a specific role in achieving their perfect taste and texture. Learn more about how ingredients work together in baking with this resource on the sweet science of cookies. The strawberry cake mix serves as a convenient and flavorful base, providing most of the sugar and leavening agents needed for a light, tender crumb.

The additional all-purpose flour is not just filler. It provides crucial structure, preventing excessive cookie spreading and contributing to that delightful chewiness we love. This extra flour helps control gluten development, ensuring the cookies maintain their shape.

Vegetable oil is the primary fat content in this recipe, essential for moisture and tenderness. It contributes to a rich mouthfeel and, when combined with the eggs, aids in emulsification, creating a smooth batter.

Eggs act as a vital binder, holding all the ingredients together. They provide structure, add moisture, and contribute to the richness of the cookie. Like oil, eggs also play a role in emulsification, ensuring a cohesive dough.

The tablespoon of milk helps adjust the dough consistency, adding just enough moisture to create a perfect texture without making it too wet.

Our star, almond extract, is a flavor enhancer. It has a natural synergy with strawberry, boosting its perceived fruitiness and adding a sophisticated depth that elevates these from simple cake mix cookies to something truly special.

Optimizing Your Yield & Cookie Size

This recipe, using a #30 cookie scoop (about two tablespoonsful per cookie), typically yields around 20-24 delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies. If you prefer larger cookies, using a #20 scoop (three tablespoons) will yield fewer, perhaps 15-18, but they will be more substantial. Conversely, a smaller #40 scoop (one tablespoon) will give you more cookies, around 30-35, perfect for a crowd.

When adjusting the scoop size, remember that bake times will also change slightly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, often in 7-9 minutes, while larger cookies might need an extra minute or two, baking for 10-12 minutes. Always look for the edges to be set and the centers still slightly soft, regardless of size.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips for Success

Do not skip the chill! Chilling the cookie dough for at least an hour is my number one tip for preventing cookie spreading and ensuring your Strawberry Kiss Cookies hold their perfect round shape. It also makes the dough much easier to handle. If you are wondering how to prevent strawberry kiss cookies from spreading, this is your answer.

The sugar roll is more than just for looks. Rolling each cookie ball thoroughly in granulated sugar not only adds a beautiful sparkling finish but also helps create a slight crust that further aids in shape retention during baking.

For perfect kiss placement, remember to gently press the chocolate kisses into the center of each hot cookie immediately after they come out of the oven. The residual heat helps them adhere without melting completely. Avoid pressing too hard, which can crack the cookies.

Always bake in batches. To ensure uniform results and prevent your dough from getting too warm, keep any remaining unbaked cookie dough refrigerated between batches. This maintains the proper dough temperature for consistent baking.

Room temperature ingredients truly make a difference. Bringing eggs and milk to ideal egg and milk temperature for mixing ensures a smoother batter and better emulsification, leading to a more evenly baked and textured cookie.

Unwrap Kisses with care. For perfectly unwrapping Hershey Kisses without damaging them, I find that keeping them slightly chilled helps. Then, gently twist the foil wrapper rather than peeling it, which can sometimes tear the delicate chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common pitfall is overmixing the dough. Once the all-purpose flour and strawberry cake mix are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can lead to tough, rather than tender, cookies.

Insufficient chilling is another frequent mistake. Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much in the oven, resulting in flat, thin cookies. Also, dough being difficult to work with if not chilled properly is a common complaint. If your cookies spread a little even after chilling for an hour, try chilling a bit longer or ensuring your flour measurement was accurate.

Adding kisses too soon or too late can also cause issues. Kisses potentially melting too much if not allowed to harden slightly, or falling off if cookies are too cool, are common problems. The best time to add the Hershey Kisses to your strawberry cookies is immediately after baking while they are still hot.

If you encounter dry or crumbly dough or cookies that do not hold their shape, it might be due to too much flour or not enough moisture. Try adding a tiny bit more milk or oil, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Also, ensure your eggs are large-sized as specified.

Finally, an incorrect oven temperature can derail your efforts. Always ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 375ºF. An oven that is too cool can lead to spreading, while one that is too hot might cause overbaking or uneven cooking.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are a true dessert platter star, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, adding a pop of color and flavor, or alongside other beloved treats like a fudgy brownie recipe.

They also make a wonderful coffee and tea companion. Imagine enjoying one with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea.

Their vibrant color and sweet flavor make them ideal for festive occasions. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day Cookies, Mother’s Day Cookies, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, or as part of your Holiday Cookies collection.

For creative garnishes, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a small fresh strawberry slice placed artfully alongside for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage and Make-Ahead

To maintain their freshness and soft chewiness, store baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing baked cookies is a great make-ahead option. Once completely cooled, place the Strawberry Kiss Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop and roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar as instructed, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for 1-2 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is a wonderful way to have fresh, warm cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my recipe for the most delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies you will ever bake. The true magic, of course, lies in that subtle hint of almond extract, which elevates the classic strawberry flavor to something truly memorable and bakery-quality. These are easy, rewarding, and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. I encourage you to try them, enjoy the process, and savor every soft, chewy, fruity bite with that perfect chocolate center. Do not forget to print or save this recipe, and I would love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments!

FAQ

How to prevent strawberry kiss cookies from spreading?

To prevent spreading, the most crucial step is chilling the dough for at least 1 hour. Additionally, ensure you roll the cookie balls thoroughly in granulated sugar and bake them at the correct oven temperature (375ºF) on parchment-lined sheets.

When is the best time to add Hershey Kisses to Kiss Cookies?

The best time to add Hershey Kisses is immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still hot. This allows the kisses to soften and adhere perfectly to the warm cookie.

Can you freeze strawberry kiss cookies or the dough?

Yes, both baked Strawberry Kiss Cookies and the unbaked dough can be frozen. Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Freeze scooped, sugared dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for 1-2 months, baking from frozen with slightly increased bake time.

What are popular flavor variations for Kiss Cookies?

You can easily vary Kiss Cookies by using different cake mix flavors, such as red velvet cake mix, lemon cake mix, or chocolate cake mix. For the chocolate center, consider chocolate hearts, Brach’s chocolate stars, or Dove chocolates.

How should I store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies?

Store leftover Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delicious texture for 3-5 days.

Why is chilling the cookie dough important for these cookies?

Chilling the cookie dough is vital because it helps prevent cookie spreading during baking, allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and makes the dough much easier to handle and scoop, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.

What kind of strawberry cake mix works best?

For the best results, I recommend using popular and reliable brands of strawberry cake mix, such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. These brands are known for their consistent quality and delicious flavor, which translates well into these cookies.

What if my cookies spread a little even after chilling for an hour?

If your cookies still spread a bit after chilling, check your flour measurement to ensure it was accurate. You might also try chilling the dough for a longer period, up to 2-3 hours. If the dough still seems too soft, you can try adding a tiny bit more all-purpose flour, about a teaspoon at a time, to the dough.