These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft and chewy and have the prettiest pink sparkle. Adding a Hershey kisses to the tops of the easy cake mix cookies is a fun way to make them look like blossom cookies.
It's no secret that we love cake mix cookies around here. These cookies and cream cookies and these Rolo cookies are two of our most popular ones.
For Valentine's day we decided to make pink strawberry cookies and top them with Hershey kisses. The truffle kiss on top of the pink cookies make these look like blossom cookies.
These kiss cookies are seriously so easy to do. Using a cake mix with just a few ingredients makes a cookie dough that bakes up soft and puffy with a delicious chew.
Rolling the dough balls in pink sanding sugar gives the cookies a pretty shimmer. Plus, the sugar crunch is pretty awesome when you bite into each one.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Soft and chewy cookies loaded with strawberry flavor.
- Bright pink color makes them festive for Valentine's day or baby showers.
Strawberry, chocolate, and pink sparkles...what are you waiting for? Get to work baking a batch of these easy strawberry cookies for dessert tonight.
What are Cake Mix Cookies?
To make cake mix cookies you mix together the dry cake mix along with some soft butter, egg, and cream cheese. Add your favorite candy or cookies to the dough, and the end result is a puffy, chewy cookie that is amazing!
There are so many variations and combinations you can create using a simple cake mix. It is so much fun to come up with different mix-ins for each one.
Main Ingredients
The dough for these pink kiss cookies comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Make sure you allow enough time for the cookie dough to chill before baking.
- Strawberry Cake Mix - All you need for these cookies is the dry mix. Do not follow the package directions or the cookies will not turn out.
- Butter - Set the butter out ahead of time so it is soft and easier to mix into the dry powder mix.
- Strawberry Extract - Gives the cookies an extra bit of strawberry flavor.
- Egg - Holds the ingredients together.
- Cream Cheese - Adds a delicious texture to the cookies.
- Pink Sugar - You can find colored sanding sugars in most grocery stores or craft stores. Look for it in the baking aisles. It just adds a pretty shimmer and crunch to the strawberry cookies.
- Hershey Kisses - You can use any flavor of chocolate kisses for the tops of the cookies. We love the season truffle kisses, so we added them to this recipe.
How to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Using a strawberry cake mix and Hershey kisses is an easy way to make Valentine blossom cookies.
- Unwrap the Hershey kisses and place them in a bowl in the freezer.
- Mix together the cake mix, butter, egg, extract, and cream cheese in a large bowl until a soft dough forms.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes. The dough will be very sticky and hard to form into balls if you do not chill it.
- Use a small cookie scoop and make 48 balls. Roll each dough ball in pink sanding sugar.
- Bake 12 at a time for 8 minutes. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then remove the cookies gently and place them on parchment paper or a cooling rack.
- Press a frozen kiss into the top of each warm cookie. Do not move the kiss cookies until they are completely cool.
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Recipe Tips
- Unwrap and freeze the Hershey kisses ahead of time. The heat from the hot cookies will make the kisses start to melt. Freezing them ahead of time helps them hold their shape better.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 1 hour. The dough is sticky and will be hard to scoop and roll when it is first made.
- Use a small cookie scoop to divide the dough evenly into 48 small balls. I like to scoop everything first and then adjust the balls to get the right amount.
- Do not over bake the cookies. Cake mix cookies look soft and puffy when they come out of the cookies. Be patient. They will set up as they cool.
How to Store
Wait for the strawberry cake mix cookies to cool completely, and the chocolate is hard to the touch. Place them in an air tight container where they will keep on the counter for 4-5 days.
You can also freeze the cookies for 1-2 months. Thaw on the counter for at least 15 minutes before serving. FYI: The chocolate on the Hershey kiss may change colors as they thaw and defrost. The taste will still be the same, but they might not look as pretty.
More Cake Mix Cookies
- Funfetti M&M Cookies
- Carrot Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
- Red Velvet Cookies
- Chocolate Mint Cookies
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fluffernutter Cookies
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Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are soft and chewy and have the prettiest pink sparkle. Adding Hershey kisses to the tops of the easy cake mix cookies is a fun way to make them look like blossom cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- pink sanding sugar
- 48 chocolate truffle kisses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Take the wrappers off the Hershey kisses and place them in a bowl in the freezer.
- Combine the dry cake mix, butter, egg, and extract and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add the cream cheese and mix in completely. Refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes.
- Scoop into 48 dough balls and roll in sanding sugar.
- Bake for 8 minutes. Let set on the hot cookie tray for 2 minutes before removing and placing on parchment paper.
- Top each cookie with a frozen kiss. Let cool completely before placing in a sealed container on the counter.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post for Strawberry Truffle Kiss Cookies was first published on February 2, 2015. The photos and post were updated and republished on February 4, 2020.
Nicole
These were really good! Five stars! My children and I made them today, saved some for ourselves and gifted the rest. They are just as pretty as your pictures and this will now be a regular for us every Valentine's Day. Thanks for sharing, Jocelyn! I appreciate you!
Marianne
Salted or unsalted butter?
Jocelyn
I usually use unsalted butter in all my recipes. With cake mix cookies you can use whatever you like or have on hand. I hope you enjoy the cookies.
Ashley
I know this may be a dumb question but about how big did you make the cake balls? (Sorry I know that sounds harsh) ??♀️
Jocelyn
Not a dumb question at all. I rolled the dough into 48 balls. If you are using a scoop or spoon, they will be about one Tablespoon in size. I hope that helps and you enjoy the cookies.
Lori Borrowman
These look like fun. In everything I do I use ice cream scoops to get the exact size I want. By any chance, do you know the small size scoop that is best. to use(maybe the diameter of the scoop?)
Jocelyn
If I had to guess I would say a 1 Tablespoon scoop should work. If you have a 2 Tablespoon, just divide each one in half and then roll.
Lori Borrowman
The TBSP scoop worked great. It made 38 cookies. I used one whole 3.25 Oz. Jar of the sanding sugar. I left my dough in the refrigerator for 1.5 hours. The dough was great. And I put the dough back in the refrigerator after every cookie sheet. Now, thinking St. Patty’s Day.....
Thanks for this recipe!!!
Alice
How much of each item do you add to the cake mix? I got the directions but couldn't find the measurements. Thanks, Alice
Jocelyn
If you scroll to the very bottom of the post (past all the pictures) you will find a printable recipe card with the ingredient list and instructions. I hope that helps and you have fun making the cookies.
Pete Mathis
Could I skip the extract and pink sugar by rolling ball in strawberry jello mix?
Jocelyn
I have never tried that, but I think that could work. The Jello powder may bake into the cookies more than the sugar does, but it should give it a good flavor. Keep me posted on how it works if you try it!
Karen
I made the Strawberry Truffle Kiss cookies for a baby shower. The Hot Pink Sprinkles were appropriate for, "It's a Girl!!!" The cookies were a hit!! They are delicious & so easy to make. Freezing the kisses is such a wonderful baking tip!!!!! Thank you, Jocelyn.
Cecilia Bibiloni
The picture of these gorgeous cookies caught my eye immediately. I’ll be making these tomorrow to share on Valentine’s Day Thursday. I even ordered the strawberry extract from Amazon. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
KT
These were so easy, delicious, and festive looking! They were a big hit at my daughter's Sweetheart Dance. I will be making them again for sure! Thank you 🙂
Donna
I made these today following a similar recipe I found on Facebook. That recipe said to use a cakemix, but didn't day what flavor and then add good coloring. When I shopped, I saw the strawberry mix and decided that would be tastier and save the step of working in the food coloring. Mine came out great! I just used milk chocolate kisses. Chilling the dough made it easy to roll.
Jocelyn
I agree that the strawberry cake mix makes them taste better! I'm glad you enjoyed the cookies.
Ramya
Hello
These look amazing????Planning to make these for my daughter’s bday party and I want to bake them ahead of time.. how many days will they stay fresh on the counter?r
Jocelyn
These cookies stay soft for a few days, as long as you keep them in a sealed container. I hope you enjoy the cookies and have a great bday party for your daughter!
Gail Springsteen
I forgot strawberry extract. Would they still be okay w/o it?
Jocelyn
Yes, they will be fine without it. The extract just gives it a stronger strawberry taste, but the cake mix has quite a bit of strawberry taste too! I hope you enjoy them!
TeeTee
Have you ever tried it with just the milk chocolate kisses.
Jocelyn
I haven't, but I think they would be just fine!
Tiffany
These cookies look amazing and I can’t wait to try them. However, I’m not a fan of cream cheese. Is that a deal breaker or could I use something else?
Jocelyn
I promise that you can't even taste the cream cheese in these cookies. It just makes the cookie so soft and delicious. If you still don't want to use it, you can leave it out.
Lana Yountz
I also do not like cream cheese. If you leave it out, will the cookie dough be ok to bake? Or will the cookies be hard when they bake? Thanks
Jocelyn
You honestly will not taste the cream cheese in these type of cookies. It just gives the cookies a soft chewy texture. If you still don't want to add it, you can leave it out and add an extra egg. The bake time will still be the same.
Lilly
when you roll the ball are you supposed to punch a small depresion in the center for the kisses to sit in once baked. In the picture there I a depression in the center of the cookie. Please explain. According to directions they are baked while still in a solid ball. Thanks
Jocelyn
No, you bake the cookie in a ball. The cookies are soft when they come out of the oven, so when you press the frozen kiss into it, it leaves an impression.
Candice
Hi!! I'm so looking forward to making your cookies for my church valentine's day party however like others I have had trouble finding strawberry extract! I did find raspberry extract though! Which do you this will taste better in your opinion? Vanilla or raspberry?? Help! Thanks so much,
Candice
Jocelyn
The strawberry cake mix is pretty flavorful, so I think either would be fine. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Brittany bon
I tried making these last night did step by step directions left dough in fridge for an hour. The dough was very sticky so I decided to make them anyways and they were not very good, I've always made cake mix cookies with oil not sure what happened ?
Jocelyn
I am so sorry to hear these didn't work for you. If your dough was sticky, it might have needed to sit in the fridge longer. You should be able to roll these in balls with no problem. I have made so many variations of cake mix cookies using the egg, butter, and cream cheese, so I know they work.
Amanda
Hi Jocelyn!
I was wondering if you could use pureed strawberry as a substitute for the extract? Or something else besides vanilla? I am thinking that if you skip the strawberry you wouldn't necessarily get the flavor you were going for, right?
Thanks for the recipe!
-Amanda
Jocelyn
I would just use vanilla if that's what you have on hand. I bake a lot so I have every flavor of extract in my cupboard and just used strawberry. The strawberry cake mix should have enough strawberry flavor for you. I don't see why pureed strawberries wouldn't work...I just haven't tried it so I can't say for sure.
Caitlin
I can't find strawberry extract anywhere. Where did you buy it? Can you substitute for vanilla extract? Excited to try these cookies!
Jocelyn
Hi, Caitlin. I bought the extract at Walmart. They have quite a few different extracts in the baking aisle, but yes vanilla would work fine if you can't find the strawberry one. I hope you love the cookies!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
Oh my goodness, these are just so pretty! Pink cookies need to happen yearround.
ashley
Tried to make these today and did exactly what the directions said but when I went to make my balls the dough was to sticky and wouldn't roll ...it just stuck to my fingers and made globs when I tried adding the pink sugar...so disappointed
Jocelyn Brubaker
If the dough is sticky, you will need to refrigerate it until you can form a ball with the dough. I have made multiple versions of this cookie and have rolled it into balls every time.
Amanda
Love how pink these are!!!!! So pretty 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you!!!
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty]
Oh these are too cute & totally festive! Love them! Pink has never been my favorite color either, but when it comes to food - that's a totally different story! I love pink desserts and treats and things, they are so pretty!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I have to say I do love a good pink treat this time of year!!! It's just so much fun!
Jacqui
These sound amazing! I love strawberry truffle!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
I love how pink these are! And those kisses are my downfall. OMG I've already eaten a whole bag!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hahaha! Yes! I bought 2 bags and before I knew it one bag was gone! Poof!!!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats
Say what? You were a tomboy? I would have never guessed! Love this flavor combo!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I know, right? Not many people know that!!!
Jenny Flake
What a cute Valentine cookie! Love those!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Jenny 🙂
Michelle { A Latte Food }
Purple and teal have always been my colors, but I've been coming around to pink--especially during this time of the year! And these look so festive and fun! And good, but that totally goes without saying 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
There is just something fun about pink food this time of year!
Maureen Blackburn
Picked up a pkg. of the truffle kisses last week, and now I know why!!! Can't wait to taste these!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
You are going to love them 🙂
Christine @ A Sprinkle of This and That
oooooooh! Pretty, pink and sparkly! Love it!
Erin @ Simple, Sweet & Savory
YUM! These look so cute and so delicious! Perfect for Valentine's Day. Thanks for sharing!
Shelley
Could you substitute the strawberry cake mix for cherry? I would love to use the kisses with the cherry centers!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Shelley. Yes, you can substitute any flavor cake mix that you prefer 🙂 Have fun playing with it!!!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking and More
Pinned!
Jocelyn, these cookies are so pretty! I am and have always been all about the pink, but I am certainly with you on those baby bows! They have just never been for me.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hahaha! I'm glad you think the same about the bows 😉
Miranda @ Cookie Dough & Oven Mitt
These look fantastic! I love the pink sprinkles. Not only are they absolutely gorgeous, but I bet those sprinkles add a nice crunch to the cookies.
Jocelyn Brubaker
The sugar does add a little bit of a crunch when you bite into the cookie...not much but a slight one!
heather+@french+press
I don't know that I would consider myself a girly girl, but I do LOVE pink, and these cookies would make a terrific valentines day treat
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert
I love the pink cookies! They are so pretty, Jocelyn.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
THese are so pretty. Me and my girls would chow down on anything pink!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you!!!
Cookbook+Queen
These are GORGEOUS!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much!!!
Beth
I'm not a pink person, but I am a cookie person, and when it comes to Valentine's Day I decide to like pink for about a month 🙂 I love these Jocelyn! Definitely something I'd make!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I don't usually do pink food either, but something about this month has me pulling out all the pinks and reds!!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
These cookies are the perfect combination of pink, Jocelyn! I love the strawberry flavor in here! Sounds like the perfect cookie for Valentine's Day, or just when you're in the mood for something girly and pink! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, perfect for Valentine's day or a girly baby shower or party, or just when you need a pretty pink treat 🙂
Mir
I'm all about pink now, too! And I wasn't when I was younger. Maybe we're just older and wiser.
I love cake mix cookies! AND you covered them with sprinkles! Perfect flavor for Valentine's, too.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, older and wiser 🙂 Love it! Cake mix cookies are probably my favorite to do!