Name: Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: Ingredients You’ll Need; Strawberry-flavored cake mix (15.25 oz – One box does all the heavy lifting with flavor, color, and lift.); Butter (½ cup / 8 tablespoons – Melted, then cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg.); 1 large egg – Holds everything together and adds richness.; Cream cheese (4 oz – Fully softened for a smooth, creamy dough that stays ultra-soft.); Chocolate kisses (about 30 – Unwrapped and standing by.); Optional sugar coating – Powdered sugar for a snowy finish or pink sanding sugar for sparkle.

Some cookies just work. They don’t need hype—they earn it. These Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies fall squarely into that elite category. Pink, buttery, and hiding a chocolate kiss in the center, they’re the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can say “just one more.” Ask me how I know. 😏

This recipe didn’t come together overnight. Not even close. It took 9+ test batches (yes, really) to nail that melt-in-your-mouth texture without losing the strawberry flavor. Totally worth it. Now? They’re the first thing people request the moment February rolls around. Coincidence? I think not.

What makes them special? Start with Valentine Cookie Dough that’s soft but sturdy, sweet but not cloying. Add that iconic strawberry flavor and tuck a chocolate kiss right in the center like a delicious little secret. The result feels bakery-level fancy with zero stress—aka my favorite kind of baking.

Looking for Valentine Day Treat Ideas that don’t feel boring or overdone? These cookies check every box. They double as Valentine Themed Snacks, shine on dessert platters, and yes—IMO—they even work as Valentines Recipes Appetizers when you want something sweet before the main event. Who’s judging?

They’re also ridiculously photogenic. Pink cookies + chocolate centers = instant heart eyes. That’s why they’ve become one of my go-to Cute Valentines Recipes and a standout among all my Valentines Bakes Ideas. Hosting? Gifting? Baking with kids? These fit all your Ideas For Valentines.

Best part? This Valentine’s Day Baking Recipe is beginner-friendly and stress-free. No fancy tools. No complicated steps. Just pure joy baked into every bite—exactly what Valentines Easy Desserts should be.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your people very happy? Let’s bake. 💕🍓

Strawberry Kiss Cookies

Soft Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the kind of dessert that instantly feels festive and fun. Made with strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and butter, these cookies bake up tender, thick, and perfectly pink. Each one is finished with a classic chocolate kiss pressed into the center, creating that signature cracked look everyone loves. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for parties, gifting, or holiday dessert tables. Whether you’re planning Valentine’s Day treats or just craving a sweet, bakery-style cookie at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—and guaranteed smiles.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time 1

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry-flavored cake mix 15.25 oz – One box does all the heavy lifting with flavor, color, and lift.
Butter ½ cup / 8 tablespoons – Melted, then cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg.
1 large egg – Holds everything together and adds richness.
Cream cheese 4 oz – Fully softened for a smooth, creamy dough that stays ultra-soft.
Chocolate kisses about 30 – Unwrapped and standing by.
Optional sugar coating – Powdered sugar for a snowy finish or pink sanding sugar for sparkle.

Method

1. Mix the Base

Grab a large bowl and stir together the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Once combined, blend in the softened cream cheese. The dough should look thick, creamy, and slightly sticky.

2. Chill Time (Don’t Skip This!)

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes. This step keeps the cookies thick and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

3. Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls.

Optional: Roll each ball in powdered sugar or pink sugar now for extra flair.

4. Bake Just Right

Arrange cookies about 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers stay soft and pale—overbaking is the enemy here.

5. Add the Kisses

Let cookies rest for 1–2 minutes after removing from the oven. Gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Expect some cracks—that classic look is part of the charm. Move cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.

Notes

Expert Tips & Fixes

Want thicker cookies? After rolling, chill the dough balls for 10 extra minutes before baking—especially helpful in warm kitchens.
Chocolate losing its shape? Let the cookies cool slightly longer before adding kisses.
Storage tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Thanks to the cream cheese, they stay wonderfully soft.
Picture-perfect finish: Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar again for that bakery-style look.

FAQs (Rewritten)

Why do my cookies spread too much?
The dough is naturally soft because of the melted butter and cake mix. Insufficient chilling is usually the culprit. Chill longer if needed, especially in warm climates.

Can I swap the cake mix for fresh strawberries or extract?
Not recommended. Fresh strawberries add too much moisture, and extracts won’t replicate the structure. The cake mix gives these cookies their signature texture and flavor.

How long do they last?
Up to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze baked cookies (skip the sugar coating) for up to 3 months.

Can I prep the dough ahead?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Overnight chilling actually improves structure and flavor.

Should I add vanilla or almond extract?
Totally optional. The cake mix already delivers strong flavor, but a teaspoon of vanilla or ½ teaspoon almond extract can add a gourmet twist.

Final Thoughts 💕

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re soft, playful, and packed with nostalgic charm—perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking straight from the cooling rack (no judgment). Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day or just craving something pink and cozy, this recipe delivers every single time. Happy baking! 🍓💗