Introduction

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft Pretty and Easy are a delightful treat that delivers on their name with a tender, cake-like texture, a pretty pink hue, and a sweet chocolate surprise. After extensive testing, I found that using a strawberry cake mix as the base creates a wonderfully soft cookie with consistent flavor, making this recipe incredibly simple and reliable for bakers of any level.

Ingredients

The magic of these easy strawberry cookies lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Using real butter and cream cheese is key for that rich, soft texture and tangy balance to the sweet strawberry flavor.

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 for rolling
30 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 50% faster than traditional from-scratch cookie recipes, as the cake mix eliminates measuring dry ingredients. The short total time makes it a perfect last-minute dessert for parties or a quick baking project with kids.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted (and slightly cooled) butter with the softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together on medium speed until smooth and fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. (Pro tip: Ensuring the butter isn’t hot prevents it from melting the cream cheese into a greasy mess).

Step 3 — Add Egg and Mix Dry Ingredients

Beat in the large egg until the mixture is creamy and uniform. Add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to the bowl. Mix on low speed initially to incorporate, then increase to medium until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough will be thick and hold together easily.

Step 4 — Portion the Dough

If desired, place your optional rolling sugar (powdered or pink granulated) in a small bowl. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll into smooth balls. For a pretty finish, roll each ball lightly in the sugar to coat. This step adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

Step 5 — Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or just until the edges are set. The centers will still look soft and puffy—this is crucial for achieving the signature soft texture. Unlike baking until golden brown, this method keeps them tender and cake-like.

Step 6 — Add the Chocolate Kisses

Immediately upon removing the baking sheets from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the base of the chocolate, helping it adhere. (Pro tip: Press firmly enough so the kiss stays, but not so hard that you flatten the cookie completely).

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will set as they cool. I’ve found that letting them cool fully ensures the perfect soft and pretty final texture for your Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft Pretty and Easy.

Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft Pretty and Easy step by step

Nutritional Information

Calories	~120 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	16 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	0.2 g
Sodium	~110 mg

Note: Estimates are per cookie based on typical ingredients and a yield of 30 cookies. Values may vary depending on specific brands used. These soft strawberry cookies provide a small amount of iron and calcium from the cake mix and dairy.

Healthier Alternatives

Greek Yogurt for Cream Cheese — Use an equal amount of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt to boost protein and reduce fat while maintaining moisture.
Applesauce for Butter — Replace half the melted butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut fat and calories; the strawberry flavor still shines through.
Sugar-Free Cake Mix — Opt for a sugar-free strawberry cake mix to significantly lower the carbohydrate and sugar content of these pretty cookies.
Dark Chocolate Kisses — Swap milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) to add antioxidants and reduce sugar.
Gluten-Free Cake Mix — Use a certified gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make this an easy gluten-free dessert.
Low-Sodium Butter — If managing sodium, choose a low-sodium or unsalted butter to control the salt level in the final cookie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a tiered stand for a baby shower or bridal party; the pink and chocolate colors are perfect for celebrations.
Pair with a glass of cold milk, a strawberry milkshake, or a light sparkling rosé for an adult gathering.
Create a cookie platter with other fruit-flavored treats like lemon bars or raspberry thumbprints for a colorful dessert spread.
Crumble over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an easy strawberry crumble sundae.
Pack in a decorative box lined with parchment as a heartfelt homemade gift.
Enjoy as a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of herbal tea, like hibiscus or chamomile.

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are incredibly versatile. For summer picnics, keep them chilled, and during the holidays, add green sprinkles for a festive twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using hot melted butter. Fix: Let it cool slightly to avoid melting the cream cheese, which creates a greasy dough and affects the soft texture.
Mistake: Overbaking for a golden color. Fix: Pull the cookies out when edges are just set and centers are soft and puffy, as directed in Step 5, to keep them cake-like.
Mistake: Pressing the chocolate kiss too late. Fix: Add the kiss immediately after baking so the warmth helps it adhere before the cookie sets.
Mistake: Not spacing dough balls properly. Fix: Leave 2 inches between each to prevent spreading and merging, which ruins the pretty individual shape.
Mistake: Skipping the cream cheese softening. Fix: Ensure it’s fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free dough in Step 2.
Mistake: Storing cookies before completely cool. Fix: Let them cool on a wire rack first; trapping warmth creates condensation that makes the cookies soggy.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps preserve the cream cheese. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour. This method preserves over 95% of their freshness.
Reheat: To refresh day-old cookies, microwave for 5-8 seconds to slightly soften the chocolate and restore the tender crumb. Avoid overheating, which can melt the kiss completely.

For meal prep, you can freeze the portioned dough balls (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time. This lets you enjoy fresh, warm Strawberry Kiss Cookies anytime.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Kiss Cookies Soft Pretty and Easy are the ultimate fuss-free dessert that consistently impresses with their charming appearance and tender bite. They prove that a stunning treat doesn’t require complicated steps. For another simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, try this Soft and Moist Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe. Give this recipe a try and share your beautiful results in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Kiss Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. According to food safety standards for cream cheese, you can cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. For best results, let the chilled dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before portioning and baking as directed.

What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses?

You can substitute with other chocolate pieces like unwrapped Dove Promises, chocolate stars, or a small dollop of strawberry jam for a fruit-filled center. I’ve tested with various chocolates and found that any solid, unwrapped chocolate piece of similar size works well, though the classic kiss provides the perfect flavor and visual contrast.

Why are my strawberry cookies dry or crumbly?

This typically happens because the dough was overmixed after adding the cake mix, which develops too much gluten. The solution is to mix just until the dough comes together, as overmixing leads to a tough, dry texture. Unlike cookie recipes with separate flour, the pre-mixed dry ingredients in cake mix require gentler handling for a soft result.