Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Utilizing a Funfetti sugar cookie mix streamlines the preparation process, allowing you to whip up these delightful cookies in no time.
- Festive Appearance: The pink color and sparkly sugar coating make these cookies a charming addition to any dessert table.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of strawberry-flavored cookies and creamy chocolate kisses offers a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- Cream cheese
- Egg
- Pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Chill (Optional): If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes until it firms up slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils until fully coated.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, gently press a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 cookies.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
- Optional Chilling Time: 30-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 18-22 minutes (excluding optional chilling time)
Variations
- Alternative Flavors: Substitute the Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses with your favorite Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs flavors to create different taste combinations.
- Different Cookie Bases: Use a box of strawberry cake mix instead of the sugar cookie mix for a more pronounced strawberry flavor and a pinker hue.
- Custom Decorations: Experiment with various colors of sanding sugar or nonpareils to match different themes or occasions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate kiss.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Yes, you can substitute homemade sugar cookie dough if you prefer. Ensure the dough is firm enough to hold its shape during baking.
What if I can’t find Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses?
You can use any variety of Hershey’s Kisses or Hugs that you like. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or other flavored kisses work well.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Refrigerating the dough is optional. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it for 30-60 minutes can make it easier to work with.
Can I omit the sanding sugar or nonpareils?
Yes, you can skip the coating step if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious but will have a different texture and appearance.
How can I make the cookies more festive for holidays?
Use colored sanding sugars or nonpareils that match the holiday theme, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
Can I add food coloring to the dough for a deeper color?
Yes, adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough can enhance the color. Mix it in thoroughly to achieve the desired shade.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Ensure it is softened to mix easily into the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it becomes too firm to scoop.
How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting too much?
Press the chocolate kiss into the cookie after it has cooled for a few minutes but is still warm. Avoid handling the kiss too much to prevent melting.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them perfect for gifting during holidays and special occasions.
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the sweetness of strawberry-flavored cookies with the creamy goodness of chocolate kisses. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. With their vibrant color, soft texture, and irresistible flavor, they’re a perfect addition to any dessert spread. Try them today and share the joy with family and friends!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 18-22 minutes (excluding optional chilling)
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and festive Strawberry Kiss Cookies, featuring soft strawberry-flavored cookies coated in sparkling sugar and topped with creamy chocolate kisses. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any special occasion that calls for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti sugar cookie mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- Pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils
- 16 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Chill (Optional): If the dough is sticky, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll in sanding sugar or nonpareils, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Let cookies cool for 3-5 minutes before pressing a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use strawberry cake mix for an extra fruity flavor.
- Customize with different Hershey’s Kisses flavors or colored sugar.
- To prevent kisses from melting, avoid handling them too much and press them in gently.
