Description
These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a simple, yet irresistible treat that combines the convenience of a cake mix with the classic charm of Hershey’s Kisses. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday baking, or any time you crave a sweet and pretty dessert, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, complemented by a rich chocolatey surprise in the center. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for beginner bakers or anyone short on time but wanting to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15.25 oz/430 g) box strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough. Using a cookie scoop helps keep the cookies uniform in size. Roll it into a ball.
Step 4: Coat with Sugar
Roll the dough ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly. The sugar adds a delightful sweetness and a slight crunch to the outside of the cookie.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies room to spread as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft. Soft cookies are the goal here!
Step 7: Add the Kisses
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the base of the Kiss, securing it in place. Act quickly to ensure the Kisses adhere properly.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart while they are still soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, anyone can make these cookies.
- Flavor: The combination of strawberry and chocolate is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of the strawberry cake mix pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy Hershey’s Kiss.
- Customizable: This recipe is a great base for experimentation. You can easily swap out the strawberry cake mix for other flavors or use different types of chocolate candies.
- Quick: From start to finish, these cookies can be ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute treat.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a great recipe to make with kids. They’ll love rolling the dough and adding the Kisses.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Arrange on a pretty plate for a festive holiday treat.
- Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Include them in a cookie exchange.
- Serve at tea parties, children’s birthday parties or a casual get together with friends.
Tips:
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps the dough come together more smoothly.
- Evenly Spaced Cookies: Make sure to space the cookies evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they bake uniformly.
- Variations: Try different cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or lemon. You can also use different types of Hershey’s Kisses, like caramel or dark chocolate.
- Add Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle the sugar-coated dough balls with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Soft Kisses: If you want an extra melty kiss, microwave the kisses for about 10 seconds before putting them on the cookies.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 per cookie
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams per cookie
- Sodium: Approximately 50-70 mg per cookie
Conclusion
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a delightful and effortless treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Their simplicity, combined with the classic flavor pairing of strawberry and chocolate, makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply a sweet craving, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible Strawberry Kiss Cookies! They’re so good that it’s nearly impossible to eat just one! They can be shared with friends and family or enjoyed as a special indulgence just for yourself.
Q&A
- Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil (cooled slightly), or even unsalted melted butter. Keep in mind that changing the oil may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper or silicone mats? If you don’t have parchment paper or silicone mats, you can lightly grease the baking sheets with cooking spray or butter. However, parchment paper and silicone mats are recommended for easier cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls (without sugar) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- My cookies are spreading too thin. What am I doing wrong? Several factors could cause cookies to spread too thin. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the dough. Using melted butter instead of softened butter or too much liquid can also contribute to spreading. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent this.
- Can I use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, such as caramel-filled, dark chocolate, or even the limited-edition seasonal flavors. This is a great way to customize the cookies and add your own unique twist.
