When it comes to Valentine’s Day, finding the perfect sweet treat can be just as important as choosing the right card or bouquet of flowers. Enter Strawberry Kiss Cookies – a delightful combination of vibrant color, rich flavor, and effortless preparation. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. They are the ideal dessert to impress your loved ones or to add a festive touch to any Valentine’s celebration.
In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to make Strawberry Kiss Cookies, share some tips for the best results, and explain why they are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. Let’s dive in!
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What Are Strawberry Kiss Cookies?
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are a festive twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. Made with Funfetti sugar cookie mix, cream cheese, and topped with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, these cookies are as simple as they are elegant. Their bright pink or white sanding sugar coating adds a touch of sparkle, making them a perfect match for Valentine’s Day themes. Best of all, they can be whipped up in under an hour, including optional chilling time.
Why Strawberry Kiss Cookies Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
- Vibrant Colors: The pink or white sugar coating mirrors the colors of love, making these cookies an eye-catching addition to any celebration.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With minimal ingredients and effort, these cookies deliver maximum impact. Their sophisticated appearance belies their straightforward preparation.
- Customizable: You can tailor these cookies to suit your preferences by using different sanding sugar colors or experimenting with other Hershey’s Kisses flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re baking for a romantic evening, a classroom party, or a gift for friends and family, Strawberry Kiss Cookies are guaranteed to delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make 16 large Strawberry Kiss Cookies, you’ll need:
- 16-ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened, 1/2 of an 8-ounce package)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and egg. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until you have a soft, well-combined dough.
3. Roll the Dough in Sugar
Place your sanding sugar or nonpareils in a shallow bowl. Use a 1 1/2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough. Drop each dough ball into the bowl of sanding sugar and gently roll until coated. If the dough feels sticky, you can refrigerate or freeze it for 30-60 minutes to make handling easier.
4. Shape and Space
Roll the coated dough into even balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is about 1 1/2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
5. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as this can make the cookies too crisp.
6. Add the Strawberry Kiss
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. While they’re still warm, press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve them warm for a gooey center.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Kiss Cookies
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to work with, chilling it in the refrigerator or freezer will make it more manageable.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies are evenly sized. This will help them bake uniformly.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set. The centers will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Serve Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try other flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, like Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or Cookies ‘n’ Crème.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 169 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Creative Serving Ideas
- Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift.
- Dessert Platter: Pair these cookies with chocolate-dipped strawberries, macarons, and truffles for a stunning dessert spread.
- Themed Parties: Use red and pink decorations to complement the cookies’ vibrant colors at your Valentine’s Day gathering.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the epitome of Valentine’s Day perfection. Their vibrant colors, delightful flavors, and easy preparation make them a must-try recipe for this season of love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Bake a batch today and let these sweet treats spread love and joy to everyone who takes a bite.
Happy Valentine’s Day and happy baking!