If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that’s a total crowd-pleaser, you’re going to flip for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out — they’re soft, sweet, and topped with a luscious strawberry kiss that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, every time I make these, friends and family beg me for more. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you make these perfectly delightful cookies right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: Using Funfetti sugar cookie mix and cream cheese means you get rich flavor without hours in the kitchen.
- Funfetti Surprise: The colorful sprinkles inside the dough add a cheerful pop that kids and adults adore alike.
- Strawberry Flavor Finish: Topping each cookie with a Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss gives it that irresistible fruity twist.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy inside with just enough crisp on the edges — you’ll be reaching for seconds, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe come together effortlessly, which is why I love making it when I want something sweet but don’t have all day. Each component brings something special to the table — and grabbing a good-quality sugar cookie mix with sprinkles already mixed in saves so much time.
- Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix: Look for one with colorful sprinkles baked right in for that festive touch without any extra effort.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a tender, rich dough — it keeps the cookies soft and slightly tangy, which pairs beautifully with the strawberry.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder while adding a bit of richness.
- Pink or White Sanding Sugar or Non-Pareils: I prefer sanding sugar because it makes the dough easier to handle and adds a little crunch.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses: These are the star of the show, giving each cookie that fruity, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Variations
I love playing around with this Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe to match different occasions or cravings. You’ll find it super easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or want to highlight.
- Chocolate Chip Funfetti: Once, I swapped the sanding sugar for mini chocolate chips — my family went crazy for the double chocolate twist!
- Almond Extract Boost: Adding a splash of almond extract to the dough brings a lovely nutty depth that complements the strawberry wonderfully.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan Funfetti mix to cater to dietary restrictions without losing the fun flavor.
- Mini Kisses: Try topping the cookies with Hershey’s mini strawberry kisses for bite-sized cute treats perfect for parties.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Magic Dough
Start by gathering your ingredients—cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and an egg. Toss them in a large bowl and beat with a hand or stand mixer until you get a soft, uniform dough. When I first made this, I was surprised how creamy and easy to work with the dough was thanks to the cream cheese. It’s sticky but soft, which makes your cookies super tender.
Step 2: Get That Dough Coated
Pour your pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons works great), scoop dough balls and roll them gently in the sugar or sprinkles until well coated. This step might get a bit sticky—don’t worry, this is normal.
Step 3: Chill If Needed
If you’re struggling with sticky dough (who isn’t?), try refrigerating or freezing the dough for 30-60 minutes before scooping. I discovered this trick later on, and it made rolling the dough into nice balls so much easier. The sanding sugar helps too—sometimes I dust my hands just a little to keep things from sticking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each cookie. Bake at 375°F for 8-12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. I always keep a close eye at the 8-minute mark—the difference between perfectly soft and overdone is subtle but important.
Step 5: The Sweet Finale
Right after baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Then, gently press an unwrapped Strawberry Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth will soften the chocolate just enough without melting it completely, creating that perfect strawberry burst every bite deserves. I usually transfer the cookies to a wire rack once all the kisses are nestled in to cool completely or serve warm if we’re extra impatient!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends much easier into the dough for a smooth texture and more consistent cookies.
- Don’t Skip Chilling if Sticky: Chilling the dough before scooping makes a huge difference in ease and cookie shape.
- Sanding Sugar is Your Best Friend: It helps control stickiness and adds a subtle sparkle that looks fantastic after baking.
- Add Kisses While Warm: Pressing them in too soon or late can cause them to lose their shape — timing is key for that perfect glossy finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with these cookies since their colors and toppings stand out on their own. However, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of extra sanding sugar or edible glitter on top after placing the kisses for special occasions. Adding a fresh strawberry slice or a mint leaf on the side can also elevate the look if you’re serving these at a party.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a light strawberry milkshake for the ultimate strawberry theme. If you want to go savory, a platter of mild cheeses and crackers balances the sweetness nicely for adult gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or showers, I love arranging these on a tiered cake stand alongside bowls of extra strawberry kisses and colorful candies. Wrapping a few in clear treat bags tied with a cute ribbon makes adorable party favors, too — I once did this for my daughter’s school event, and the cookies were the hit of the party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store cooled Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their softness beautifully for 3-4 days, though I always expect them to disappear quicker! Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing the container to avoid the Kisses melting or deforming.
Freezing
Freezing works great here! Just pop the cookies (without the kisses on top) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake at 350°F for a few minutes to warm them up before adding the kisses fresh. Or freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months—just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the cookies in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and slightly melts the kisses again, making them taste like they’re freshly baked. Just watch closely so they don’t get too hot and melt completely.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar cookie dough instead of Funfetti dough?
Absolutely! You can use any sugar cookie dough you like, but using Funfetti dough adds that charming sprinkle effect, which makes these cookies fun and festive. If you use regular dough, consider mixing in a handful of sprinkles to get a similar look.
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What if I can’t find Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses?
If you can’t find the strawberry-flavored kisses, plain Hershey’s Kisses or even white chocolate ones work as delightful alternatives. You can also try topping with small pieces of freeze-dried strawberries or a strawberry-flavored candy to keep that fruity sweetness.
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How do I prevent the Kisses from melting too much on top of the cookies?
Timing is key! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking — warm enough to soften the kisses but not so hot that they completely melt and lose shape. Press the kisses gently on top right after this short cooldown for the perfect balance.
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Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking, which actually enhances flavor. You can also bake the cookies ahead and add kisses on the day you plan to serve them for best freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe have become one of my absolute favorites because they’re as easy to make as they are to love. The creamy dough, playful sprinkles, and sweet strawberry toppers come together like magic every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch your family light up with every bite — trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a recipe you come back to again and again.
Print
Strawberry Kiss Cookies with Funfetti Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 16-18 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and fun Strawberry Kiss Cookies made with Funfetti sugar cookie mix, cream cheese, and topped with Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses. These soft, colorful cookies are perfect for parties and celebrations, featuring a sweet and tangy strawberry topping on a sugar cookie base coated with sparkling sanding sugar or crunchy non-pareils.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 16 ounce bag Funfetti Sugar Cookie Mix
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened (½ of 8-ounce package)
- 1 large egg
Coating and Topping
- ½ cup pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils
- 18 Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.
- Make the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the Funfetti sugar cookie mix, softened cream cheese, and one large egg until the mixture forms a soft, cohesive dough.
- Prepare the coating. Pour the pink or white sanding sugar or non-pareils into a shallow bowl to make rolling the dough balls easier and to add a decorative coating.
- Scoop the dough balls. Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough into evenly sized balls, placing each one into the coating bowl.
- Coat and shape the dough balls. Roll each dough ball gently in the sanding sugar or non-pareils until fully coated, then smooth into an even ball shape.
- Optional chilling. If the dough is too sticky to scoop and roll, refrigerate or freeze it for 30-60 minutes before continuing; this will make it easier to handle but remains slightly sticky.
- Arrange on baking sheet. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft.
- Add the Strawberry Kiss topping. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool and serve. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve them warm for a gooey treat.
Notes
- To store: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate up to one week.
- To freeze: Freeze cookies in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
- Avoid covering or storing the cookies while still warm, as this can cause the Strawberry Kisses to deform.
- For easier handling, chill the dough before scooping to reduce stickiness.
- Use sanding sugar to coat your hands and tools to manage sticky dough better; non-pareils coat well but do not reduce stickiness.
- Chilled cookies may harden or dry out; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
