As the sun peeks through the curtains and a gentle warmth fills the kitchen, it’s time for a sweet escape—enter the Sparkly Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies! Inspired by the joy of vibrant colors and playful flavors, these delightful treats come alive with the soft crunch of pink sanding sugar and the fondly nostalgic taste of strawberry ice cream kisses. Perfectly suited for any celebration, from Valentine’s Day to baby showers, these cookies effortlessly bring a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; we’ll use cake mix to cut down on prep time without skimping on that homemade goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone simply looking to jazz up your family’s dessert routine, these cookies offer a unique twist that’s sure to impress. Let’s transform ordinary moments into sweet memories with the ease and charm of Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies!
Why are Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Sweetness: The burst of strawberry flavor from the ice cream cone kisses takes these cookies to a whole new level.
Quick & Easy: Using cake mix means you can whip these up in no time, making dessert hassle-free.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant pink color makes them perfect for any celebration, instantly brightening up your dessert table.
Customizable Options: Feel free to swap the strawberry kisses for your favorite chocolate or try different cake mix flavors for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are sure to impress guests, sparking joy at baby showers or Valentine’s Day gatherings.
Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Cream Cheese – Adds richness and a creamy texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and flavor; room temperature is key for optimal mixing.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together; ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Strawberry Cake Mix – The base of the cookie, giving it that sweet strawberry flavor; feel free to substitute with a different flavored cake mix for variety.
For the Coating
• Pink Sanding Sugar – Adds a beautiful sparkle and crunchy texture; you can use granular sugar as a simpler alternative.
For the Topping
• Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses – These sweet treats enhance the strawberry flavor perfectly; chocolate or other flavored candies can also be swapped for a fun twist.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
-
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the strawberry cake mix, stirring gently until fully blended. Make sure there are no dry streaks remaining for a consistent flavor throughout.
-
Chill Dough: Place the mixed dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to shape the cookies later.
-
Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
-
Shape Cookies: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls. Coat each ball in pink sanding sugar for a festive sparkle. Space them out evenly on the baking sheets.
-
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This gives the cookies a chewy texture.
-
Add Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a strawberry ice cream cone kiss onto the top of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the kisses, making them even more delicious.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for easy transfer, which helps them maintain their shape and texture.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies
-
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, butter, and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, well-blended cookie dough for your Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies.
-
Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes makes it easier to shape and prevents spreading while baking.
-
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Aim for slightly soft centers; overbaking can lead to a dry cookie that loses its chewy magic.
-
Sugar Coating Alternatives: If pink sanding sugar isn’t available, granular sugar works just as well for a touch of sparkle. You can even use colored sugar for different occasions!
-
Customize Toppings: Feel free to swap the strawberry ice cream cone kisses for other flavors like chocolate or caramel. It’ll give your cookies a unique twist that’s sure to delight!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in pink sanding sugar, and place the balls in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and reduce the baking time slightly, checking for the perfect chewy center. This way, each cookie remains just as delicious and fresh, letting you enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush!
Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and let your creativity shine with these delicious adaptations!
-
Different Cake Mix: Swap out the strawberry cake mix for vanilla, lemon, or chocolate to create a whole new flavor experience. Each variation brings its own delightful twist, making it perfect for every occasion.
-
Fruit Infusions: Add a handful of chopped strawberries or raspberries into the dough for an extra burst of freshness. This delightful addition enhances the fruity flavor while adding a lovely texture to each bite.
-
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. The contrast between the frosting and the nuts adds a lovely texture that will make your cookies truly memorable.
-
Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Exchange the strawberry kisses for chocolate-covered caramel candies or mint-flavored kisses. This indulgent swap creates a deliciously rich treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
-
Make Them Mini: Roll out smaller 1/2-tablespoon-sized balls for mini cookies. Baking them this way makes for delightful bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing or snacking.
-
Powdered Sugar Roll: Instead of pink sanding sugar, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar prior to baking for a softer, more elegant look. This swaps the crunch for melt-in-your-mouth sweetness with a delicate finish.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a surprise heat element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. This unexpected kick will leave your guests asking for the secret ingredient!
Regardless of the variation you choose, each twist adds your own personal touch, making these Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies even more special!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This maintains their soft texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll retain their taste and delightful chewiness!
Freezer: Freeze cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back their fresh texture.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to achieve that irresistible, melty-kiss experience!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies?
Looking to elevate your dessert experience while savoring these delightful cookies? Let’s create a memorable pairing that tickles the taste buds!
- Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting, a cold glass of milk is perfect for dunking these sweet cookies and balancing their sweetness.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: The fruity flavor of strawberry ice cream complements the cookies, adding a creamy element that enhances the experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious texture, making the cookies feel even more indulgent and delightful.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of juicy strawberries and raspberries refreshes your palate and brings a vibrant burst of flavor alongside the cookies.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate sauce drizzled over the cookies ties in beautifully with the sweet kisses, creating an elegant touch.
- Sparkling Lemonade: For a refreshing beverage, sparkling lemonade offers a zesty contrast that brightens the overall dessert experience.
- Homemade Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh seasonal fruits adds color and a healthful crunch, making for a balanced and festive treat spread.
- Creamy Dip: Pairing the cookies with a creamy fruit dip, like vanilla yogurt, introduces a rich, smooth component that’s irresistible.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of your favorite brew enhances the cookie experience and provides a cozy, comforting finish.
Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for the dough?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at room temperature. This makes blending them into a smooth mixture easier. When selecting eggs, choose those that are fresh; check the expiration date on the carton for the best quality.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very! To keep your Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to seal them well to maintain that delightful texture.
Can I freeze my cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For serving, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm them gently in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste!
What if my dough is too sticky?
Not to worry! If you find your dough is too sticky to shape, you can chill it a little longer—an additional 10-15 minutes usually does the trick. Alternatively, you can lightly dust your hands with flour or sugar when rolling the dough into balls to minimize stickiness.
Are there any dietary concerns I should consider?
Certainly! The ingredients used in Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies contain gluten due to the cake mix. If you or your guests have gluten sensitivities, consider using a gluten-free cake mix instead. Always be aware of allergy concerns, especially with ingredients like cream cheese and chocolate as they may include dairy.
How can I customize the flavor of the cookies?
The more the merrier! You can easily switch up the flavor of these cookies by using different cake mix flavors, like lemon or vanilla, for a fun twist. You can also experiment with various candy toppings, such as chocolate kisses or caramel candies, to change things up and delight your taste buds!
Delightful Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies for Sweet Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the strawberry cake mix, stirring gently until fully blended.
- Place the mixed dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls and coat each ball in pink sanding sugar.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Press a strawberry ice cream cone kiss onto the top of each cookie right out of the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
