Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 3, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

These Strawberry Kiss Cake Mix Cookies blend the soft creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberry cake mix. Each bite melts in your mouth, complemented perfectly by the crisp pink sanding sugar coating and the delightful strawberry kiss nestled on top.

Perfect for quick dessert fixes or festive occasions, these cookies combine simplicity with irresistible flavor, making every batch a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The creamy cream cheese base creates soft, tender cookies that stay moist.
Strawberry cake mix provides vibrant flavor and beautiful color effortlessly.
The strawberry kiss center adds a fun surprise and an extra burst of sweetness.
Quick prep and baking time make it ideal for last-minute treats.
Decorated with pink sanding sugar for an appealing crunchy texture and festive look.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese (8 ounces): Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy base that keeps cookies moist and tender.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Also at room temperature to blend well, adding richness and flavor without overpowering the strawberry taste.
Large Egg (1): Provides structure and moisture, binding the ingredients for a perfect dough consistency.
Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25 ounces): The key ingredient giving cookies their signature strawberry flavor and pink hue.
Pink Sanding Sugar (2/3 cup): Coats each cookie for a sparkling, crunchy finish and enhanced visual appeal.
Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses (36 unwrapped): Adds a creamy strawberry surprise on top of each cookie, melting slightly after baking.

Instructions

Mix Cream Cheese, Butter, and Egg: Use a hand or stand mixer to beat softened cream cheese, butter, and egg until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This process ensures a tender cookie texture and even mixing of fats and liquids.
Incorporate Strawberry Cake Mix: Gradually fold in the strawberry cake mix into the wet ingredients until no dry streaks remain. A thoroughly combined dough is critical to even baking and uniform strawberry flavor throughout.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help firm it up. Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven, leading to a thicker, softer bite.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup ensures even baking and prevents sticking or burning.
Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each in pink sanding sugar for a sparkly, crunchy crust. Place them on baking sheets spaced 1 ½ inches apart for proper heat circulation and expansion.
Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Watching closely ensures cookies stay tender without overbaking and drying out.
Add Strawberry Kiss Topping: Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped strawberry kiss on top of each warm cookie. The heat slightly softens the chocolate, helping it stick nicely as the cookie cools.
Cool Before Serving: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring. This prevents the delicate cookies from breaking and keeps the kisses intact.

You Must Know

Room temperature ingredients blend more effectively, resulting in the perfect dough texture.
Do not overbake to maintain the soft, cake-like texture inherent to these cookies.
Cooling on the baking sheet helps the cookies firm up and the strawberry kisses set properly.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months, thawing at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm tea for a delightful snack. They also make a charming addition to dessert trays at parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings, adding a pop of color and sweetness.

Professional Tips

Soften butter and cream cheese fully to avoid lumps in the dough.
Chill dough for easier handling and better cookie shape.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Press kisses firmly but gently to avoid cracking the cookie top.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?: Yes, you can experiment with flavors like vanilla or chocolate, but the strawberry kisses pair best with the strawberry cake mix to keep the flavor cohesive.
What if I don’t have sanding sugar?: You can substitute with regular granulated sugar, but sanding sugar adds a lovely crunch and sparkle that regular sugar lacks.
Can these cookies be made dairy-free?: Not easily, as cream cheese and butter are key for texture and flavor. Try using dairy-free substitutes but note texture may vary.
Why do I need to chill the dough?: Chilling firms the dough, reducing spreading in the oven and ensuring thicker, cakey cookies.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?: Yes, store baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
How do I prevent the kisses from melting too much?: Press them on right after baking when cookies are hot but not too hot, and allow cookies to cool undisturbed.
What size should I make the dough balls?: One tablespoon-sized balls yield perfectly sized cookies — compact yet soft and cake-like inside.