Soft Strawberry Cookies

The magic happens when juicy strawberry meets decadent chocolate in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that'll bring a splash of joy to any get-together. These soft, pink delights have a dreamy, cake-inspired texture topped with a yummy chocolate kiss, making them a hit for Valentine's Day or whenever you're in the mood for something sweet. Thanks to the cake mix shortcut, you'll spend less time measuring and more time enjoying the fun parts of baking.

I first whipped these up for my kid's Valentine's class party, and watching all those little faces light up when they spotted the pink cookies with chocolate middles turned them into an instant hit. Now I get asked to make them all the time, which just goes to show some treats are too tasty to save just for holidays.

Amazing Ingredients Guide

• Strawberry cake mix: Brings both taste and pretty color; don't go cheap on this one
• Vegetable oil: Keeps everything nice and moist; make sure it's not sitting in your pantry for ages
• Large eggs: Let them sit out a bit before using so they mix in better
• All-purpose flour: Gives these cookies their perfect bite; scoop and level off for the right amount
• Granulated sugar: Used for the outside coating to add a bit of shimmer and crunch

Baking Step By Step

Get Started:

Stir oil and eggs until they're totally mixed together for a smooth beginning.

Add Dry Stuff:

Mix in cake mix and flour bit by bit so everything gets evenly combined.

Finish The Dough:

Pour in milk and stir just enough to bring your dough together.

Roll Em Up:

Form little balls and roll them in sugar for that sparkly finish.

Cool Down Time:

Let your dough hang out in the fridge to get the texture just right.

Top It Off:

Push chocolate kisses into hot cookies so they stick but don't totally melt.

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Baking these with my daughter taught me something about slowing down - I watched her carefully press each chocolate kiss into the warm cookies and realized that sometimes it's those little moments of care that make treats taste even better.

Tasty Presentation Ideas

Make these cookies look extra special by stacking them on a fancy tiered plate with some fresh strawberries and mint sprigs. For birthday parties, stick them on decorated craft sticks to make cookie lollipops in a pretty vase. They're also perfect tucked into gift boxes or care packages for friends and family.

Fun Twists To Try

Switch things up by using red velvet cake mix for rich burgundy cookies, or go with lemon for a tangy bright treat. Try different chocolate kisses like the ones filled with caramel or white chocolate versions. Want more pizzazz? Roll your cookies in colored sugar that matches your party theme or holiday.

Keeping Them Fresh

Your cookies will stay yummy for about five days if you keep them in a sealed container on the counter. Put some wax paper between layers so the kisses don't get smushed. Need to make them way ahead? Freeze the cookies without the kisses for up to three months, then thaw them out and add the chocolates right before you serve them.

After making these strawberry kiss cookies dozens of times, I've realized they're so much more than a Valentine's treat - they're tiny bits of happiness that make people smile whenever they show up. There's something almost magical about the mix of soft pink cookie and chocolate kiss that turns regular days into sweet little celebrations.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I skip chilling the dough?

It's better if you don't. Chilling stops the cookies from spreading too much and helps them stay thicker.

→ Can I swap the cake mix flavor?

Sure! Try vanilla, chocolate, or another type that goes great with chocolate kisses.

→ Why are my chocolate kisses melting?

Let the cookies cool for a minute or two before adding the kisses so they stay in place instead of melting.

→ Can I store these cookies in the freezer?

Yes, they'll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Use wax paper between layers when stacking.

→ Do I need a fancy cookie scoop?

Not at all. You can just use a couple of tablespoons to measure out dough balls.