Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) Strawberry Cake Mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
  • 0.5 cup Granulated white sugar

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chocolate: Unwrap the Hershey's Kisses and place them in a bowl in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Note: This prevents the chocolate from melting into a puddle when it hits the hot cookie.
  2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Use an electric mixer to beat on medium speed until a thick, uniform pink dough forms. Watch for the dough to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  4. Roll the Balls: Portion the dough into 1 inch balls using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop. Roll each ball in your hands until smooth, then roll thoroughly in the granulated sugar. The dough should be completely covered in a white sugar crust.
  5. Arrange for Baking: Place the sugar coated balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Note: They will spread slightly, so don't crowd them.
  6. The Quick Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops show a slight crackle. Do not wait for them to brown; they should still look bright pink.
  7. The Kiss Moment: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a frozen Hershey's Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. You will hear a soft squish as the cookie cracks slightly around the chocolate.
  8. The Set Stage: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Note: The chocolate will soften from the residual heat and then firm back up as it cools. When you are pressing the chocolate in, do it gently but firmly. If you press too hard, you might split the cookie all the way to the edge. You want those beautiful spiderweb cracks that bloom out from the center. This is the stage where the cookies look their most festive. For another vibrant treat that uses similar flavor profiles, you might enjoy making [pink strawberry cheesecake cookies](https://crock.recipes/recipes/pink-strawberry-cheesecake-cookies/) for your next gathering.