If you’re looking for a cookie that brings joy to the eyes and flavor to the palate, these Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe hits every mark. Imagine vibrant swirls of colorful dough bursting with soft buttery goodness, crowned by a classic Hershey’s Kiss that melts into a delightful finish. Whether it’s for a spring celebration, a lively school snack, or just because you’re craving something fun and sweet, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Baking with kids? Even better! The process is as enjoyable as the taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe uses a small handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that work together to create irresistible texture, taste, and color. Each ingredient plays a special role to make these cookies magical.
- 13.25 oz box vanilla cake mix: Provides a soft and moist base perfect for colorful swirls and tender crumb.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to structure.
- Food coloring – Yellow, green, red, blue: Essential for that vibrant tie-dye effect that makes these cookies truly stand out.
- 24 Hershey’s Kiss candies: The sweet, iconic centerpiece that melts just right on top.
How to Make Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking space and dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup. In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a silicone spatula to stir until the dough is smooth and soft — this blend is the foundation for your colorful cookie magic.
Step 2: Divide and color your dough
Split your dough evenly into four smaller bowls. Add one drop of food coloring to each: yellow to the first bowl, red to the second, green to the third, and mix blue and red to create a rich purple for the last. Stir each gently so the colors are bright but not fully blended, preserving that whimsical tie-dye effect that will delight everyone.
Step 3: Form the tie-dye cookie balls
Using a cookie scoop, gather small amounts of dough from each colored bowl to create multicolored scoops. This is the fun part where the layers combine to create unique swirling patterns in every cookie. Drop each dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches between them to allow expansion.
Step 4: Bake and add the Hershey’s Kisses
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just turn golden. Watch carefully to avoid over-baking because you want that soft, buttery texture. Once out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles rolled on top before baking add sparkle and a little crunch, but you can also dust the cooled cookies lightly with edible glitter or powdered sugar for an extra magical finish. Colorful edible stars or mini rainbow candies placed near the Hershey’s Kiss add whimsy and charm to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a simple glass of cold milk for a classic duo or serve alongside a pastel-colored milkshake for a full-on unicorn-themed treat. A fresh fruit salad with berries and kiwi complements the sweetness with a burst of freshness and bright colors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a vibrant pastel platter or layer them in a clear jar for gifting. You could create a themed party platter with matching colorful napkins and cups to make these Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe the centerpiece of your celebration. Stacking them pyramid-style to resemble a rainbow tower is always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their softness intact. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or bringing to share at gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first; once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture and colors.
Reheating
Reheat cookies in a low 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or warm for a few seconds in the microwave to revive that freshly-baked softness. Avoid overheating as the Hershey’s Kiss might melt away too much, but just warmed enough, the cookie becomes wonderfully soft and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! Vanilla cake mix works best for vibrant coloring, but you can experiment with white or even almond-flavored mixes. Just remember that darker mixes might mute the bright colors of the tie-dye effect.
What if I want more colors in my cookies?
You can split the dough into more portions and add additional food coloring hues. Just keep the scooping process similar to combine the colors without over-mixing to preserve the tie-dye charm.
Do I have to add the Hershey’s Kiss immediately after baking?
Yes, pressing the Hershey’s Kiss on right after baking helps it soften and stick perfectly in the center without cracking the cookie. Waiting too long might make the cookie hard to press into without breaking.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
If you have a gluten-free vanilla cake mix available, this recipe can easily become gluten-free. Just double-check your ingredients and the Hershey’s Kisses to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! This Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe is a fantastic baking project for kids with adult supervision, especially during the coloring and scooping stages. It’s hands-on and colorful—a great way to make baking fun and interactive.
Final Thoughts
The Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a joyful experience that brings color, flavor, and smiles to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a midday pick-me-up, or just to brighten your day, these cookies will definitely make you feel like you’ve captured a little bit of magic. So grab your mixing bowl and food coloring because these enchanting cookies are waiting to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23-25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies are a colorful, fun twist on classic cookies, featuring vibrant swirls of multi-colored dough with a soft, buttery texture and a sweet Hershey’s Kiss on top. Perfect for festive occasions, spring parties, school lunches, or baking with kids, these cookies combine easy-to-make vanilla cake mix dough with bright food coloring for a magical, eye-catching treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 13.25 oz box vanilla cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Food Coloring
- Yellow food coloring
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Blue food coloring
Toppings
- 24 Hershey’s Kiss candies
- Sprinkles (optional, for extra sparkle and texture)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a silicone spatula to stir until the mixture forms a soft, cohesive dough.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough evenly into four small bowls. Add one drop of food coloring to each bowl: yellow, red, green, and a mix of blue and red to create purple. Mix each bowl thoroughly to distribute the color evenly.
- Form Multi-colored Scoops: Using a cookie scoop, gather small amounts of dough from all four colored bowls to create scoops with a marbled, swirly tie-dye effect.
- Shape and Decorate Cookies: Drop the multi-colored dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. For added fun and texture, roll the tops of the dough balls in sprinkles if desired.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid over-baking and ensure a soft texture.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Once removed from the oven, gently press one Hershey’s Kiss candy into the center of each cookie while still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring they hold their shape and the kisses are set.
Notes
- For best results, use a silicone spatula to gently mix the dough without overworking it to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring drops based on your preferred color intensity.
- If sprinkles are used, choose ones that are safe to bake at 350°F or add after baking for best texture.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 3-4 days for freshness.
- They make an excellent activity for kids to help with mixing and coloring the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American

