Tie Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies

If your house is anything like mine, adding a splash of whimsy to everyday treats instantly transforms the kitchen into the heart of the home. These Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies aren’t just delightful—they’re pure magic! With three energetic kiddos always looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, I love recipes that bring smiles, creativity, and just a touch of enchantment to snack time. Trust me, watching those little faces light up as vibrant, swirled cookies emerge from the oven never gets old.

Making these cookies is almost as fun as eating them. With a simple base of vanilla cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil, they’re a breeze to whip up – even with small helping hands eager to join in. The real magic happens when you blend vivid drops of color into the dough, creating a mesmerizing swirl that’s unique every single time. Plus, rolling each cookie in sprinkles is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making each bite crunchy, colorful, and irresistibly fun.

And let’s not forget the finishing touch – a creamy Hershey’s Kiss perched atop each warm cookie, melting just slightly to create chocolate perfection. Whether it’s a weekend baking project, a playful birthday party snack, or simply a way to sprinkle a little joy into a regular weekday, these Tie-Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies are a family favorite. Grab your baking tools and let’s bake some magic!

Equipment

• Measuring cup
• Large bowl
• Silicone spoon
• 4 small bowls
• Spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

• 13.25 oz box vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix makes baking these magical cookies easy and delicious every time!
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Vegetable oil ensures your cookies stay soft, chewy, and perfectly moist.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs help bind the dough together, giving your cookies a fluffy texture.
• Food coloring (1 drop each of yellow, green, and red; then 1 drop each of blue and red to make purple): Vibrant food coloring creates mesmerizing swirls that give each cookie its unique tie-dye look.
• Nonpareil Sprinkles: Colorful Nonpareil sprinkles add extra fun and delightful crunch to every bite.
• 24 Hershey’s Kiss candies: A Hershey’s Kiss tops each cookie with a delicious touch of creamy chocolate perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. To a large bowl, add the cake mix, oil, and eggs, and stir with a silicone spatula to combine.

3. Divide the dough between 4 smaller bowls.

4. Add one drop of yellow food coloring to one bowl, one drop of red food coloring to a second bowl, one drop of green food coloring to a third bowl, then to the fourth bowl add one drop of red and one drop of blue food coloring.

5. Stir the food coloring into each of the bowls until solid colors have formed.

6. To a large bowl, add the colored dough side by side. Use the cookie scoop to gather dough, making sure to get multiple colors in each scoop.

7. Drop dough onto the baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Roll the top in sprinkles.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until done.

9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Tips for Making Perfect Tie Dye Unicorn Hershey’s Kiss Cookies

• Don’t Overmix the Dough
  Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make your cookies less fluffy and tender.

• Use Gel Food Coloring for Brighter Colors
  Gel-based coloring creates vivid, vibrant hues without adding extra moisture to the dough.

• Chill Your Hershey’s Kisses
  Place the Hershey’s Kisses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before baking. Chilled chocolate won’t melt as quickly, maintaining that perfect shape when pressed onto warm cookies.

• Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Size
  A cookie scoop ensures your cookies bake evenly and have a consistent shape, which looks great with the Hershey’s Kiss on top.

• Gently Press in the Hershey’s Kiss
  Press the chocolate gently into the warm cookie, just enough to anchor it without flattening the cookie too much.

• Let Cookies Rest Briefly Before Moving
  Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring prevents them from breaking or losing shape.

• Store Properly to Maintain Freshness
  Keep your cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their vibrant appearance.

Get Creative!

• Customize the Colors
  Match cookie colors to a party theme, holiday, or your child’s favorite hues—think pastels for spring or bold shades for a birthday!

• Try Different Hershey’s Kisses
  Swap classic Kisses for other flavors like Cookies ‘n’ Cream, dark chocolate, or caramel-filled Kisses to surprise your taste buds.

• Experiment with Sprinkles
  Use themed sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies sparkle. Stars, hearts, or unicorn-shaped sprinkles add even more charm.

• Add Flavor Twists
  Boost flavor by adding a touch of almond or lemon extract to the dough for an unexpected delicious twist.

• Make Mini Versions
  Use a smaller scoop to bake adorable mini cookies, perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.

• Decorate Your Serving Tray
  Arrange your colorful cookies on a platter sprinkled with edible glitter, marshmallows, or candy for a whimsical presentation.

Serving & Storing

Serving:

• Enjoy Warm or Cool:
  These cookies taste fantastic warm from the oven with the chocolate slightly melted, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature when the Hershey’s Kiss sets firmly.

• Pair with Milk or Cocoa:
  Serve these colorful cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa for the perfect treat experience.

• Perfect for Parties:
  Arrange them on a colorful platter or cake stand to highlight their vibrant tie-dye patterns and whimsical style.

Storing:

• Airtight Container:
  Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture and freshness.

• Use Parchment Paper:
  Place parchment paper between cookie layers when storing to prevent sticking and protect their colorful designs.

• Shelf Life:
  Stored properly, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days – if they last that long!