After a long week of mundane meals and takeout, I found myself yearning for something fun and nostalgic. That's when I unexpectedly stumbled across a box of strawberry cake mix tucked away in the back of my pantry. It called out to me, and thus the idea for these delightful Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies was born!
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. It’s like a slice of summer captured in a cookie, perfect for brightening even the cloudiest of days. These cookies are not just simple to make—they’re also a wonderful way to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, these cookies come together in a flash, making them ideal for satisfying those spontaneous dessert cravings. Let me guide you through this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time.
- The delightful strawberry flavor makes each bite a tasty adventure that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Their vibrant color and dusting of powdered sugar give them an appealing look that will impress anyone who sees them.
- These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Strawberry cake mix – the star ingredient that adds delightful flavor and color to these cookies.
- Baking powder – helps achieve a fluffy texture for those perfect cookie bites.
- Large eggs – adds moisture and binds the ingredients for a chewy finish.
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cookies rich and moist; you can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness, making your Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies even more delicious.
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar – creates a sweet, snowy coating that makes these cookies visually delightful; optional but highly recommended for a touch of sweetness!
How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This creates the perfect non-stick surface for your cookies.
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Whisk together the strawberry cake mix and baking powder in a large bowl. This step ensures that the ingredients are well combined and your cookies will rise beautifully.
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Combine wet ingredients by whisking the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth. The mixture should be a lovely golden hue.
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Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want that delicate, cookie-like texture!
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Chill the dough in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle when you're ready to scoop.
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Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. This creates the perfect bite-sized cookie shape, ready to be coated.
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Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it's fully covered. This sweet layer helps create a lovely crackled finish while baking.
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Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading. About 2 inches apart usually works well.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked—a sign that they're perfectly done.
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Cool the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This is where the magic happens as the cookies set into their delightful chewy consistency!
Optional: Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to suit your taste preferences!
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk in place of whole milk and a dairy-free cake mix. They’ll still be just as delicious!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookies.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of white or dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
- Berry Twist: Incorporate ½ cup of fresh strawberries, diced small, to enhance that fruity flavor in every bite.
- Coconut-Infused: Swap out ¼ cup of vegetable oil for melted coconut oil, and fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mix for a warm, cozy flavor, reminiscent of a berry pie.
- Zesty Lemon: Stir in the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy contrast that complements the strawberry beautifully.
- S'mores Style: Mix in ½ cup of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of crushed graham crackers for a fun s'mores-inspired treat.
Let these variations inspire you to create your own unique batch of Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies?
Imagine your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the chewy cookies, creating a delightful contrast. A scoop on top of a warm cookie is pure bliss!
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Fresh Berries: A medley of sweet strawberries and tart blueberries adds a bright, fruity touch that complements the cookies and enhances their berry flavor.
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Whipped Cream: A luscious dollop of homemade whipped cream adds both lightness and richness, making your dessert experience even more indulgent. It’s a wonderful finishing touch!
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling chocolate over these cookies adds a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore. The sweet strawberry and rich chocolate combination is irresistible!
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea provides a zesty counterpoint to the sweetness, making your dessert feel cohesive and balanced—a perfect summer pairing!
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Plain Yogurt: The tangy creaminess of plain yogurt can cut through the sweetness of the cookies, offering a lovely contrast and making for a more sophisticated dessert experience.
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Fruit Salad: A light, vibrant fruit salad can refresh your palate and add a delightful crunch alongside the soft cookies. It’s colorful, nutritious, and elevates your dessert spread!
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making them even more enjoyable for adults. This pairing is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, these cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, stack them in layers separated by parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that freshly-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy a sweet treat without the last-minute rush! You can mix the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, roll them into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. For even more convenience, you can scoop and freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; simply bake them straight from the freezer for an easy dessert anytime! Just take care to add a minute or two to the baking time for perfectly soft cookies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a high-quality strawberry cake mix for the best flavor and color in your Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
- Ensure your wet ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a smoother dough.
- When rolling the dough, lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking and make the process easier.
- Remember to keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be taken out when the edges are set and tops are just starting to crack for that perfect chewy texture.
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my strawberries are ripe for baking?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose strawberries that are bright red with a natural shine and firm texture. Avoid any with dark spots or a dull appearance, as these may be overripe or past their prime.
What’s the best way to store Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them in a sealed container, where they’ll stay delightful for about a week.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Very! Freezing Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies is a fantastic way to keep a stash on hand. Once cooled, stack the cookies in a freezer-safe container, ensuring to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll last up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. And for that cozy, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out stickier than expected, don’t worry! Simply add a little more cake mix—about a tablespoon at a time—until you can easily scoop and roll it into balls. Alternatively, chilling the dough a bit longer can also help firm it up.
Are these cookies suitable for those with allergies?
Yes, but it’s essential to check the labels for any allergens. The recipe contains eggs and can be made with vegetable oil, which is generally safe for most diets. If you’re allergic to eggs, consider substituting each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. Always ensure to use a cake mix that is allergen-friendly if necessary.
Can I use other flavor cake mixes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix brings a delightful fruity flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon, chocolate, or vanilla to create your signature cookies! Just follow the same recipe, and enjoy the variations!
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the strawberry cake mix and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients by whisking the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 15–30 minutes.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands.
- Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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