If you have a soft spot for sweet, fruity treats that come together in a flash, then this Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, bursting with the bright, summery flavor of strawberry from the cake mix, and finished with a sweet powdered sugar coating that makes each bite irresistibly tender and chewy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or a cheerful gathering, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of flavor and simplicity that makes baking so enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating flavor, texture, and color. These basics come together easily, so you can turn out delicious cookies without any fuss.
- Strawberry cake mix: This brings a vibrant color and sweet strawberry flavor that defines the cookies.
- Eggs: They help bind the dough together while adding moisture and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and tender by adding just the right amount of fat.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough balls, it creates a delicate sweet crust that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is prepared. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. This simple prep step sets you up for clean, easy baking and perfect cookie bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract if using. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth, uniform dough with no dry patches. This step is crucial because the texture of your dough will determine how soft and luscious the cookies turn out.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll each into a ball with your hands. Then, generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. This coating not only adds sweetness but also creates those beautiful cracked tops that make these cookies so visually appealing.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft—the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes once out of the oven, then transfer them with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process lets the cookies firm up just enough while keeping their tender bite intact.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the strawberry flavor even more, consider dusting the cooled cookies with a little extra powdered sugar or even drizzling a quick glaze with strawberry jam. Fresh strawberry slices or tiny edible flowers on the side can add an extra touch of whimsy and color for parties.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a comforting snack. They are also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, arrange the cookies on a platter lined with colorful napkins or edible flower petals. You could also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or white chocolate ganache for a luscious strawberry cookie sandwich that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick treats throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring a little freshness back to your cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them just enough to soften them back up without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use another flavor of cake mix instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these cookies their signature flavor and color, you can experiment with vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cake mixes to create your own unique spin on this easy recipe.
Do I have to use powdered sugar for rolling the dough?
Powdered sugar is recommended because it creates the pretty crackled effect and adds a sweet coating, but if you’re in a pinch, regular granulated sugar can work, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, feel free to fold in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even freeze-dried strawberries to add texture and extra bursts of flavor to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for set edges and cracked tops. The centers should still appear slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, as they’ll finish setting while cooling.
Is vanilla extract necessary in the recipe?
Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the overall flavor, giving the cookies a richer, more rounded taste without overpowering the strawberry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and joy this Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe brings to the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to whip up a batch of delightful treats that look stunning and taste fabulous with almost no effort. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as much a crowd-pleaser and go-to sweet fix as I have. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are quick, easy, and bursting with sweet, fruity flavor. Using a simple combination of a strawberry cake mix, eggs, and oil, these cookies come together effortlessly, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack. Coated in powdered sugar, they have a delightful crackled appearance and a soft, chewy texture that strawberry lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract if using. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a consistent dough.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated for a sweet and crackled finish.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and tops show cracks.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, do not overbake; the cookies should be soft with set edges.
- You can omit the vanilla extract if you prefer a pure strawberry flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a fun twist, add white chocolate chips or dried strawberries to the dough before baking.
