Nothing says sweet celebration quite like a batch of these delightful strawberry cake mix cookies. This Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe brings together the fruity charm of strawberry cake with the irresistible chewy texture of your favorite cookie, and it’s a game changer for quick sweets. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies combine simplicity with a burst of flavor, making every bite a joyful experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect strawberry cookie. From the vibrant cake mix that provides flavor and color to the butter that ensures a tender crumb, every component is essential for that ideal cookie texture and taste.
- Duncan Hines Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25 oz): The star of the show, packed with strawberry flavor and sweetness to make these cookies truly stand out.
- Large eggs (2): Helps bind the dough together and adds richness for a soft, chewy bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and that irresistible buttery flavor which makes each cookie melt in your mouth.
- Sugar for rolling (1/4 cup, optional): A small step that adds a delicate crunch and a touch of extra sweetness to the cookie exterior.
- Chocolate hearts (20, optional): Perfect for adding a festive Valentine’s Day twist or simply a touch of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze, setting the stage for perfect baking results.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir everything by hand just until fully incorporated—no streaks of cake mix. Expect a thick dough; that’s exactly how it should be for these chewy cookies!
Step 3: Shape and Roll the Dough
Scoop out 1.5 tablespoon-sized mounds of cookie dough and roll them into balls. If you love a little sparkle and sweetness on your cookies, toss them in sugar before placing them on the sheet. This step is optional but adds a lovely cookie finish.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to puff and spread. Pop one sheet at a time into the oven, baking for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are puffed and the tops develop a crackly texture—that classic sign your cookies are done just right.
Step 5: Add Your Final Touch
When the cookies come out hot from the oven, gently press a chocolate heart or your favorite candy into the center. This little addition gives them a festive flair and a burst of chocolate contrast to the fruity cookie.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow your cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, so they firm up and are easy to pick up for snacking. This cooling step means they set properly, giving you that lovely chewy texture we all crave.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle a little white chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh strawberry slices on the side can enhance the fruity vibe and provide a refreshing bite alongside the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. The balance of flavors is perfect when these cookies meet your favorite beverage, making snack time feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with colorful napkins for parties or pack them in a cute gift box tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. For a fun twist, stack them with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries to create a quick strawberry cookie trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to three days. Layering with parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps them looking lovely for whenever you want a treat.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for later, these freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months, ready to thaw at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their softness and brings out that irresistible strawberry aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of strawberry cake mix?
Absolutely! Any good-quality strawberry cake mix will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s the regular cake mix size and not a cupcake or pudding mix.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
While substituting with oil might change the texture slightly, it’s possible. Butter adds richness and helps with the crumb, so the cookies might be a bit less tender with oil, but still delicious.
Is it okay to skip rolling the dough in sugar?
Yes! Rolling in sugar is an optional step that adds a nice texture and sweetness, but the cookies taste great without it, especially if you add chocolate hearts or other decorations.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough briefly before baking can help control spreading. Also, make sure to space the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts can complement the strawberry flavor beautifully. Simply fold them in after mixing the dough and before scooping onto the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of baking cookies that are quick, flavorful, and delightful to share. The Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is a fantastic go-to when you want something easy but bursting with strawberry sweetness and soft, chewy goodness. Give it a try for your next baking adventure—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these in your cookie rotation!
Print
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
Description
These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are a quick and delicious treat made from a strawberry-flavored cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. They’re soft, slightly puffy, and crackly on top with an optional sugary coating and festive chocolate heart decorations, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Duncan Hines Strawberry Cake Mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (smooth but not hot)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookie dough)
- 20 chocolate hearts (for Valentine sugar cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir with a spoon or spatula until fully combined and no streaks of cake mix remain. The mixture will form a thick dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. If desired, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the rolled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and develop crackly tops.
- Add Decorations: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate heart or Hershey’s Kiss candy into the center of each cookie if decorating.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets until they are firm enough to lift. This helps them set perfectly for eating.
Notes
- You can omit the sugar rolling step if you prefer less sweetness or a softer texture on the outside.
- For even baking, bake one cookie sheet at a time rather than both simultaneously.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
