Effortless Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: A 4-Ingredient Recipe for Sweet Success
Prepare for a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour! These **Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies** are incredibly soft, wonderfully sweet, and burst with a delightful strawberry flavor. The best part? This remarkable **cake mix cookie recipe** requires just four simple ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros looking for a quick fix. They’re super easy to whip up, resulting in fun, festive cookies that are visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Every batch of these vibrant, flavorful cookies is guaranteed to be a hit, bringing smiles to everyone who tries them.
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”gb5sRpUw” upload-date=”2018-03-21T15:08:40.000Z” name=”Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies” description=”Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are soft & sweet and made with just 4 ingredients! Super simple to make these cute, festive cake mix cookies. The strawberry flavor is just perfect.”]
Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
This **Strawberry Cake Mix Cookie recipe** isn’t just simple and delicious; it’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a wide array of occasions. As an avid home baker, I always ensure my pantry is stocked with a variety of cake mixes, and strawberry is a perennial favorite in my household, especially with the kids. These cookies are fantastic for everyday snacking, but they truly shine during festive periods. I particularly love making these around Valentine’s Day, transforming them into a charming and tasty goodie for my children to share with their friends at school. To amplify their festive appeal, I often incorporate a mix of pink, white, and red chocolate candies, which not only adds a beautiful splash of color but also an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. The inherent simplicity of using a cake mix means less measuring, fewer ingredients, and ultimately, a faster path to freshly baked goodness. It’s truly a secret weapon for creating impressive desserts without the fuss.
Essential Tips for Baking the PERFECT Cake Mix Cookies Every Time
Achieving perfectly uniform and delicious cookies is easier than you might think, especially when you have the right tools. There are three specific kitchen items that significantly speed up the cookie-making process and consistently deliver outstanding results. I rely on these essentials for almost every cookie recipe I bake, highlighting their versatility and indispensable nature in my kitchen.
1. The Magic of Parchment Paper
First and foremost, I cannot overstate the importance of lining my cookie sheets with parchment paper. Forget the messy hassle of spraying oil or greasing pans; parchment paper simplifies cleanup immensely. More importantly, it provides a consistent, non-stick surface that ensures your cookies bake evenly without any sticking whatsoever. You can find pre-cut parchment sheets that perfectly fit standard 12×16 inch cookie sheets, making the prep work incredibly efficient. This barrier also helps regulate the heat, preventing the bottom of your cookies from browning too quickly, leading to that coveted soft, chewy texture.
2. Unleash the Power of a KitchenAid Mixer
My KitchenAid mixer is truly a game-changer, and I’m completely obsessed with it! While I also own a Bosch mixer, I consistently find myself reaching for my KitchenAid when it comes to cookie dough. Each KitchenAid mixer typically comes with a specialized cookie paddle attachment, which effortlessly attaches to the mixer head. This paddle is designed to mix ingredients uniformly and efficiently, incorporating everything thoroughly without overworking the dough. Investing in a stand mixer, if you don’t already have one, is a decision you won’t regret. It automates one of the most physically demanding parts of baking, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your recipe. Trust me, it’s one of the most frequently used small appliances in my kitchen and an absolute must-have for any baking enthusiast.
3. The Secret Weapon: A Cookie Scoop
The third and final key item that revolutionized my cookie baking is a cookie scoop! For years, I struggled with two spoons, attempting to measure and scrape cookie dough onto my pans. The process was far from perfect, often resulting in misshapen, oblong cookies of varying sizes. Then, a friend brought some cookies to a party, and I couldn’t help but notice that every single one of her cookies looked absolutely PERFECT – uniformly round and consistently sized. Her secret? A simple cookie scoop! These handy tools come in three common sizes: ½ tablespoon, 1 ½ tablespoon, and 3 tablespoon scoops. For these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, and most other standard cookies, I use the versatile 1 ½ tablespoon size. However, when I’m preparing treats for a large gathering or buffet, the smaller ½ tablespoon scoop is ideal; people often appreciate having a smaller, bite-sized cookie, especially when several other desserts are available. A cookie scoop ensures not only a professional appearance but also guarantees even baking, as all cookies are the same size and will cook through at the same rate.
Delectable Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: The Simple Ingredients
Crafting these delightful cookies is incredibly straightforward, thanks to our minimal ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating their soft texture and vibrant flavor.
- Cake Mix: You’ll need one box of 15.25 oz Strawberry Cake Mix. While any brand will work, I personally lean towards “super moist” varieties for an extra tender crumb. Feel free to choose your favorite, as long as it’s strawberry flavored! This is the core of our recipe, providing both structure and that irresistible fruit essence.
- Eggs: This recipe calls for 2 large eggs. Eggs are vital binders in baking, helping to hold the cookie dough together and contribute to a rich, cohesive texture. They also add a bit of moisture and aid in leavening, resulting in a slightly airy yet chewy cookie.
- Butter: We use ⅓ cup of melted butter. Melting the butter ensures it incorporates smoothly into the cake mix and eggs, creating a consistent dough that bakes up beautifully. Butter not only adds incredible richness and flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ characteristic softness. Make sure it’s melted but not hot, to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- White Chocolate Chips: To add an extra layer of sweetness and textural contrast, you’ll need 1 ½ cups of white chocolate chips. These melt into creamy pockets of goodness throughout the cookie. While the recipe suggests white chocolate chips, I often like to mix things up! For an even more fun and colorful twist, I’ll use half white chocolate chips and half M&M candies (especially in shades of pink, red, and white for holidays like Valentine’s Day). This small change can make the cookies even more festive and appealing, particularly to younger crowds. The choice is yours for that perfect chocolatey or candy-coated goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch of strawberry cookies:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with a piece of parchment paper. This ensures easy release of the cookies and hassle-free cleanup later.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire box of strawberry cake mix with the 2 eggs. Using your mixer with the cookie paddle attachment, or a sturdy spoon, mix these ingredients until just combined. Next, pour in the ⅓ cup of melted butter. Continue mixing until the cake batter is thoroughly combined and smooth, making sure there are no dry pockets of cake mix remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in Your Mix-ins: Gently fold in your chosen additions – whether it’s the white chocolate chips, M&M candies, or a combination of both. I strongly recommend stirring the candies or chocolate chips in by hand during this step. This prevents them from getting crushed by the mixer, ensuring they remain intact and visually appealing in the finished cookies.
- Scoop and Place Dough: Using a medium 1.5 TBSP cookie scoop, portion out uniform balls of dough and arrange them on your prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. For an extra touch of visual appeal, you can gently press a few more chocolate candies or white chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake and Cool: Place the cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still look soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest on the hot cookie sheet for an additional 3-5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the cookies to continue cooking slightly and firm up without becoming overbaked. After resting, carefully transfer the cookies to wire baking racks to cool completely. This helps them achieve their final texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page to PRINT a convenient copy of this easy recipe for your recipe binder!
If you love our Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy a few of our other favorite cookie recipes:
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Raspberry Meltaway Cookies
- Frosted Strawberry Cookies
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
- Banana Pudding Cookies
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz Strawberry Cake Mix (choose a “super moist” variety for best results)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips Alternatively, use half white chocolate chips and half M&M candies (red, pink, and white for a festive touch!)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and the 2 large eggs. Mix well using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a sturdy hand mixer until just combined. Then, add the melted butter and continue to mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
-
Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins – the white chocolate chips and/or candies. I recommend stirring these in by hand to prevent them from getting crushed by the mixer and to ensure they are evenly distributed.
-
Using a medium 1.5 TBSP cookie scoop, measure out uniform portions of dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheet. For extra appeal, you can gently press a few more chocolate candies or chips onto the top of each cookie.
-
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them rest on the hot cookie sheet for 3-5 minutes. This allows them to continue setting.
-
Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire baking rack to cool completely. This recipe yields approximately 3 dozen delicious cookies when using the recommended cookie scoop. Enjoy your homemade strawberry treats!
Notes
Nutrition
Sometimes, you just have to embrace the unexpected moments of joy! Making a snow cave is definitely one of those times, isn’t it? My kids, C and H, certainly thought so! We were hit with over two feet of snow from a quick storm, and for those wondering, NOPE, our schools did not declare it a snow day. That’s just crazy! So, I pulled the “Mama card” and called our very own Snow Day. It was such a fun and memorable experience, creating childhood memories beyond the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Cookies
Can I use different flavor cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely, that’s one of the most exciting aspects of baking with cake mixes – the customization possibilities are endless! While my family and I are particularly fond of strawberry cake, you are free to switch up the cake flavor to suit your personal tastes or the occasion. This simple swap can transform these cookies into a variety of festive treats for different holidays throughout the year. For instance, imagine using a white cake mix with red, white, and blue candies, and suddenly you have a wonderfully patriotic treat for the 4th of July or Memorial Day! Or, try a lemon cake mix for a zesty spring cookie, a chocolate fudge cake mix for decadent triple chocolate cookies, or even a red velvet cake mix for elegant Christmas or Valentine’s Day delights. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to experimenting with different cake mix flavors and complementary mix-ins to create unique and delicious cookies!
How do I stop my cookies from spreading too much?
Excessive spreading is a common cookie dilemma, but it’s entirely fixable with a few simple tricks! The most effective solution is using a silicone baking mat (like a Silpat). These mats create a gentle grip on the bottom of the cookie dough, preventing it from spreading out too much and helping the cookies maintain a lovely, uniform thickness. If you don’t have a silicone mat, parchment paper, as mentioned in our tips above, also works wonders in preventing sticking and controlling spread. Additionally, ensure your butter is melted but not overly warm; butter that’s too hot can contribute to excessive spreading. Another helpful trick is to chill your cookie dough for about 15-30 minutes before scooping and baking. The colder dough takes longer to melt in the oven, giving the cookies more time to set and puff up rather than spread thin. Make sure your oven is preheated properly as well; a hot oven helps set the edges quickly.
How do I store my cookies to keep them fresh longer?
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious cookies for as long as possible! When stored correctly, these cake mix cookies can stay wonderfully fresh for 1-2 weeks. The ideal method is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. A favorite cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid is perfect for this. I also learned an incredible trick from my mother-in-law that has been an absolute game-changer: I add a fresh slice of plain bread to my cookie container. It might sound crazy, but I promise it works! The moisture from the bread is absorbed by the drier air in the container, preventing your cookies from drying out and helping them stay soft and moist for a significantly longer period. Just be sure to replace the bread every couple of days. If you want to store them even longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I still make these cookies?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, makes the process incredibly quick and effortless, it’s certainly not a requirement for this recipe. You can easily make these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies using a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even just a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease! The key is to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the butter is thoroughly incorporated into the cake mix and eggs. Just be prepared for a bit more stirring, and your arm might get a little workout! The results will still be soft, sweet, and delicious, proving that simple ingredients and a little effort are often all you need for amazing homemade treats.
A Sweet Conclusion to Your Baking Adventure
These **Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies** are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to effortless baking and pure enjoyment. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of soft, sweet, and perfectly festive cookies that are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, preparing a school treat, or simply craving something delightful, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So grab your favorite strawberry cake mix, a few basic staples, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Happy baking, and enjoy every last bite!