Delicious & Easy Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies: Your Go-To Lighter Cake Mix Cookie Recipe!
Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies! Made with just three core ingredients – a vibrant strawberry cake mix, fluffy Cool Whip, and a single egg – this recipe delivers irresistibly soft and chewy cookies with minimal effort. If you’re searching for a lighter cookie recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these are perfect. They offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cake mix cookies, boasting fewer calories while still providing all the sweet satisfaction you crave.
These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies quickly become a family favorite, renowned for their incredible simplicity and speed. In just a few minutes of prep and a short bake time, you can have a batch of soft, delicious, and beautifully pink cookies ready to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this foolproof recipe guarantees success, making it an ideal choice for last-minute treats, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Their bright strawberry flavor and tender texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
What Makes Cool Whip Cookies So Special?
Traditional cake mix cookies typically call for a cake mix, butter, and eggs, resulting in a dense, rich cookie. Cool Whip cookies, however, offer a fantastic twist by substituting the butter (or oil) with Cool Whip. This innovative swap not only significantly reduces the calorie and fat content but also creates a uniquely soft, almost cloud-like texture that truly melts in your mouth. The Cool Whip introduces a light airiness to the dough, yielding a cookie that is moist, tender, and incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. The slightly different consistency means the dough can be a bit stickier than traditional butter-based doughs, which is why we love rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar. This step isn’t just for aesthetics, creating a beautiful crinkle effect; it also helps manage the stickiness and adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely finish. Of course, you can skip the powdered sugar if you prefer, but we highly recommend it for that classic look and taste.
One of the most appealing aspects of all cake mix cookies, and especially the Cool Whip variation, is their incredible versatility. The base recipe acts as a blank canvas for endless flavor combinations. While this recipe highlights the delightful strawberry flavor, you’re free to experiment with any cake mix you desire! Imagine zesty lemon cake mix cookies, decadent chocolate Cool Whip cookies, or even funfetti for a festive touch. Beyond the cake mix flavor, you can easily incorporate various mix-ins like chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark), colorful M&Ms, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a few drops of your favorite extract to customize them further. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a go-to for any occasion or craving.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies
Crafting these delectable Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies requires only a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Strawberry Cake Mix: You’ll need one standard box of strawberry cake mix. Most cake mixes range from 15 to 18 ounces, and any size within this range will work perfectly for this recipe. The beauty of using a cake mix is the built-in flavor and leavening agents, simplifying the baking process significantly. While strawberry offers a bright, sweet flavor that’s perfect for spring or summer, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors! Lemon cake mix yields a wonderfully tangy cookie, chocolate cake mix creates a rich, fudgy treat, and even vanilla or funfetti can be transformed into delicious Cool Whip cookies.
- Cool Whip: This is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature light texture and helps reduce calories. You will need 2 cups of thawed Cool Whip whipped topping. This amount typically corresponds to about two-thirds of an 8-ounce container. Ensuring the Cool Whip is fully thawed is crucial for smooth mixing and a consistent dough. If you find yourself without Cool Whip, a traditional alternative for cake mix cookies is 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113g) of melted butter. However, be aware that substituting butter will change the cookie’s consistency, making it richer and denser, and will, of course, add more calories. For the true “Cool Whip cookie” experience, stick to the whipped topping.
- Egg: Just one large egg is all it takes to bind these simple ingredients together, providing structure and moisture to the cookie dough. Use a large egg for the best results, as egg size can impact the final texture of baked goods.
- Powdered Sugar: This ingredient is entirely optional but highly recommended for both visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness. Rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates a beautiful “crinkle” effect as the cookies spread, giving them a charming, bakery-quality finish. It also helps manage the inherent stickiness of the Cool Whip dough. If you want to add a different decorative element, sprinkles or finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries could also be used!
How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: A Simple Guide
Making these delightful strawberry cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is vital for even baking and ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much or become too hard. While the oven preheats, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the thawed Cool Whip and the single large egg. Beat them until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a light and airy base for your cookie dough.
- Add Cake Mix: Gradually add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to the Cool Whip and egg mixture. Continue beating with your electric mixer on low speed until all ingredients are well blended and a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be soft and somewhat sticky, which is completely normal due to the Cool Whip.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a separate small, shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop (a 1.5-inch scoop works perfectly for uniform cookies), scoop out portions of the sticky cookie dough. Gently roll each scooped ball in the powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. This step not only adds a lovely visual crinkle but also makes the dough easier to handle and prevents sticking.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the powdered-sugar-coated cookie dough balls on your prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the hot cookie sheet. Avoiding overbaking is key to maintaining their wonderfully soft and chewy texture.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of beautiful, delicious, and lighter Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies ready to be devoured.
Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 pkg strawberry cake mix
- 2 cups Cool Whip thawed (about 2/3 of an 8 oz container)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°.
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Use an electric mixer to beat Cool Whip and egg together in a mixing bowl. Add cake mix and beat until well blended.
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Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the cookie dough into balls and roll them in the powdered sugar.
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Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Cool Whip Cookies
Here are answers to some common questions about making these simple yet delicious cake mix cookies:
Can you replace the Cool Whip in the cookies?
Yes, if you don’t have access to Cool Whip, or simply prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113g) of melted butter. This is the traditional fat component for many cake mix cookie recipes. However, keep in mind that this substitution will alter the texture of the cookies; they will be denser and richer, more akin to a classic cookie, rather than the light and airy texture Cool Whip provides. Also, using butter will increase the calorie and fat content compared to the original Cool Whip version. For the unique soft, pillowy texture of Cool Whip cookies, we highly recommend sticking to Cool Whip.
What brand of cake mix should I use?
The beauty of cake mix cookies is their adaptability to various brands. You can use virtually any brand of cake mix available, whether it’s a popular brand like Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, or a generic store brand. All of them are formulated to work similarly in recipes. We recommend choosing a brand you’ve used before and enjoy the flavor of, as this will ensure you’re happy with the final taste of your cookies. While some brands might yield a slightly different texture or sweetness level, the core principle of these cookies remains consistent across brands.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
While homemade whipped cream is delicious, it’s generally not recommended as a direct substitute for Cool Whip in this recipe. Cool Whip contains stabilizers that help it maintain its structure during baking, contributing to the cookie’s unique texture. Homemade whipped cream, which lacks these stabilizers, tends to melt and lose its volume when exposed to oven heat, which could result in cookies that are too flat or spread excessively.
Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?
Absolutely! These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to unleash your creativity with various mix-ins. Consider adding white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), sprinkles for a festive touch, or even a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to deepen the flavor profile. Small pieces of fresh strawberries could work, but be cautious with moisture content; freeze-dried strawberries, crushed, would provide concentrated flavor without adding excess water to the dough.
Why is my cookie dough sticky?
It’s completely normal for Cool Whip cookie dough to be a bit stickier than traditional cookie doughs. This is due to the higher moisture content and unique composition of Cool Whip compared to butter. Don’t worry, this stickiness is what contributes to the incredibly soft and moist texture of the baked cookies. The powdered sugar coating helps immensely with handling the dough and preventing it from sticking to your hands or the cookie scoop. If it’s particularly challenging, you can lightly dampen your hands or even chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before rolling, though this is often not necessary.
Tips for Making Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
Achieving consistently perfect cookies is easy with these helpful tips:
- Preheat the oven thoroughly: Don’t rush this step! A properly preheated oven ensures even heat distribution from the moment your cookies enter, leading to consistent baking, proper spreading, and the ideal texture every time. If the oven isn’t fully preheated, cookies can bake unevenly or spread too much.
- Use a cookie scoop: This simple tool is a game-changer for uniform cookies. Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookie dough balls are the same size, which means they will bake evenly. This consistency is key for a professional-looking batch and helps prevent some cookies from being overbaked while others are underbaked. If you don’t have a scoop, use a tablespoon to measure, then roll the dough into even balls with your hands.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: These non-stick liners are your best friend for easy cookie removal and cleanup. Cookies will effortlessly slide off the pan, maintaining their perfect shape, and you won’t have to worry about scraping or stuck-on bits. They also help promote even baking by creating a barrier between the metal sheet and the cookie dough.
- Don’t overbake the cookies: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft and chewy cookies. When you take these Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies out of the oven, they should still look slightly underbaked in the center, with the edges just barely set. They will continue to “bake” and firm up on the hot cookie sheet for a few minutes after removal due to residual heat. Overbaking is the quickest way to end up with dry, crumbly cookies. Trust the process, and pull them out when they look just slightly soft!
- Chill the dough (optional): While not strictly necessary for this recipe, if you find the dough too sticky to handle, or if you prefer a slightly thicker, less spread-out cookie, you can chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before scooping and rolling. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to work with.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cake Mix Cookies
Knowing how to properly store your homemade cookies ensures they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
How long are cake mix cookies good for?
Once your Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they will remain wonderfully soft and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days. To maintain their signature moistness even longer, try this clever trick from my mother-in-law: place a fresh slice of plain bread (like white bread) into the airtight container along with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, helping them stay soft and chewy for a couple of extra days. Just be sure to replace the bread every day or two as it dries out.
Can I freeze cake mix cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully, making them excellent for meal prep or having a quick treat on hand. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper if needed. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply let the cookie thaw on the counter for a few minutes until it’s soft enough to bite into. A single cookie or two will thaw quite quickly!
You can also freeze the raw cookie dough! After rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar, arrange them on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
Explore More Delicious Cake Mix Cookie Recipes!
If you’ve loved how easy and versatile these Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are, you’re in for a treat! Cake mix cookies are a fantastic way to create a variety of delicious desserts with minimal effort. Here are some more incredible cake mix cookie recipes to add to your baking repertoire:
- Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
- Valentines Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
- Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
- Cake Mix Jello Cookies
- Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Cake Mix Rolo Cookies
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies
These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical in the kitchen. With a delightful strawberry cake mix, fluffy Cool Whip, and an egg, you get a lighter cookie recipe that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also boasts less calories than traditional cake mix cookies, all while delivering fantastic flavor and a wonderfully soft texture. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to impressing guests with minimal effort. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!