We don't always have time or energy to make everything from scratch and there is absolutely no rule that you have to! These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies need just 4 ingredients, about 2 minutes of work and no mixer or special equipment. And they are made with just as much love as anything made completely from scratch!
These easy and vibrant pink crinkle cookies are so easy to make, the kids can help! They're perfect for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, girls' nights or bachelorette parties, bake sales, or just any time you're in the mood for a sweet treat! If you love making other desserts using a boxed mix, check out these Red Velvet Brownies using Cake Mix, these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies, and this Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix.
Why this Recipe Works
The strawberry cake mix has all the needed dry ingredients already combined in it, so these quick and easy cookies need just 3 ingredients to form the best simple strawberry cookie dough. Coating the dough balls in powdered sugar really enhances the strawberry flavor in these soft and fluffy pink cookies and they just melt in your mouth!
Ingredients and Notes
Strawberry Cake Mix - These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies use the dry boxed strawberry cake mix. The boxed mix should not be prepared in accordance with the directions on the package. It will serve as the dry ingredients in this super simple cookie recipe, as well as the pink color and strawberry flavor. Pay attention to the size of the box mix. Brands like Duncan Hines and Pillsbury are generally 15.25 oz which is the measurement used for this recipe. Betty Crocker tends to be a bit smaller which could lead to a thinner, wetter dough that spreads so be sure to check the box before purchasing!
Oil - You'll want to use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. The addition of fat gives these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies their soft and chewy texture.
Eggs - Eggs add both moisture and fat, again contributing to the perfect cookie texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Powdered Sugar - The powdered sugar coating on these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies can be skipped if needed. The coating adds a bit of sweetness and really enhances the strawberry flavor so I recommend using it if you can, but they will still be delicious without it.
Oil - If you need to replace the oil, you can use a stick of melted butter. I would suggest letting it cool after melting before using it. While it will add fat like the oil does, it doesn't add moisture in the same way which could result in a denser cookie, but it will add a richer flavor.
Chocolate - For added flavor, you could stir in chocolate chips for chocolate covered strawberry vibes or white chocolate chips for a strawberries and cream vibe. You could also dip the baked and cooled cookies into melted chocolate or white chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate on top, top with sprinkles if desired, and set on parchment paper to let dry.
How to Make this Recipe
Step 1: Stir the cake mix, oil, and eggs in a mixing bowl until fully combined. Form into balls of about 1 heaping tablespoon each.
Step 2: Roll balls in powdered sugar and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe FAQs
These cookies shouldn't spread too thin, but if you are having issues with spreading it can help to let the dough sit for 10-15 minutes before forming the balls. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, just sitting at room temperature for a bit will allow the dough to stiffen. If they're still spreading, try refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Yes! A vanilla, chocolate, or cream cheese frosting on these cookies would all be delicious and sprinkles can add an extra fun touch! You could even put frosting between two cookies to make them sandwich cookies (and then the frosting won't hide the crinkles!) A glaze would also be a delicious addition. If frosting or glazing the cookies, you could skip the powdered sugar step as both frosting and the powdered sugar coating may be a bit on the sweet side.
These cookies should come out soft and crinkled, but not dry. Because the dry ingredients are pre-measured in the cake mix, the most likely issue for dry cookies in this recipe would be over-baking them. I always suggest starting on the shorter end of the bake time, and check them. You can always add time if they're not done, but you can't un-bake an over-baked cookie!
Tips & Tricks
Tip #1: I suggest waiting about 10-15 minutes after mixing the dough before forming the balls. It lets the dough stiffen a bit and makes it easier to form the balls. You certainly don't need to wait, the cookies will still bake up perfectly, it's just a bit easier to form the balls with a stiffer dough.
Tip #2: I found it easiest to coat the dough balls by putting powdered sugar in a small bowl that has sides that angle out (so the opening of the bowl is bigger than the bottom of the bowl) and dropping a dough ball in and gently shaking the bowl. You'll want to stir the powdered sugar between each couple dough balls because it will get packed down each time you use it.
Tip #3: Make perfectly round cookies by scooting freshly baked cookies around in a circle using a round cookie cutter or the opening of a drinking glass. This helps to perfectly shape the warm cookies.
Storage Tips
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
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Did you try this recipe? Leave a review below, and tag @flourdeliz on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box strawberry cake mix straight out of the box, do not follow the instructions on the box
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs and stir until fully incorporated.15.25 oz box strawberry cake mix, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs
- Form dough into balls, about one heaping tablespoon each.
- Coat dough balls in powdered sugar and place on lined baking sheet, about an inch or two apart.½ cup powdered sugar
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mike Pollio says
It's great!
Liz Pollio says
Thank you!