Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

These strawberry cake mix cookies are pillowy soft and bursting with berry flavor thanks to two secrets cake mix and cream cheese The result is a treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes with a gentle pink color and playful pops of chocolate candy They are a go to for special occasions or just for adding a little fun to an ordinary day

I tried these first for a Valentine’s Day tea and they have now become my stand by for birthdays and even rainy day baking sessions We always end up giggling over the bright pink dough

Ingredients

• Strawberry cake mix: use a boxed mix around 430 to 460 grams for consistent texture and pretty color
• Butter: choose melted butter for easy mixing salted or unsalted both work but unsalted gives more control
• Egg: pick a room temperature egg to help the dough blend smoothly and stay fluffy
• Vanilla extract: a good quality extract boosts the berry notes and deepens aroma
• Cream cheese: go full fat if possible for richness but light works too must be at room temperature for a creamy dough
• White chocolate chips: they melt into creamy spots throughout look for good vanilla aroma
• M and Ms: pick either pink and red or a rainbow mix for extra color avoid using very old candy so the colors stay bright

Instructions

Teig vorbereiten:

In a large bowl mix the melted butter with the egg vanilla and cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese This step gives your cookies their signature tender crumb

Erdbeer Cake Mix einarbeiten:

Add the strawberry cake mix a bit at a time stirring gently into the wet mixture Mix just until blended with no dry spots left Overmixing will make the cookies dense instead of light

Schokolade und M and Ms unterheben:

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and M and Ms using a spatula This keeps the mix ins evenly distributed and prevents breaking the candies

Teig kühlen:

Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour The dough firms up making it easier to shape and the cookies will keep their thickness instead of spreading too much in the oven

Backofen vorheizen:

Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup This step ensures the cookies bake evenly

Kekse formen und backen:

Scoop walnut sized portions of dough about one tablespoon each and arrange them on the baking sheet leaving space between each Bake for nine to ten minutes The edges should look set while the centers stay soft Do not overbake as they firm up as they cool

Abkühlen lassen:

Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely This lets the texture finish setting and keeps the bottoms from becoming soggy

Cream cheese is my favorite part here The first time I used it was on a whim after running out of butter and I was amazed at how creamy and soft the cookies turned out My kids now ask for extra white chips every time and we always add a few more candies on top before baking just for fun

Storage Tips

Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container and they will keep well for four to five days For longer storage freeze cookies in a single layer then stack with parchment between layers Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make these with any cake mix such as lemon chocolate or vanilla Experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips freeze dried berries or even chopped nuts in place of M and Ms For dairy free baking try a vegan cream cheese

Serving Suggestions

Arrange them on a pink platter for birthdays or Valentine’s Day or stack in a gift box lined with tissue for a sweet homemade present They go well with tea or a tall glass of cold milk Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch

Cultural and Historical Context

Cake mix cookies originated as a shortcut treat in American kitchens popular since the mid twentieth century Using cake mix and candy colors reflects the playful left over spirit of festive home baking Traditions like these carry a certain joy and nostalgia in every bite

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap strawberry cake mix for lemon in the spring Add freeze dried berries in summer for tartness Use red and green M and Ms for a holiday theme

Success Stories

My neighbor borrowed this recipe for her daughter’s baby shower and it was the first plate emptied at the dessert table When you bring a tray to a party everyone ends up asking for the secret ingredient

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze cookie dough roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet Once solid store in a freezer bag When ready to bake add one to two minutes to the baking time straight from frozen Baked cookies may also be frozen and thawed gently for last minute cravings

Bake these cookies once and you will be reaching for this pink easy treat all year long They are loved by all and so easy to personalize

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What makes these strawberry cookies so soft?

Cream cheese in the dough ensures a moist, almost cake-like texture, resulting in especially soft cookies.

→ Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, lemon, chocolate, or vanilla cake mixes work well for different variations. Adjust mix-ins to complement the flavor.

→ Is dough chilling necessary?

Chilling helps cookies hold their shape and creates a thick, tender result, but you can skip it for thinner cookies.

→ How can I intensify the pink color?

A few drops of red food coloring can brighten the hue, especially if the strawberry cake mix is pale.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.