Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert, transforming your baking routine from a chore into a joyous, effortless experience. Imagine biting into a delightfully soft, chewy cookie, its vibrant pink hue hinting at the burst of sweet, authentic strawberry flavor within. This ingenious recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness without the extensive ingredient list or the time-consuming steps often associated with traditional baking. The popularity of cake mix cookies, including these fantastic Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, stems from a culinary revelation: using a simple boxed cake mix as a base unlocks an astonishing level of convenience and consistency, making them a go-to for busy families, novice bakers, and seasoned dessert enthusiasts alike.
Why This Recipe Shines
We adore this dish not just for its incredible taste and tender texture, but also for its sheer simplicity and versatility. It’s the perfect treat when you crave something sweet but are short on time, promising a perfect batch every single time. Get ready to impress everyone with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
- One (1) Box (15.25 ounces) Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the secret ingredient, my friends! It provides all the vibrant strawberry flavor and a perfect base for our Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies. Make sure it’s a standard size box.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted: Melting the butter helps create that soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for. Unsalted butter gives us control over the overall saltiness, but if you only have salted, you can reduce the added salt slightly.
- 1 large Egg: Our binding agent! It helps hold everything together and contributes to the cookie’s structure and richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation, though it’s not strictly necessary for this forgiving recipe.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Even with a strong strawberry flavor, a touch of vanilla elevates the aroma and adds depth to the sweetness. Don’t skip this!
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt: A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness from the cake mix and brings out the strawberry notes even more.
- Optional Mix-ins (choose one or a combination):
- 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips: These are a match made in heaven with strawberry! They add a creamy sweetness and delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For a more classic chocolate-strawberry pairing, these work wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup Sprinkles (rainbow or pink/red): Perfect for a festive touch, especially if you’re making these for a party or celebration. Add them at the very end when mixing to prevent their colors from bleeding too much.
- 1/4 cup Dried Strawberries, finely chopped: To amplify the strawberry flavor and add a chewy texture, these are a fantastic addition.
- Optional Glaze (for an extra touch of deliciousness):
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar): The base for our simple, sweet glaze.
- 1-2 tablespoons Milk (or cream): To thin the glaze to the perfect drizzly consistency. Start with one tablespoon and add more drop by drop.
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): For an extra layer of flavor in the glaze.
Preparing Your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookie Dough
Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies lies in their simplicity, but a few key steps will ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every single time. Grab your mixing bowls, and let’s make some magic happen!
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Gather Your Tools and Preheat Your Oven:
Before we even start mixing, let’s set ourselves up for success. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach a consistent temperature, which is crucial for even baking. Next, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, nobody wants sticky cookies stuck to their pan! I find that parchment paper gives the bottoms of the cookies a slightly crispier edge, which I adore, but silicone mats work wonderfully for easy release and a slightly softer base.
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Melt the Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, melt your 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. You can do this gently in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, or on the stovetop over low heat. Once melted, set it aside for just a moment to cool slightly. We don’t want it to be scorching hot when we add the egg. Once it’s just warm to the touch, add the large egg and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates a rich, emulsified base that will give our Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies their delightful chewiness. Don’t worry about overmixing at this stage, just ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
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Introduce the Star of the Show: The Cake Mix!
Now for the main event! Pour the entire box of strawberry cake mix into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Using a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon, begin to mix everything together. At first, it might seem a little crumbly and dry, almost like sand, but keep going! The key here is to mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. You want to make sure there are no streaks of dry cake mix left, but avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we’re aiming for tender, soft, and chewy.
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Fold in Your Favorite Mix-ins (Optional but Recommended!):
If you’re using any of the optional mix-ins – like white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or dried strawberries – now is the time to gently fold them into your cookie dough. Do this by hand with your spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. If you’re adding sprinkles, you might want to wait until just before baking, or add them now if you don’t mind a little color bleed (which can actually look quite charming!). I personally love the combination of white chocolate chips with the strawberry cake mix; it creates a wonderfully creamy and fruity bite in every single one of these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
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The Importance of Chilling Your Dough:
This step, while optional if you’re in a super hurry, is highly recommended for the best results and is a secret weapon for perfect Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies. Cover your bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, an hour is even better. Chilling the dough helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensuring they maintain a lovely thickness. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If your dough is too sticky to handle, chilling will make it much easier to scoop and roll.
Baking Your Perfect Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
With our dough perfectly prepared and chilled, it’s time for the magic to happen in the oven! Following these steps will lead to beautifully baked, delightfully soft, and irresistibly chewy Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
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Scoop and Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Once your dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. It should be firmer and easier to handle. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons in size) or two spoons, scoop rounded portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Remember, these cookies will spread a bit, so giving them space is important to prevent them from merging into one giant cookie. If you’d like, you can gently roll the scooped dough into a ball with your hands for a perfectly round cookie, or leave them as scooped for a more rustic look. If you opted for sprinkles, now is a great time to gently press a few extra onto the top of each dough ball for added visual appeal!
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Baking Time – Watch Them Carefully!:
Place one baking sheet at a time into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 9 to 11 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on them, especially during your first batch. We’re looking for edges that are just set and very lightly golden, while the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. The cookies might not look fully cooked in the middle, but they will continue to set as they cool. This slight underbaking is the secret to a wonderfully soft and chewy interior.
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Knowing When They’re Done:
How do you know when your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are perfectly baked? The key is to look for the edges to be set and a very light golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft and puffy. If you wait until the centers are fully golden and firm, you’ll end up with crispy cookies, which are delicious in their own right, but not what we’re aiming for with this recipe. It’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for that ultimate chewiness. When you gently touch the center of a cookie, it should give just a little. Remove them from the oven promptly once they hit this stage.
Cooling, Decorating, and Enjoying Your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
The baking is done, and your kitchen is filled with the most delightful aroma! Now comes the critical stage of cooling and, if you choose, adding a beautiful finishing touch to your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
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Initial Cooling on the Baking Sheet:
Once you pull those gorgeous cookies out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately move them! Let them cool on the hot baking sheet for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the cookies to set up properly and firm up just enough to be safely transferred without breaking. During this time, the residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook them ever so slightly, perfecting their texture. If you try to move them too soon, they might crumble or lose their shape.
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Transfer to a Wire Rack for Complete Cooling:
After their initial cool-down on the baking sheet, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. A thin, wide spatula works best for this. Cooling on a wire rack ensures that air circulates all around the cookies, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and helping them achieve that perfect chewiness throughout. It also prevents condensation from building up, which can happen if you leave them on a solid surface for too long. Let them cool completely before stacking or applying any glaze, as warmth can melt toppings or cause cookies to stick together.
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Optional: Whipping Up a Simple Glaze:
While these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, a simple glaze can elevate them to another level of prettiness and sweetness. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk (or cream) and the optional 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue whisking, adding more milk a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the cookies but thin enough to drip slightly. You can drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or transfer it to a small Ziploc bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe it on. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before stacking or serving.
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Serve and Enjoy!:
Once cooled and glazed (if desired), your magnificent Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are ready to be devoured! They’re perfect with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or as a delightful treat for any occasion. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself – I won’t tell!
Tips for Flawless Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Making delicious cookies is an art, but it’s also a science! Here are some crucial tips to ensure your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies turn out perfectly every single time, making you a cookie-baking superstar.
Don’t Overmix the Dough!
This is perhaps the most important tip for any cookie recipe, and especially true for these. Once you add the cake mix, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour (which is present in the cake mix), leading to tougher, less tender cookies. We want soft, chewy perfection, so stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry ingredients.
The Magic of Chilling the Dough
While I listed this as an optional step if you’re truly short on time, I cannot stress enough how much of a difference chilling the dough makes for these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies. A minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the butter firm up and the dry ingredients absorb moisture, resulting in cookies that spread less, have a thicker, chewier texture, and a more developed flavor. If you skip this, your cookies might spread out too much and be thinner.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity
For perfectly uniform cookies that bake evenly, invest in a good cookie scoop. A 1.5-tablespoon scoop is ideal for this recipe. Not only does it ensure all your cookies are the same size, meaning they’ll all be done baking at the same time, but it also makes the scooping process much faster and less messy than using two spoons. Plus, who doesn’t love a batch of cookies that all look professionally made?
Watch Your Baking Time, Not Just the Clock
Every oven is a little different, so the baking time provided (9-11 minutes) is a guideline. Pay attention to how your cookies look. You want the edges to be lightly set and just barely golden, while the centers still look soft and slightly puffy. This slight underbaking is what gives these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies their incredible chewiness. If you wait until they are completely golden all over, they might end up crispy rather than chewy once cooled.
Preventing Cookies from Spreading Too Much
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, several factors could be at play. Ensure your butter wasn’t too warm when you mixed it with the egg. Also, make sure your baking sheets aren’t too hot if you’re baking multiple batches; let them cool slightly between batches or use a fresh, cool sheet. And, as mentioned, chilling the dough is your best friend here! If they still spread, you can try adding an extra tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour to the dough, which can help absorb excess moisture.
Creative Variations for Your Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
The base recipe for these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies is fantastic on its own, but what’s a great recipe without a little room for creativity? Here are some delightful variations to make them even more special or to suit different cravings.
White Chocolate & Cream Cheese Glaze Delight
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy flavors, swap out the simple milk glaze for a luscious cream cheese frosting or glaze. For a simple cream cheese glaze, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spread or drizzle over cooled cookies. The tang of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweet strawberry, and if you included white chocolate chips in the cookies, it’s an absolute dream combination.
Lemon Zest for a Bright Burst
For a refreshing, zesty twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to your cookie dough along with the vanilla extract. The bright citrus notes of lemon pair beautifully with strawberry, creating a more sophisticated and vibrant flavor profile. You could even make a lemon glaze by substituting a tablespoon of lemon juice for some of the milk in the optional glaze recipe.
Chocolate Drizzle Extravaganza
If you love chocolate and strawberry together, consider a melted chocolate drizzle instead of (or in addition to!) the powdered sugar glaze. Melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over cooled cookies. This creates a classic chocolate-dipped strawberry effect that looks elegant and tastes divine. You can even sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts on top of the wet chocolate for extra texture.
Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Transform these into charming thumbprint cookies! After scooping and rolling the dough balls, use your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each. Before baking, fill the indentation with a small dollop of your favorite strawberry jam or preserves. Bake as directed. The jam will warm and set, creating a lovely, fruity center, making these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies even more delightful and moist.
Make Them Festive with Sprinkles Galore
For any celebration or just to brighten your day, go wild with sprinkles! You can fold a 1/4 cup of rainbow or themed sprinkles into the dough, and then press extra sprinkles onto the top of the dough balls before baking. The heat of the oven will meld them slightly, creating a colorful and fun cookie that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. The vibrant pink of the strawberry cookie really makes colorful sprinkles pop!
Add Coconut for a Tropical Twist
If you enjoy tropical flavors, try folding in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference) into the cookie dough along with other mix-ins. The chewy texture and subtle sweetness of the coconut add another dimension to the strawberry flavor, creating a cookie that feels a bit more exotic and indulgent. Toasted coconut would be even better for a deeper flavor.
Storing Your Delicious Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Once you’ve baked and hopefully not eaten all of your amazing Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies in one sitting, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious.
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you’ve added a glaze or frosting, especially one with cream cheese, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. These cookies also freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a little taste of strawberry heaven!
Conclusion:
What a journey we’ve been on, discovering the sheer delight of simple baking! I genuinely believe that this recipe isn’t just another set of instructions; it’s an invitation to experience joy, ease, and incredible flavor without the usual kitchen fuss. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from our time together, it’s that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly delicious and deeply satisfying. This recipe truly epitomizes that philosophy, offering a foolproof path to warm, homemade goodness that will impress everyone who tries it.
So, why is this particular recipe a must-try for absolutely everyone, from kitchen novices to seasoned bakers seeking a quick win? Firstly, its simplicity is unmatched. We’re talking about minimal ingredients and even less effort, translating into more time enjoying the fruits of your labor rather than slaving over a hot oven. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. Imagine a cookie that’s soft, chewy, bursting with the sweet, nostalgic taste of ripe strawberries, perfectly balanced and utterly addictive. It’s not just a cookie; it’s a little bite of happiness, a small celebration in every chew. For those moments when a sudden craving strikes, or when you need a dessert in a flash, these cookies are your secret weapon, delivering homemade deliciousness in record time. They are, without a doubt, a staple in my own kitchen, especially when I need something quick, comforting, and undeniably delightful.
But the true magic doesn’t stop at their inherent deliciousness. These cookies are incredibly versatile, ready to adapt to whatever mood or occasion you have in mind. Fresh from the oven, still slightly warm with that delicate crisp edge and soft interior, they are a pure dream when paired with a tall glass of cold milk. Imagine settling down after a long day, or sharing a cozy moment with loved ones, each with a warm cookie and a refreshing drink – pure bliss! For a delightful afternoon treat, consider serving them alongside your favorite cup of tea or a robust coffee; the fruity sweetness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the warm beverages. They also make an unexpected, yet incredibly welcome, addition to a dessert platter or a potluck. You could even get creative and crumble a few over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an instant, elevated sundae experience, adding texture and a burst of fruity flavor. The possibilities for enjoying these gems are as endless as your imagination!
And speaking of imagination, let’s talk about variations! While the base recipe for these Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies is stellar on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your creative touches. Want to add an extra layer of indulgence? Before baking, mix in a handful of white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even some mini marshmallows for a delightful textural surprise. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts could introduce a lovely nutty crunch, especially if you enjoy a more complex flavor profile. For a truly festive look, gently press some colorful sprinkles into the tops of the dough balls before baking, perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a simple drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies adds both visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and a tiny bit of lemon juice or milk can elevate them beautifully, creating a more sophisticated finish. You could even experiment with different extracts; a touch of almond or vanilla extract in the dough can subtly enhance the strawberry flavor, adding another dimension to your baking masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these cookies truly your own!
Now It’s Your Turn!
I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking these cookies for yourself. I promise you, from the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand exactly why I’m so enthusiastic about them. They’re a testament to the idea that fantastic homemade treats don’t require hours of dedicated kitchen time or a pantry full of obscure ingredients. These cookies are about making delicious memories with minimal effort, and that’s a win in my book!
So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed. I urge you to give this recipe a try this week. Whether it’s for a family dessert, a treat for friends, or just a little something special for yourself, you won’t regret it. Once you’ve baked them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! What did you love most about them? Did you try any exciting variations? Please share your stories, your photos, and your tips in the comments below. Let’s create a community of happy bakers who know that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the greatest rewards. Happy baking, my friends!
Super Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: Delicious & Quick!
Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert, transforming your baking routine from a chore into a joyous, effortless experience. Imagine biting into a delightfully soft, chewy cookie, its vibrant pink hue hinting at the burst of sweet, authentic strawberry flavor within.
Ingredients
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1 box (15.25 ounces) Strawberry Cake Mix
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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Optional Mix-ins:
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1/2 cup white chocolate chips
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OR 1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
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OR 1/4 cup sprinkles (rainbow or pink/red)
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OR 1/4 cup finely chopped dried strawberries
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Optional Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
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1-2 tablespoons milk
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
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Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. -
Step 2
In a medium mixing bowl, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. -
Step 3
Pour the entire box of strawberry cake mix into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a sturdy spatula, mix until just combined, ensuring no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing; the dough will be thick and sticky. -
Step 4
If using, gently fold in your chosen optional mix-ins (white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried strawberries) by hand until evenly distributed. -
Step 5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, for best results. This helps prevent spreading. -
Step 6
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to scoop rounded portions of dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, gently roll them into balls and press extra sprinkles on top for visual appeal. -
Step 7
Bake one baking sheet at a time in the preheated oven for approximately 9 to 11 minutes. Cookies are done when the edges are lightly set and very lightly golden, and the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. -
Step 8
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes to set properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before stacking or glazing. -
Step 9
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and optional 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add more milk drop by drop until desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over completely cooled cookies and let the glaze set (15-20 minutes). -
Step 10
Once cooled and glazed (if desired), serve your delicious Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with a glass of milk, or arrange them on a tiered stand for parties. Enjoy!
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
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