Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

There’s something magical about the scent of strawberry cake wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s coming from a batch of homemade Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies. These cookies take me back to childhood bake sales and Valentine's Day parties at school, when pink treats felt extra special. I remember my mom whipping these up as a last-minute surprise, and they were always the first to disappear from the cookie tray.

These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are not only adorable, but also incredibly simple to make. They’re the perfect sweet treat for springtime gatherings, baby showers, or just a fun weekend bake with the kids. If you’re a fan of strawberries, cream cheese, and a little chocolate crunch, this easy cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home too.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

• Super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
• Fun and festive with bright pink hues and colorful M&Ms
• Kid-friendly and great for little hands to help with
• Perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, or birthday parties
• Soft and chewy with bits of melty white chocolate and creamy texture
• Customizable with different mix-ins like nuts or sprinkles

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box (16 oz) strawberry cake mix – any brand you like
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted – salted or unsalted both work
• 1 large egg, room temperature – helps bind everything together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – gives a creamy, tender texture
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips – for a sweet, melty bite
• ¾ cup M&Ms – pink, red, or themed colors for extra flair

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the strawberry cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir together until just combined. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky.
• Fold in the white chocolate chips and M&Ms, saving a few to press on top for presentation.
• Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone (they'll continue to cook on the tray).
• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t worry if they seem soft—they firm up beautifully as they cool!

Serving and Storage Tips

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. They make charming additions to dessert platters or gift boxes, especially when wrapped in cute cellophane bags.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
• To enjoy from frozen, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Helpful Notes

• Don’t overbake! These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Take them out when the centers still look slightly underdone.
• Substitute ideas: You can use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white, or swap M&Ms for sprinkles.
• Add a twist: Try mixing in chopped freeze-dried strawberries for extra fruit flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix—just be sure to check all other ingredient labels too.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baked cookies? Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese? You can substitute with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the texture will be slightly different.
3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! Try chocolate, funfetti, or lemon cake mix for a whole new twist.
4. How do I keep the M&Ms from cracking in the oven? Gently press them into the tops of the dough balls just before baking instead of mixing them all in.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are one of those joyful little recipes that bring smiles with every bite. They’re vibrant, delicious, and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself coming back to them time and time again. Whether you're baking with little ones or whipping up a quick treat for a celebration, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment, share your version, or tag your cookie creations on social media. Happy baking!

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