Introduction
If you love the bright, sweet taste of strawberries, you’re going to fall head over heels for Strawberry Cake Cookies. These cookies combine the softness of a cake with the perfect balance of sweetness from fresh strawberries and a little burst of tang. They’re incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients, but the result is a deliciously soft and chewy cookie that tastes just like a bite of spring!
With their soft, pillowy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Strawberry Cake Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Let’s dive into how to make these delicious strawberry-infused cookies!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Strawberry Cake Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (for convenience)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (to give the cookies structure)
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
For the Frosting (optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for creaminess)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for extra fun!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the cake mix and flour: Add the strawberry cake mix and flour to the bowl, mixing well to combine. You should have a thick dough that’s a little sticky.
- Add the strawberries: Gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the dough. Be careful not to mash the berries—just gently mix them in so the dough holds its shape.
Step 2: Scoop the Dough
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. The center will still be soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting (Optional)
- Mix the frosting ingredients: While the cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Add food coloring (optional): If you want a more vibrant pink frosting, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until the color is even.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small amount of frosting on top of each one. If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can skip the frosting or dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (optional): For an extra pop of strawberry flavor, garnish with a thin slice of fresh strawberry on top of the frosting.
- Serve: Serve these delicious Strawberry Cake Cookies with a glass of milk or enjoy them as a sweet snack on their own. They’re perfect for spring gatherings, birthdays, or just a treat when you’re craving something sweet and fruity.
Tips and Tricks
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Customize the frosting: If you want to switch up the frosting, try adding a bit of lemon zest or a splash of strawberry extract to complement the fruity flavor of the cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, you can chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
- Add a crunch: For a little texture contrast, try adding mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or even crushed nuts to the dough before baking.
- No frosting needed: If you’re not into frosting, these cookies are still incredibly tasty without it. You can just sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a simple, light finish.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cake Cookies
These Strawberry Cake Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and fruity, with a slight tang from the cream cheese frosting. The cake mix shortcut makes them incredibly easy to prepare, and the addition of fresh strawberries ensures they’re bursting with real fruit flavor. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or just looking for a fun treat, these cookies are sure to please.
They’re soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of sweetness from the frosting. The vibrant color and fresh strawberry chunks add a pop of brightness that makes them feel like a special treat, perfect for springtime.
Healthier Alternatives
While Strawberry Cake Cookies are a treat, here are some ways to make them a little lighter:
- Use less sugar: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit for a lower-calorie option.
- Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber and nutrients.
- Skip the frosting: For a lighter version, enjoy the cookies without the cream cheese frosting and dust them with powdered sugar instead.
Creative Variations
- Strawberry Lemon Cake Cookies: Add lemon zest to the cookie dough and frosting for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Strawberry Almond Cake Cookies: Add almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- Frozen Strawberry Cake Cookies: Freeze the cookies with the frosting for a chilled, refreshing summer treat.
- Mini Strawberry Cake Cookies: Make smaller cookies for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing or packing in lunchboxes.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cake Cookies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that delightful strawberry flavor, making them the perfect springtime treat. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing them with family, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
The best part? They’re super easy to make, and you can customize them to fit your taste. So go ahead, grab a box of strawberry cake mix, and whip up these delicious cookies today. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of fresh strawberries in a sweet, fun treat!