Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

Name: Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 box of strawberry cake mix ((dry ingredients only - I used Betty Crocker)); 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs ((room temperature)); 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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These deliciously soft and chewy cookies have all the flavor of a chocolate dipped strawberry, but are much more portable. This fool proof recipe uses a box of strawberry cake mix as the base, making it is easy enough for anyone to make. With only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you can be eating these yummy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies in no time!

close up shot of bright pink strawberry cake mix cookies with chocolate chips on a white plate with gold polka dots around the rim

If you're a fan of cookies and love nothing more than pulling a tray straight from the oven but just can't seem to find the time to make them, this cake mix cookie recipe is for you! They're colorful, delicious and packed full of sugar, making them a perfect treat for your little cookie monsters.

Why cake mix cookies work

Baking with a toddler can be as stressful as it is, with all the possible spills, messes and things to break (notably my tripod and camera). This Strawberry Cake Mix Cookie recipe is perfect because it's probably the easiest baking recipe you can find.

Literally the only thing you need to measure is the vegetable oil, and the rest is just dump and go. Simply open the package which has all of the ingredients for a successful bake - flour, leavening, and flavoring - already measured out and ready to go. Boxed cake mix hacks are the way to go when you're short on time.

As an added bonus, you don't even need to pull out your mixer for this recipe! All you need is a mixing bowl and a sturdy spatula, making clean up a snap. I told you this recipe was as easy as it gets!

Ingredients you'll need

contents of a box of strawberry cake mix, two brown eggs, chocolate chips and vegetable oil as mis en place for strawberry cake mix cookies

This recipe for Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies requires just four simple ingredients, most of which I assume you already have on hand. First, pick a box of strawberry cake mix. Any mix should do fine, but I used Betty Crocker brand for this recipe.

You'll also need a neutral flavored oil. My favorites are canola, vegetable or grapeseed oil, but avocado or coconut oil could also work.

TIP: If using coconut oil, which tends to be solid at room temperature, be sure to melt it first.

You will also need two eggs and some chocolate chips. While I used semisweet chocolate chips for this recipe, you can certainly customize your cookies using either milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead.

How to Make It - Step by Step

steps to making strawberry cake mix cookies using boxed cake mix hacks

This strawberry cake mix cookie recipe couldn't be any simpler. First, combine your cake mix with the oil and eggs and mix until well combined. Next, fold in your chocolate chips. Finally, scoop the dough in 1 tablespoon increments and drop them onto a sheet pan at least two inches apart.

TIP: For even easier cleanup, line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. When you're done baking, just toss the parchment in the compost and the pan is clean!

Bake the cake mix cookies at 350F for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are just set in the middle. Allow to cool for at least 5-10 minutes, then enjoy! And don't forget the milk. 😉

Top tips & recipe FAQs

Can I make cake mix cookies ahead of time?

While these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies take very little time to prepare, you can certainly make the dough ahead of time and freeze the cookie dough in individual balls. This is a great system if you need a little help with self control, as you can bake off just one or two cookies at a time!
Simply make the dough, then drop it onto a parchment lined baking sheet or plate. Since they aren't baking, there's no need to use any spacing. Once the dough is frozen solid (about 30-40 minutes in the freezer), remove the dough balls and keep them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Just be sure to add about 2-4 minutes baking time to cook them through from frozen.
Baked cookies can also last for up to five days in an airtight container, but I've never seen them last that long at my house. :p

Do I have to use strawberry cake mix?

The very best thing about cake mix cookies is how versatile they are. The proportions will be the same no matter what flavor cake mix you decide to use. Make simple chocolate chip cookies using vanilla cake mix, or double chocolate cookies using chocolate cake mix.
Switch things up for the season and go for red velvet cake mix or pumpkin spice cake mix instead! The only cake mixes that I don't recommend you use are pound cake or angel food cake mixes, as their consistency will turn out much differently.

I don't love chocolate... can I use something else?

Why, of course you can! White chocolate and strawberry is a lovely combination. You can use milk chocolate chips instead of dark. Or maybe you have a hankering for a PB&J cookie, so you use peanut butter chips instead.
If none of those appeal to you, look to nuts, dried fruits or even candies as inspiration. Freeze dried banana, Reese's Pieces, or dried strawberries all sound delicious to me. These cake mix cookies are infinitely adaptable to your tastes, so have fun!

What if I only have butter on hand?

Well, aren't you naughty! You can certainly use butter (or vegan butter) in place of the oil for a richer cookie. Just be sure to melt the butter first for easy mixing.

Can strawberry cake mix cookies be made gluten free? Or vegan?

If you can find a cake mix that is gluten free, why the heck not? This boxed cake mix hack should work for any mix that isn't a pound cake or angel food cake mix.
If you want to go vegan, you'll need to find a vegan cake mix. I suggest you substitute 1/2 cup of either unsweetened applesauce or dairy free yogurt, or two flax eggs (2 Tablespoons ground flax + 6 Tablespoons water mixed together and allowed to rest for 5 minutes before using).

final shot of cookies made with a boxed strawberry cake mix hack

Need more dessert inspiration? Check out these other recipes:

If you tried these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, please be sure to rate and review it below so I know how it turned out for you. If you'd like more toddler friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my email newsletter. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram for more foodie inspiration on your feed.