Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (Dollar Tree brand)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 container cream cheese frosting (Dollar Tree brand)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Form Dough Balls:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls approximately 2 tablespoons in size. Place the dough balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 375 degrees for 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. You can use store-bought frosting or make your own.
- Enjoy:
- Let the frosting set, and then indulge in these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies!
Tips:
- Experiment with different flavors of cake mix for a variety of cookie options.
- Consider adding a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- If you want a more vibrant strawberry color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough.
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are a quick and budget-friendly treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies even more delightful:
- Fresh Strawberries:
- Add a burst of fresh strawberry flavor by folding in finely chopped fresh strawberries into the cookie dough. This enhances the natural strawberry taste.
- Lemon Zest:
- Introduce a hint of citrusy brightness by adding lemon zest to the cookie dough. The combination of strawberries and lemon creates a refreshing flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract:
- Enhance the overall sweetness and aroma by adding a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the dough. Vanilla complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- Drizzle a thin layer of cream cheese icing on top of the cookies instead of spreading a thick layer. This adds a decorative touch and allows the strawberry flavor to shine through.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar:
- Before serving, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. It not only looks appealing but also adds a touch of sweetness.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
- Crush freeze-dried strawberries and incorporate them into the dough. This provides concentrated strawberry flavor and a delightful texture.
- Butter Substitute:
- Use melted unsalted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Ensure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing it into the dough.
- Chilled Dough:
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a thicker texture.
- Cookie Shapes:
- Experiment with different shapes. Instead of traditional round cookies, try shaping the dough into hearts or stars for a fun and festive presentation.
- Sprinkle Variation:
- Add colorful sprinkles to the cookie dough before baking for a playful and vibrant appearance. Coordinate the sprinkle colors with the strawberry theme.
- Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting:
- If time permits, make your own cream cheese frosting. It’s simple to prepare and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.
- Serve with Fresh Berries:
- When serving, accompany the cookies with a side of fresh strawberries or a mixed berry compote. The combination enhances the strawberry experience.
- Almond Extract:
- Add a drop or two of almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty undertone that complements the strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle:
- Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted cookies. The chocolate adds a luxurious touch and pairs well with strawberries.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle:
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the cream cheese frosting. The salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Feel free to mix and match these tips based on your preferences to create the perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies tailored to your taste!
Achieving the perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies involves paying attention to details and incorporating some secrets for flavor and texture. Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:
- Quality Cake Mix:
- Choose a high-quality strawberry cake mix for the base. It forms the foundation of your cookies, so a flavorful and well-textured cake mix is essential.
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the cookie dough. Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Proper Mixing Technique:
- Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold in the ingredients gently.
- Chill the Dough:
- For thicker and more flavorful cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Uniform Cookie Size:
- Scoop the dough into uniform-sized balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. This ensures that all cookies bake evenly.
- Precision in Baking Time:
- Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. Overbaking can result in dry cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set, and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cooling Rack Technique:
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack as soon as they are out of the oven. This prevents them from continuing to bake on the hot baking sheet.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Consistency:
- Ensure that the cream cheese frosting has a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of milk to reach the desired texture.
- Even Frosting Distribution:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie. Pay attention to the edges for a polished appearance.
- Room Temperature Frosting:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. Applying frosting to warm cookies can lead to a runny consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement with Extracts:
- If you want to intensify the strawberry flavor, consider adding a small amount of strawberry extract to the cookie dough. This enhances the natural fruitiness.
- Storage in an Airtight Container:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help keep the cookies soft.
- Fluff Up the Cake Mix:
- Before adding the other ingredients, fluff up the cake mix with a fork. This helps break up any clumps and ensures a smoother dough.
- Experiment with Add-Ins:
- Customize your cookies by adding in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried strawberries for added texture and flavor complexity.
By paying attention to these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies that are not only delightful but also perfect in every way!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies:
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
- A1: Absolutely! You can experiment with various cake mix flavors. Lemon, vanilla, or even chocolate could be delicious alternatives.
Q2: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
- A2: Chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature as well.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
- A3: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Form it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly before baking.
Q4: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
- A4: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain their softness.
Q5: Can I make these cookies without frosting?
- A5: Certainly! The cookies are delicious on their own. If you prefer, you can skip the frosting or dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Q6: How do I keep the cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny?
- A6: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting. If it’s too thin, you can add more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
Q7: Can I make these cookies ahead of time for an event?
- A7: Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container, and if possible, frost them closer to the time you plan to serve them.
Q8: Can I use homemade strawberry puree in the dough?
- A8: While it may alter the texture, you can experiment with using homemade strawberry puree. Adjust the quantity to avoid making the dough too wet.
Q9: Can I use a different type of oil in the cookie dough?
- A9: Yes, you can use other neutral oils like canola or melted coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
Q10: Are these cookies suitable for special occasions like birthdays or baby showers?
- A10: Absolutely! These cookies are versatile and can be a delightful addition to various celebrations. You can even customize them with sprinkles or decorations.
Q11: How do I make the frosting look smooth and professional?
- A11: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting smoothly over each cookie. You can also dip the spatula in hot water for a smoother finish.
Q12: Can I make a large batch and freeze the baked cookies?
- A12: While freezing the dough is recommended, baked cookies can be frozen. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw them at room temperature.
These questions and answers should provide helpful insights for anyone interested in making Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies. Enjoy baking!
