Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy & Made with Cake Mix
Spring and summer baking always makes me want something pink and pretty, and these strawberry crinkle cookies are exactly that. A box of strawberry cake mix does the heavy lifting here, so you get a soft, chewy cookie with a cracked sugar top in no time at all.
The flavor is sweet and fruity, like a strawberry shortcake in cookie form, and the pale pink dough peeking through the white sugar coating makes them look as good as they taste.
This strawberry crinkle cookies recipe comes together in one bowl with just a short chill in the fridge. Mix, roll, bake, and you have a batch of soft, pretty cookies ready for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy centers with a classic cracked sugar top
- Sweet strawberry flavor and a pretty pink color
- Just one bowl and a handful of ingredients
- Starts with a box of cake mix, so it comes together fast
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight
- Makes about 24 cookies, perfect for a crowd
Ingredients
- Boxed strawberry cake mix: 1 box (15.25 oz)
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup
- Large eggs: 2, room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Cream cheese: 2 oz, softened
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, for rolling
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for rolling
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Strawberry cake mix: gives the cookies their flavor and pink color. Any brand works.
- Cream cheese: adds a soft, slightly tangy texture. Skip it and add 1 extra tbsp oil.
- Oil: vegetable or canola, keeps cookies soft and chewy.
- Powdered sugar: use a thick coating for deep white cracks on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes so it’s easier to roll and holds its shape.
Step 3: Roll the Dough Balls
Scoop the chilled dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Roll each first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Heat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set and tops have cracked. Centers should look slightly underdone.
Step 6: Cool
Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Results
- Chill the dough the full 30 minutes or cookies spread too thin.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
- Roll in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar.
- Do not overbake; pull while centers still look soft.
- Freeze extra dough balls for later.
Variations and Add-ins
- White chocolate strawberry: fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
- Strawberry lemonade twist: add 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Freeze-dried crunch: mix in 1/4 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Cheesecake swirl: add a small spoon of sweetened cream cheese to the center.
What to Serve With It
- A tall glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A spring dessert tray with lemon shortbread cookies
- Fresh strawberries on the side
- Coffee or tea
Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Roll each in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Heat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the tops have cracked and the edges are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Notes
- Any extra-moist strawberry cake mix works, so feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Freeze the rolled, unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag so you can bake just a few at a time.
These strawberry crinkle cookies are proof that a shortcut recipe can still feel special. With their pretty pink color and cracked sugar top, they’re the kind of cookie people ask about before they even take a bite.
Bake a batch for a birthday, a spring gathering, or just because. I hope this strawberry crinkle cookies recipe becomes one you come back to again and again.
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