Are you in the mood for some deliciously easy cookies that won’t break the bank? Look no further than these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies! Inspired by a resourceful trip to the Dollar Tree, where cake mix and icing were the stars of the show, these cookies are a testament to simplicity and flavor on a budget. My boyfriend had a hankering for cookies, so I whipped up a batch of these little treats, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also incredibly affordable, costing only about $4 for a batch of 18 cookies. So, let’s dive into the recipe and satisfy those sweet cravings without emptying your wallet.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix (purchased from Dollar Tree)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 container Cream Cheese Icing (also from Dollar Tree)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cake mix: In a large mixing bowl, empty the contents of the strawberry cake mix. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant color and sweet aroma of the mix.
- Add the wet ingredients: Crack open the eggs and pour them into the bowl with the cake mix. Feel the smooth texture of the eggs as they blend with the cake mix. Then, measure out 1/3 cup of vegetable oil and add it to the bowl, noting its golden hue as it combines with the other ingredients.
- Mix until combined: Using a spatula or a hand mixer set to low speed, gently blend the ingredients together until you have a smooth, uniform dough. Take care not to overmix; you want the ingredients to just come together, creating a soft, pliable dough that promises melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Form the cookie dough: Now, it’s time to get your hands a little messy (the best part, right?). Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Notice how the dough feels soft and slightly tacky, yet easy to handle. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven: With the cookies nestled on the baking sheet, slide them into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Set a timer for approximately 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Take a peek through the oven door and admire how the cookies puff up and develop a tempting aroma as they bake.
- Cool and frost: As the cookies bake, prepare for the finishing touch. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow yourself a moment to marvel at their golden perfection. Once cooled, it’s time to lavish them with creamy goodness. Generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese icing, spreading it with a gentle hand to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced with sweetness and tanginess.
- Serve and enjoy: Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! These Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with the frosting still slightly gooey and the cookies warm and tender. However, if you manage to resist devouring them all at once (no judgment if you don’t!), they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Share them with friends and family, or savor them all to yourself — they’re sure to be a hit either way!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
Indulging in a sweet treat is always a delightful experience, but when it comes to these Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies, the joy reaches a whole new level. Here are several reasons why you won’t be able to resist falling in love with these delectable cookies.
- Bursting with Flavor: These cookies are infused with the irresistible taste of strawberry, thanks to the strawberry cake mix. Each bite is a symphony of sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: With the perfect balance of ingredients and baking time, these cookies boast a soft and chewy texture that is simply divine. Sink your teeth into one of these treats, and you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that is pure bliss.
- Budget-Friendly: Who says delicious treats have to cost a fortune? These cookies are proof that you can satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank. With affordable ingredients like cake mix and cream cheese icing from the Dollar Tree, you can enjoy homemade goodness without emptying your wallet.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Busy schedules shouldn’t stand in the way of enjoying homemade treats. These cookies come together in a flash, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients. In no time at all, you’ll have a batch of freshly baked cookies ready to enjoy.
- Versatile and Customizable: While these cookies are already perfect as they are, there’s always room for a personal touch. Get creative with your toppings and decorations, whether it’s a sprinkle of colorful sugar or a drizzle of chocolate. Let your imagination run wild and make each batch uniquely yours.
How to Store These Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
Storing your freshly baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies is essential to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the cookies soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled cookies to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the cookies inside. A sealable plastic container or a cookie tin with a tight-fitting lid works well.
- Layering: If stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature: Store the sealed container of cookies at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing them near heat sources or in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to become stale or melt.
- Use within a Few Days: For optimal freshness and taste, try to consume the cookies within a few days of baking. However, these cookies tend to stay delicious for up to a week when stored properly.
- Refrigeration (Optional): If you prefer your cookies to have a firmer texture or if you live in a warm climate, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the sealed container in the fridge, but allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing (Optional): If you want to extend the shelf life of your cookies even further, you can freeze them. Wrap individual cookies or a stack of cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply transfer the cookies to the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Popular question and its corresponding answer about Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies:
Question 1: “Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in this recipe?”
Answer: “Yes, you can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil if you prefer. Keep in mind that using butter may alter the texture of the cookies slightly, resulting in a richer flavor and a more tender crumb.”
Question 2: “Can I freeze the cookie dough and bake it later?”
Answer: “Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough as instructed, then shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.”
Question 3: “Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to these cookies?”
Answer: “Yes, you can customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even sprinkles can be added to the dough before baking to add extra flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough gently so as not to overmix.”
Question 4: “How long do these cookies stay fresh?”
Answer: “When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal flavor and texture.”
Question 5: “Can I use this recipe to make cookie bars instead of individual cookies?”
Answer: “Yes, you can! Simply press the prepared dough into a greased baking pan and bake at the same temperature for slightly longer, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooled, you can cut the bars into squares and enjoy.”
Question 6: “Can I make these cookies gluten-free?”
Answer: “Certainly! You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies. Just be sure to check that all your ingredients, including the cake mix and any mix-ins, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.”
Question 7: “Are these cookies suitable for vegans?”
Answer: “While this specific recipe includes eggs, you can experiment with vegan substitutes such as flax eggs or commercial egg replacers to make the cookies vegan-friendly. Additionally, ensure that all your ingredients, including the cake mix and icing, are vegan-approved.”
Question 8: “Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix instead of store-bought?”
Answer: “Absolutely! If you have a homemade strawberry cake mix recipe that you love, feel free to use it in place of the store-bought mix. Just make sure the measurements are equivalent, and adjust the ingredients accordingly if needed.”
Question 9: “Do I need to refrigerate these cookies because of the cream cheese icing?”
Answer: “If you plan to store the cookies for more than a day, it’s best to refrigerate them due to the cream cheese icing. However, if you’re serving them the same day they’re baked and they’ll be consumed within a few hours, storing them at room temperature should be fine.”
Question 10: “Can I make these cookies smaller or larger than the recommended size?”
Answer: “Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. Just keep in mind that smaller cookies will require less baking time, while larger cookies will need more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them as they bake and adjust the time accordingly to ensure they’re baked to perfection.”
