Strawberry Cookies with Glaze

This strawberry cake mix cookie recipe transforms a basic boxed mix into soft, chewy cookies with a bright strawberry lemon glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. I've made these for countless spring gatherings, and they always disappear within minutes.

These cookies have become my go to solution whenever I need a quick dessert that still feels special. Last spring, I brought them to a neighborhood potluck and ended up sharing the recipe with six different families before the evening ended.

Ingredients

• Strawberry cake mix: Provides the perfect base and eliminates the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients
• Eggs: Bind everything together and create the perfect cookie texture
• Canola or vegetable oil: Adds necessary moisture without competing with the strawberry flavor
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile even in a fruit forward cookie
• Fresh strawberries: In the glaze add bright natural flavor that boxed mix alone cannot achieve
• Lemon juice: Cuts through sweetness and amplifies the strawberry flavor
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth glossy glaze that sets beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Heat your oven to exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the cookies to spread slightly while maintaining a soft center. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat to ensure even baking.

Mix The Cookie Dough:

Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl. The dough will seem thick and somewhat sticky. This is perfect and exactly what you want. Mix just until no dry spots remain about 1 to 2 minutes. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Form And Arrange Cookies:

Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform sizing. This ensures even baking and a professional appearance. Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. They will spread slightly during baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake cookies for exactly 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. The centers may look slightly underdone but they will continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Trust the timing here even if they seem too soft.

Create The Glaze:

While cookies cool, blend fresh strawberries with lemon juice until smooth. Mix this vibrant puree into powdered sugar until you achieve a pourable but thick consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow slowly.

Finish And Serve:

Spoon the glaze over completely cooled cookies. Allow it to set for about 30 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar just before presenting to guests.

Save This

The first time I made these cookies, I accidentally doubled the vanilla extract. To my surprise, this happy accident enhanced the strawberry flavor even more. Now my family insists I make them this way every time, proving that sometimes kitchen mistakes lead to the best discoveries.

Storage Solutions

These cookies maintain their soft texture for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, especially if you've applied the glaze. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully without the glaze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and apply fresh glaze before serving.

Easy Variations

While the strawberry lemon combination is perfect, this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try using different cake mix flavors like lemon or vanilla paired with various fruit glazes. White cake mix with a blueberry glaze creates a patriotic treat perfect for summer gatherings. For chocolate lovers, a chocolate cake mix base with a raspberry glaze offers an elegant twist on the original recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before scooping and baking. The glaze is best made fresh, but unfrosted cookies can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Apply the glaze within a few hours of serving for the freshest appearance and flavor.

Common Queries

→ Can I skip the glaze for these cookies?

Yes, you can skip the glaze and simply sprinkle powdered sugar over the cookies once they cool for a quicker option.

→ How do I make the glaze thinner or thicker?

To make the glaze thinner, add more lemon juice or water. To thicken it, incorporate additional powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is achieved.

→ What type of oil works best for the cookie dough?

You can use canola oil or vegetable oil for the dough. Both provide a similar texture and flavor.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them before blending to ensure the glaze has the right consistency.

→ How can I store these cookies properly?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.