Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies are the kind of dessert that instantly brightens any dessert table. These soft, tender cookies come together with strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and butter, which gives them a rich texture and vibrant pink color. Because they use cake mix, they fall into the category of cake mix strawberry cookies, making them incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you need a pink valentine dessert, a springtime treat, or just a quick batch of easy butter cookies, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Story

I first made Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies when I needed a quick dessert for a last-minute gathering. I had cream cheese in the refrigerator and a box of strawberry cake mix in the pantry, so I decided to combine them. The result was unforgettable. The cookies baked up soft, slightly chewy, and beautifully pink. Since then, Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies have become a staple in my kitchen whenever I need something festive but effortless.

Because Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies rely on cake mix, they save time without sacrificing flavor. The cream cheese adds richness, which transforms these into ultra-soft cream cheese cookies that almost melt in your mouth. Every time I bake Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies, they disappear within minutes. Their bright color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, Easter, baby showers, or any celebration that calls for a cheerful dessert.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Place the softened cream cheese and butter into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the strawberry cake mix. The dough will be thick, which is completely normal. Pour powdered sugar into a separate bowl and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Slightly warm dough tends to create puffier cookies, so avoid over-chilling.

Bake for 11–13 minutes. The centers should look set and just barely browned. Do not overbake. Remove from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn lightly golden. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overcook these cookies. As soon as they begin to brown slightly, remove them from the oven. Overbaking will cause the pink color to darken and the texture to become dry. Also, make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. Cold ingredients create lumps and uneven dough.

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave enough space so the cookies can spread properly without touching.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

For extra strawberry flavor, add 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter. You can also stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for added richness. Dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate all pair beautifully with the strawberry base.

If you enjoy experimenting, try this method with other cake mix flavors. Lemon, red velvet, or funfetti cake mix all create fun variations of these gooey butter cookies.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies slightly cooled for the best texture. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For special occasions, arrange them on a decorative platter and dust lightly with additional powdered sugar just before serving. Because of their bright color, they stand out beautifully on dessert tables.

How to Store Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the softest bite.

Conclusion

Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies combine convenience and flavor in one irresistible dessert. Thanks to strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, they bake into soft, tender cookies with a beautiful pink hue. Whether you need a festive pink valentine dessert or a quick batch of easy butter cookies, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Why is my cookie dough too sticky?

This dough naturally feels thick and slightly sticky because of the cream cheese. If it becomes difficult to handle, refrigerate it for 30–60 minutes. Lightly dusting your hands with powdered sugar also helps when rolling.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely. While strawberry creates the signature pink color, you can substitute other flavors. Lemon, chocolate, or red velvet cake mix all work well and create different variations of gooey butter cookies.