Strawberry Bliss: Crafting Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Strawberry Lemon Glaze

Step into a world of sweetness with our Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies—little bites of pure delight that encapsulate the essence of ripe strawberries. These soft, chewy cookies are a celebration of simplicity and flavor, elevated by a luscious Strawberry Lemon Glaze. Join us on a journey through the art of crafting these delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

Gather around the kitchen as we assemble the components for Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Strawberry Lemon Glaze:

For the Cookies:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries or thawed frozen strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Mix until well combined, creating a smooth and slightly sticky cookie dough.
3. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
   • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
   • Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
4. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, and the centers are slightly soft.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Glaze:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and lemon zest until you achieve a smooth glaze.
6. Glaze the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the strawberry lemon glaze over the top of each cookie.
   • Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Cook Notes:

• Cake Mix Consistency: If the cookie dough is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Evenly Sized Cookies: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
• Glaze Texture: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or a bit of lemon juice if it’s too thick.

Variations:

White Chocolate Delight: Fold in white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful burst of sweetness.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the cookie dough for a satisfying crunch.

Double Strawberry Explosion: Include freeze-dried strawberries in the cookie dough for an extra punch of strawberry flavor and a delightful texture.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly adaptation, use a low-carb strawberry cake mix or create your own almond flour-based cake mix. Replace sugar with a keto-approved sweetener in both the cookie dough and the glaze. Ensure the strawberry puree is minimal and from fresh strawberries to control the carb content.

Low-Carb Version:

Craft a low-carb alternative by choosing a low-carb cake mix or creating your own with almond flour. Substitute a low-carb sweetener for sugar in both the cookies and the glaze. Use a moderate amount of fresh strawberry puree in the glaze and consider adding a touch of lemon extract for flavor.

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Strawberry Lemon Glaze are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. These cookies encapsulate the essence of strawberries, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. So, preheat that oven, whip up the dough, and immerse yourself in the joy of baking these delightful treats—a testament to the magic that can be achieved with a box of cake mix and a handful of fresh ingredients.