Strawberry Crinkle Cookies | Quick, Amazing Dessert Recipe

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The smell of these strawberry crinkle cookies always takes me back to spring afternoons when the kitchen smelled like cake batter and powdered sugar floated in the air like soft snow. These cookies are bright, tender, and irresistibly sweet. With just four ingredients and twenty minutes from start to finish, they’re pure joy baked into a bite.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Each cookie bursts with the taste of fresh, fruity strawberries and melts into a soft, chewy center. The crisp powdered sugar layer gives them a gentle crunch as you bite in. Together, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and airy.

Convenience and Time-Saving Benefits

You only need one bowl, one box of cake mix, and a few minutes. No need for fancy tools or mixers. In fact, it’s a great quick dessert when you want something colorful and homemade without spending hours baking.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

Serve these on Valentine’s Day, spring brunches, or baby showers. They look beautiful on dessert tables and taste even better warm. They’re also fun to pack in cookie boxes for neighbors or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients and What They Do

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix – gives the cookies their pink color and fruity flavor
  • 1/3 cup canola oil – adds moisture for a soft, tender bite
  • 2 eggs – help bind and give that chewy texture
  • Powdered sugar – coats the cookies for that signature crinkle look

Ingredient Notes and Simple Substitutions

If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. You can also swap canola oil for vegetable oil. For a slightly tangy note, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, canola oil, and eggs. Stir until everything is fully smooth. The dough will look thick and glossy.

Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop small 1-inch balls. If the dough sticks, chill it first. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. This coating creates the white, crinkled finish as they bake.

Bake and Cool for Best Results

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until they begin to crack. Let them cool on the sheet before moving to a rack.

Soft strawberry crinkle cookies stacked on marble and dusted with sugar

Tips for Getting Perfect Crinkles Every Time

Handling Sticky Dough

Always chill sticky dough for 30 minutes. It firms up and rolls easier, keeping your sugar coating thick and even.

Knowing When the Cookies Are Done

You’ll know they’re ready when cracks form on top, and the centers look slightly soft. That underbaked center keeps them moist.

Achieving Soft, Chewy Centers

Slight underbaking is key. Pull them out when the edges set but the middle still looks glossy. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Options

Storing Fresh Cookies

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers to keep the sugar coating intact.

Freezing for Later

Freeze baked cookies after they’ve cooled. Layer them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for 2 months.

Thawing and Reheating Tips

When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Recipe Details at a Glance

Prep and Bake Times

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yield and Serving Info

Makes about 18 cookies, depending on size.

Texture, Flavor Notes, and Additional Helpful Details

These cookies have a sweet, fruity flavor and a soft, chewy interior. The powdered sugar coating adds a light, snowy texture. Chill before rolling for the best crinkles, and always let them cool fully before freezing.

FAQs About Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

What is the secret to crinkle cookies?

The secret lies in rolling the dough generously in powdered sugar and baking just long enough for cracks to form while the centers stay soft.

Why are they called crinkle cookies?

As the cookies bake, the dough spreads and cracks, creating a beautiful “crinkle” pattern on top.

What is the difference between crinkle cookies and normal cookies?

Crinkle cookies use a cake mix base that stays soft inside while traditional cookies often have a crisp edge and chewy center.

What type of cookie is crinkle?

They’re considered soft drop cookies, known for their cracked appearance and sugary coating.

More Such Recipes

Strawberry crinkle cookies cooling on a wire rack over marble surface
Fresh strawberry crinkle cookies cooling on a wire rack after baking

Conclusion

These strawberry crinkle cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for busy days, they turn a box of cake mix into something that looks bakery-worthy. Try sharing them on your next family gathering or post your version on Pinterest or Facebook.

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Stack of strawberry crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies | Quick, Amazing Dessert Recipe


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy, and full of sweet strawberry flavor, these Strawberry Crinkle Cookies are made with just four simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick dessert or springtime treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box strawberry cake mix

1/3 cup canola oil

2 eggs

Powdered sugar (for rolling)


Instructions

1. Mix cake mix, oil, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.

2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; if sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes or use a fork to help roll.

3. Coat each ball in powdered sugar until evenly covered.

4. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until cookies begin to crack.

5. Let cookies cool on the sheet before transferring.

Notes

Chilling sticky dough makes it easier to handle.

Cookies are ready when they start cracking but still soft in the center.

Slight underbaking helps achieve a soft texture.

Cool completely before freezing for future use.

Gently pressing cookies with a glass after baking can make them flatter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: Not provided
  • Sugar: Not provided
  • Sodium: Not provided
  • Fat: Not provided
  • Saturated Fat: Not provided
  • Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: Not provided
  • Fiber: Not provided
  • Protein: Not provided
  • Cholesterol: Not provided

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