Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello

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Not only are these Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello incredibly soft and chewy, but they’re also one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. All you need are a few simple ingredients like cake mix and strawberry-flavored Jello to whip up a tray of cookies that taste as though they came straight from a bakery.

How to make Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello are soft, chewy cookies made using a shortcut combo: boxed strawberry cake mix plus flavored gelatin (usually strawberry Jell-O). The gelatin boosts the strawberry flavor and gives the cookies a brighter color and slightly more tender texture.

Ingredients

• Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25 oz box)
• Strawberry Jello Powder (3 oz box)
• Eggs (2 medium or large)
• Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup)

Optional Add-ins:

• White Chocolate Chips
• Rainbow Sprinkles
• Powdered Sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix and the dry strawberry gelatin powder. Stir until the two dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Add in the eggs and vegetable oil. Stir until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. If you’re adding anything extra, like white chocolate chips or sprinkles, fold them in now.
4. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into even-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
5. For powdered sugar-coated cookies, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
6. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking—these cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy!
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

• Don’t skip the Jello: While it’s optional, the Jello powder really enhances the strawberry flavor and gives the cookies a bright pink color. It’s the secret ingredient that makes these extra amazing!
• Avoid overmixing: Mix until just combined to ensure your cookies stay nice and soft. Overmixing can make them tough.
• Watch the timing: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to pull them out a touch earlier than to overbake them.
• Experiment with add-ins: These cookies are fun to customize! Try adding mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate once baked for an elegant finish.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your cookie dough seems too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello but don’t have some of the specific ingredients on hand, don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutions available!

1. Strawberry Cake Mix

Strawberry cake mix forms the foundation of these cookies, but you can easily use alternatives:

• Vanilla or White Cake Mix: If you don’t have strawberry cake mix, vanilla or white cake mix works as a great substitute. To mimic the flavor, add 1 tablespoon of strawberry extract or the dry strawberry Jello powder to mix in that fruity pop of flavor.
• Other Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with other flavors! A lemon cake mix could create Strawberry Lemon Cookies, while a chocolate cake mix would give you Chocolate Strawberry Cookies. Adjust the Jello flavor to complement your mix.

2. Strawberry Jello Powder

Strawberry Jello powder enhances the flavor and color, but you can replace it or omit it altogether if needed:

• Other Gelatin Powders: If you don’t have strawberry Jello, try cherry, raspberry, or even tropical-flavored gelatin to switch things up. These pair well with a strawberry base and add fun, fruity twists.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: A natural alternative to artificial gelatin, freeze-dried strawberry powder boosts the strawberry taste while keeping the dessert all-natural.
• Color Substitution: If you’re using vanilla cake mix and want that pink hue, a few drops of red or pink food coloring can replace the color boost from Jello.

3. Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together, but there are plenty of substitutes for eggs:

• Applesauce (¼ cup per egg): Unsweetened applesauce is a great alternative for eggs, especially if you’re making the cookies vegan.
• Flaxseed Meal (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg): Mix flaxseed meal with water and let it sit for 5 minutes—it becomes a gooey consistency that mimics eggs.
• Mashed Bananas (¼ cup per egg): Mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. They’re great if you want a slightly tropical flavor in your cookies.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (¼ cup per egg): Adds moisture and richness to the cookie dough.

4. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil keeps your cookies moist, but you can swap it out easily:

• Butter (⅓ cup melted): If you prefer a richer flavor, melted butter makes a perfect substitute for oil.
• Coconut Oil (⅓ cup melted): Gives the cookies a hint of coconut flavor and is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Applesauce (⅓ cup): For a lower-fat substitute, applesauce can replace oil while maintaining moisture.
• Yogurt (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons): Greek yogurt or regular unsweetened yogurt can be used for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Jello are versatile and fun to make, even if you don’t have all the exact ingredients.

More Cake Mix Recipes:

• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Without Eggs
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese
• Funfetti Cake using Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix