Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are one of those Cookie Recipes that make people smile right away. The bright strawberry color, candy sprinkles, and soft, chewy texture make a fun treat that looks party‑ready with no extra decorating. Starting with a boxed mix keeps prep quick, so you can have a batch in the oven fast.
These strawberry cake mix cookies are great for birthday parties, baby showers, dessert trays, or packing into lunch boxes. They come together fast and always add a fun pop of color. They’re easy to pack, easy to gift, and easy to bake, so they fit right into your regular rotation.
Cake mix is always a handy shortcut to make cookies and my Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are super simple to make and they taste so good. Adding freeze-dried strawberries gave these cookies more strawberry flavor. My Double Chocolate Mint Cake Mix Cookies are another way I use a boxed mix for cookies.
Using a boxed cake mix isn’t just for cookies. I’ve made Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts and this Big Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from mixes. As if that wasn’t enough, try this 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cherry Cobbler. Stock up when mixes are on sale and use them for delicious quick desserts.
Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
I wanted plenty of strawberry flavor in these unicorn cookies, so I started with a strawberry cake mix and added crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the dough. While the most common oil used in cake mix cookies is vegetable or canola, I chose to use avocado oil. It’s a neutral oil and it works perfectly here and in so many other recipes.
The baking confetti is a blend of sprinkles and candy pieces, so it adds both color and texture throughout the cookies, plus they’re fun to use.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
Have the strawberries crushed and the baking sheet lined before you start. Once the dough is mixed, you can move right to scooping. These tips help with portioning, baking, and changing the decorations.
- Measure the strawberries after crushing them. I used a mini food processor, but a resealable bag and rolling pin work well for breaking up the freeze-dried pieces. You want them to be a powder consistency.
- Flatten the dough balls slightly, not into thin discs. Keep the portions similar in thickness so they bake more evenly.
- Let a reused baking sheet cool before adding more dough. A hot pan can cause the next batch to spread sooner.
- Change the optional topping for the occasion. Pink and red sprinkles would be great for Valentine’s Day.
Other Cake Mix Recipes to Try
A boxed cake mix can be the start of more than a cake. Cookies, donuts, and even a warm fruit dessert are all options. Here are a few other ways to put that box in your pantry to use.
- Crock Pot Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Apple Dump Cake Recipe
- Neapolitan Cookies Recipe
- Funfetti Pancakes
- Easy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Changing the cake mix flavor is an easy way to try something different. Lemon, chocolate, or spice mixes give you other options, depending on the recipe. Choose baking chips, fruit, or sprinkles that go with the flavor you’re using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a 15.25-ounce box of strawberry cake mix for this recipe. The egg and oil amounts are written for that size. A smaller or larger box changes the balance of the dough, so don’t substitute a different weight without adjusting and testing the recipe.
No, add the dry cake mix directly to your mixing bowl. Use the eggs and oil amounts in this recipe. The package directions make cake batter, which is too wet for these scoop-and-bake cookies.
Fresh strawberries are not a direct substitute here. Their moisture can change the consistency of the dough and how it bakes. Stick with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for the recipe as written.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months with parchment paper between the layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Recommended Kitchen Tools
The kitchen tools for this recipe are likely ones you already have and use often. I’m linking items I own and have used successfully for years.
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, Gray
Amazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, Non-Stick, Reusable, Dishwasher Safe, Food Safe, Heat Resistant, 16.5Pyrex Essentials (3-Piece) Glass Mixing Bowls Set for Prepping and BakingHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer With QuickBurst and Bowl RestBLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper, One Touch Pulse, 150W Motor, Stay-Sharp Blade, Dishwasher SafeOXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set – MulticoloredPrime Bamboo Wooden Spoons for Cooking Set of 6 Pcs – Wooden Cooking Utensils with Long Handle, Includes Flat Wood Spoon, Bamboo Spatula, and Slotted Spoon for Kitchen Utensils SetHIWARE Oven-Salf Collapsible Cooling Rack for Baking, 3 Tier 12”x 16.5”, Stainless Steel and Fit Half Sheet, Stackable Wire Cooling Racks for Cookie, Pizza, Cake
Ingredients to Make Unicorn Cake Mix Cookies
You can find these ingredients in your grocery store, most in the baking aisles. The freeze-dried strawberries are usually down the aisle with the nuts and dried fruit.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: Use a 15.25-ounce box for the pink cookie base.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help give the cookies structure.
- Avocado Oil: Adds fat and moisture without needing to soften butter.
- Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Add concentrated strawberry flavor; measure after crushing.
- Fancy Unicorn Baking Confetti: A mix of pastel sprinkles, vanilla chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces.
How to Make Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Mix the cake mix, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, eggs, and oil just until combined. Stir in the unicorn baking confetti with a wooden spoon. The dough will be thick.
Scoop 1½-tablespoon portions onto the pan, slightly flatten, and add extra sprinkles if desired. Bake for 10–13 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature – that is if they last that long!
Need another cake mix cookie recipe? Try my favorite, Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies. They’re also great to package for gifts.
Unicorn Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
- mini food processor (or spice grinder)
- medium cookie scoop (1½ tablespoons)
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce box) strawberry cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup avocado oil (can use canola or vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup finely ground freeze-dried strawberries * (measured after grinding)
- 1 cup Fancy Unicorn baking confetti
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry strawberry cake mix, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, eggs, and avocado oil. Mix with an electric handheld mixer on low speed just until combined.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir in the unicorn baking confetti until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick, which is normal.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared pan with a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, leaving room between the portions. Slightly flatten each dough ball and top with extra unicorn sprinkles, if desired.
- Bake for 10–13 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark because ovens vary. Cool the cookies on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
2026 Alphabet Challenge – “U”
We’re up to the letter “U” in the 2026 Alphabet Challenge. Can you believe it? I need to start thinking of what to make for the rest of the year! Check out what everyone else has to share today.
Enjoy!
These cookies and Colleen’s popcorn are convincing me that Little Miss M’s upcoming birthday theme should definitely be Unicorns.
These are shouting “save for Easter!” at me, Lisa! I love the color mix and how easy they are to make!