Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate are the kind of cheerful, sweet treat that instantly makes people smile, and this recipe is especially perfect when you want something festive without a lot of effort. With a soft, cake mix base, bright strawberry flavor, and a smooth white chocolate drizzle, these cookies are simple enough for beginners yet special enough for Valentine’s Day parties, school treats, or cozy baking at home.
Whether you are baking with kids, surprising someone you love, or just craving a pink and pretty dessert, these Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate come together quickly and deliver big on flavor and fun.
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Why You’ll Love This Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe
These cookies are a favorite for so many reasons, especially when time is short and you still want something homemade.
First, the recipe uses a strawberry cake mix, which means no measuring flour or sugar and no complicated steps. You simply mix, scoop, and bake. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a tender crumb that almost melts in your mouth.
Second, the strawberry flavor is sweet, fruity, and eye catching. The natural pink color from the cake mix makes these cookies look festive without adding food coloring. Topped with white chocolate and sprinkles, they feel perfect for Valentine’s Day but can easily be adapted for other holidays.
Finally, these cookies are easy to customize. You can change the drizzle, add mix ins, or decorate them in different ways depending on who you are baking for. They are great for gift boxes, bake sales, and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients for Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate
One of the best things about this recipe is the short and simple ingredient list. Everything is easy to find at a regular grocery store.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix, 1 box (15.25 ounces)
- Vegetable oil or corn oil, 1/2 cup
- Large eggs, 2
White Chocolate Topping
- White chocolate chips, 1 cup
- Vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons
Optional Decorations
- Valentine themed sprinkles
- Pink or red sanding sugar
- Heart shaped candy sprinkles
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you cannot find strawberry cake mix, a white or vanilla cake mix can be used with 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder mixed in. This helps create a similar flavor and color.
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a neutral flavor. Avoid strong oils like olive oil, which can change the taste of the cookies.
White chocolate chips melt best when combined with a small amount of oil. This creates a smooth drizzle that sets nicely without becoming grainy.
If you prefer not to use sprinkles, you can leave the cookies plain or decorate with extra white chocolate chips pressed gently on top after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make perfect Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until everything is well combined and a thick, smooth dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal.
Be careful not to overmix. Once the ingredients are blended and no dry patches remain, stop mixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 3: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
If the dough is sticky, lightly oil your hands or the scoop to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, while the centers may still appear slightly soft.
Do not overbake. These cookies continue to firm up as they cool, and baking them too long can make them dry.
Step 5: Cool
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the white chocolate drizzle.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between each round, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Stir gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles into the chocolate.
Step 7: Decorate
Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. Immediately add sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft so they stick well.
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
- Slightly underbake the cookies for the softest texture.
- Let the cookies cool fully before drizzling the chocolate to prevent melting.
- Microwave white chocolate slowly, as it can burn easily.
- Add sprinkles right after drizzling so they adhere properly.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before scooping.
Flavor Variations
These Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate are delicious as written, but you can easily switch things up.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cookies: Stir 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
- Strawberry Lemon Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.
- Strawberry Almond Cookies: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a bakery style flavor.
- Strawberry Cream Cookies: Sandwich two cookies with vanilla frosting or cream cheese frosting.
- Holiday Cookies: Change the sprinkles to match Christmas, Easter, or birthday themes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a decorative plate for Valentine’s Day parties, classroom treats, or family dessert nights. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or strawberry flavored milk.
For gifting, place the cookies in clear treat bags tied with pink or red ribbon. They also look lovely in bakery boxes lined with parchment paper.
You can even use them as part of a dessert board with chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, and heart shaped candies.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer safe container or zip top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, refresh the drizzle after thawing for the best appearance.
Print
Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate are soft, pink cake mix cookies with sweet strawberry flavor and a smooth white chocolate drizzle, perfect for festive baking and sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Valentine themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
- Melt white chocolate chips with oil until smooth.
- Drizzle white chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Add sprinkles while chocolate is soft.
- Let chocolate set before serving.
Notes
Slightly underbake for the softest cookies. Let cookies cool fully before adding white chocolate drizzle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on one cookie.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
FAQ About Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are great for making ahead. You can bake them one or two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the white chocolate drizzle the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil is recommended for this recipe because it keeps the cookies soft and moist. Butter can be used, but the texture will be slightly firmer and more like a traditional cookie.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking can help. Also be sure your oven is fully preheated.
Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own. You can also mix white chocolate chips directly into the dough instead of drizzling.
Are these cookies good for kids to help make?
Yes, this recipe is very kid friendly. Mixing, scooping, and decorating are all great tasks for little helpers with supervision.
Final Thoughts
Valentine Strawberry Cookies with White Chocolate are proof that baking does not have to be complicated to be special. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a festive, flavorful cookie that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
These cookies are perfect for sharing love in edible form, whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want a cheerful strawberry treat any time of year. Once you try them, they are sure to become a go to recipe in your kitchen.