Easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies: Your Go-To Low-Fat Delight

Welcome back to the kitchen, where simplicity meets incredible flavor! If you’ve been following along, you might notice a delightful pattern emerging: a love for easy, low-fat desserts, especially those featuring the versatile magic of Cool Whip. And yes, for an upcoming festive occasion like Valentine’s Day, a splash of pink is absolutely essential! So, if you’re ready for another predictable yet utterly irresistible recipe, you’ve come to the right place.

My ongoing fascination with Cool Whip cookies is no secret. There’s something truly enchanting about their straightforward preparation and delightful outcome. The fact that they are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients (just three!), and boast a low-fat profile makes them an absolute dream for any dessert lover. It truly feels like it can’t get any better than that… until it does!

The real secret weapon of Cool Whip cookies lies in their incredible versatility. Imagine being able to transform any boxed cake mix into a batch of soft, chewy, and perfectly flavored cookies. The possibilities are endless! From classic vanilla and rich chocolate to zesty lemon or even festive funfetti, you can tailor these treats to any craving or celebration. Given my current obsession with all things pink for the upcoming Valentine’s Day, a strawberry cake mix was the obvious choice. A quick combination of strawberry cake mix, Cool Whip, and two eggs is all it takes to whip up these awesomely festive cookies.

My boys, bless their hearts, devoured these pink beauties without a second thought. The color didn’t faze them one bit, and honestly, why would it? When something tastes this delicious and feels almost guilt-free, the color becomes secondary. These cookies are the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing their New Year’s resolutions. It’s that ideal compromise that proves you can indeed have your cake (or cookie!) and eat it too. Have you had the pleasure of trying these delightful cookies yet? If not, prepare to be amazed!

Unveiling the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are not just simple; they are a revelation in taste and convenience. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, school bake sales, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Printable Recipe and Quick Overview

For your convenience, a printable version of this delightful recipe is available right HERE. Feel free to save it, print it, and share it with fellow baking enthusiasts!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 (18.25-oz) box strawberry cake mix: This forms the flavor base and gives the cookies their signature pink hue.
• 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip (I used Lite): The magical ingredient that provides moisture, binds everything together, and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and low in fat. Opting for “Lite” is a great way to keep things even lighter.
• 2 large eggs: These act as an additional binder and contribute to the cookie’s texture and rise.
• Powdered sugar, for rolling: Essential for that classic crinkle cookie look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Cookies:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently beat together the Cool Whip and the two eggs until well combined and smooth. This creates a creamy base for your cookie dough. Next, gradually add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir everything together thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t be alarmed by its stickiness – this is perfectly normal and a sign of good things to come! Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to handle and roll. It also contributes to a better texture in the final baked cookie.
2. Preheat and Prep: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your cookie sheets by either spraying them lightly with cooking spray or, for an even easier cleanup and non-stick surface, lining them with parchment paper. This step ensures your delicious cookies don’t stick and cook evenly.
3. Roll and Bake: Pour about 1/3 cup of powdered sugar into a small, shallow bowl. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls. Using a tablespoon or, even better, a cookie scoop for uniform size, drop portions of the chilled dough directly into the powdered sugar. Roll the dough around until it is completely covered in a generous layer of powdered sugar. This step not only adds a lovely sweet crust but also helps create those characteristic crinkles as the cookies bake. Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for spreading.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the cookie sheets to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 9-12 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on the size of your cookies and your oven’s calibration, so keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for cookies that are set around the edges but still appear soft and slightly puffy in the center. They should not be overly browned. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire baking rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they set properly.
5. ENJOY!: Once cooled, these delightful Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are ready to be savored!

Tips for Elevating Your Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies

While the recipe is wonderfully simple, a few extra tips can help you achieve cookie perfection every single time. These pointers ensure your baking experience is smooth and the results are consistently delicious.

Choosing Your Cool Whip: Lite vs. Regular

As mentioned in the ingredients, I often opt for Lite Cool Whip to keep these cookies on the healthier side. However, if you’re not concerned about the fat content, regular Cool Whip works just as well and will yield cookies that are equally soft and flavorful. The key is to use a thawed, but still cold, container of Cool Whip for the best consistency.

The Magic of Cake Mix Versatility

Do not limit yourself to strawberry! The beauty of these Cool Whip cookies is their adaptability. Experiment with other cake mix flavors:

• Chocolate Fudge: For a rich, decadent chocolate cookie.
• Lemon: For a bright, zesty, and refreshing treat.
• Funfetti/Birthday Cake: Perfect for celebrations, adding colorful sprinkles to your dough.
• Red Velvet: For an even deeper crimson hue and a hint of cocoa.
• Spice Cake: A wonderful choice for autumn or holiday baking.

Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize your cookies for any season or preference.

Perfecting the Powdered Sugar Roll

The powdered sugar coating is not just for aesthetics; it also helps prevent sticking and contributes to the delightful crinkled texture. To ensure an even coating:

• Use a small, wide bowl for rolling to make it easier to coat the entire dough ball.
• Don’t be shy with the sugar! A generous coating will give you the best “crinkle” effect.
• For extra flair, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with more powdered sugar before serving.

The Importance of Not Overbaking!

These cookies are best when they are soft and slightly chewy. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies. Keep a close watch on them around the 9-minute mark. Look for edges that are lightly set and the center still looking soft. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once completely cooled, store your Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture. For longer storage, they can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but also pair beautifully with:

• A cold glass of milk.
• A warm cup of coffee or tea.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• As a sweet treat for school lunches or afternoon snacks.

The Guilt-Free Indulgence: A New Year’s Resolution Treat

In a world where delicious treats often come with a heavy calorie count, these Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies stand out as a beacon of guilt-free indulgence. The use of Lite Cool Whip and a simple cake mix drastically reduces the fat content compared to traditional butter-laden cookie recipes. This makes them an excellent option for those who are mindful of their intake but still want to enjoy life’s sweet pleasures.

It’s all about balance, and these cookies are a testament to that philosophy. You don’t have to completely abandon your favorite desserts to stick to your health goals. With their light texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, they prove that “low-fat” doesn’t have to mean “low-flavor.” They’re the perfect way to satisfy a craving without compromise, making them a fantastic addition to your post-holiday resolution toolkit.

Why These Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite

From their incredibly simple ingredient list to their quick preparation time and undeniable deliciousness, these Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are poised to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They offer a delightful burst of fruity flavor, a pleasingly soft texture, and a joyful pop of color, making them suitable for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a festive holiday spread.

They truly embody everything you could want in a cookie: ease, versatility, and irresistible taste. So, why wait? Gather your three ingredients and experience the magic for yourself. We’d love to hear how your batch turns out!

More Irresistible Dessert Ideas

If you’re looking for some more yummy dessert ideas to tantalize your taste buds, check these out:

So there you have it – a wonderfully simple, delightfully pink, and irresistibly delicious cookie recipe that promises to bring joy to your taste buds without any of the fuss. These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of effortless baking and guilt-free indulgence. Happy baking!