I turned a cake mix into the happiest cookies ever—and now they’re my go-to for bake sales and birthdays

It started on a rainy afternoon when the kids were stir-crazy and I just needed something bright and sweet to turn the day around. I opened the pantry, spotted a box of cake mix, and had a little lightbulb moment. That’s how these Pink Lemonade Cookies were born—and let me tell you, they are pure joy in cookie form.

They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with citrusy goodness. And thanks to a little red food coloring and lemon juice magic, they totally live up to their name. Plus, they look adorable on a plate and feel like something straight out of a cheerful summer picnic—even if it’s the middle of January.

🍋 Why I keep these in rotation

• They start with a box of cake mix = instant shortcut.
• Budget-friendly and fast (we’re talking 10 minutes of prep).
• Kids LOVE helping with the mixing, rolling, and glazing.

These cookies come out with soft centers, crisp edges, and just enough zing to make you smile. And yes, they freeze beautifully, which means I almost always have a few stashed for last-minute sweet tooth moments.

🛒 What you’ll need:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (or white cake mix + 1 tbsp lemon zest)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• A few drops red food coloring (optional but fun)
• Optional: granulated sugar or pink sanding sugar for rolling

Glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: 1 drop red food coloring

👩‍🍳 Let’s make ’em:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and food coloring until you get a soft dough.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in sugar if you want a little sparkle.
4. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers still look soft.
5. Cool on pan for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
6. Once cool, drizzle with glaze if you’re feeling fancy (I always am).

🧊 Storage + freezer tips:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—if they last that long.
• Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for a treat anytime.

💡 Mom hack:

These cookies are perfect for pink-themed birthdays, bake sales, or when you need something cheerful to share. Want to get the kids involved? Let them roll the dough or drizzle the glaze. It might get messy, but the smiles are worth it.

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So if you’re craving a little sunshine or need a quick, sweet win in your day, give these Pink Lemonade Cookies a try. They’ve brightened up plenty of afternoons over here—and I know they’ll do the same for you.

Tag me if you bake a batch—I’d love to see your pink cookie magic 💗

Budget-Friendly Pink Lemonade Cookies

Makes about 20 cookies | Prep + bake time: 25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (or white cake mix with 1 tbsp lemon zest)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: 2–3 drops red food coloring (for that classic “pink” hue)
• Optional sugar for rolling (or pink sanding sugar if on hand)

For glaze (optional but yummy):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• A drop of food coloring if desired

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👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and food coloring until a soft dough forms.
3. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar if desired.
4. Place on baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
5. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Once cooled, drizzle with glaze for extra lemony punch.