1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Getting Ready to Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line Baking Sheets (Optional): Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

2. Combine the Ingredients: Making the Cookie Dough

1. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil (or canola oil).
2. Mix: Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a soft dough forms. You can use a mixer or a spatula. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Add Sprinkles (Optional): If you want to add sprinkles to the dough itself, stir in about 2 tablespoons of Valentine’s Day sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed.

3. Shape the Cookies: Ready for the Oven

1. Roll into Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
2. Place on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
3. Add Sprinkles on Top: Gently press a few Valentine’s-themed sprinkles onto the top of each dough ball.

4. Bake the Cookies: Achieving Soft and Chewy Perfection

1. Bake: Bake for 9-12 minutes in the preheated oven.
   • Check for Doneness: The cookies are done when the edges are just starting to brown slightly, and the centers are still soft.
   • Tip: Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookies.

5. Cool and Enjoy: The Final Touches

1. Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly.
2. Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Serve: Enjoy these delicious Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies while they’re still slightly warm, or store them for later.