Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

This strawberry cake mix sandwich cookie recipe blends the ease of a boxed cake mix with the charm of homemade sandwich cookies. It delivers tender, flavorful cookies with a luscious, creamy filling, making it an excellent treat for a quick dessert or a special gathering.

I first whipped these up when I had a sudden sweet craving but limited time. Now they reappear at every family get-together because everyone adores that combination of fruity and creamy

Gather Your Ingredients

• Strawberry cake mix: the foundation of flavor and color Duncan Hines works well for consistent results
• Large whole eggs: bind everything together and add moisture fresh eggs make a difference in texture
• Vegetable oil: gives tender crumb and keeps cookies soft longer choose a neutral oil
• Sanding sugar: adds an irresistible crystalline coating you can find it at most baking aisles
• Unsalted butter: essential for a rich and smooth frosting use good quality butter for the best flavor
• Salt: balances sweetness just a pinch is enough to enhance the overall taste
• Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor of the filling and cookies
• Almond extract: a little goes a long way to complement the strawberry flavor
• Heavy cream: mellows and enriches the frosting making it smooth and spreadable
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting sift it for lump-free filling

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough:

In a mixing bowl combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated over-mixing can make the cookies tough. This dough will be sticky but firm enough to handle once chilled.

Step 2: Chill the Dough:

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing spreading during baking.

Step 3: Roll and Sugar Coat the Dough Balls:

Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Pour sanding sugar into a shallow bowl and gently roll each ball to coat it thoroughly. The sugar will add a lovely texture and finish after baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies:

Place the sugared dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking or they will lose their tender texture.

Step 5: Make the Frosting:

While the cookies cool, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy and pale. Add salt, vanilla, and almond extracts. Gradually add the powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream and continue beating until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and pipeable but firm enough to hold shape.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches:

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Press lightly to spread the filling evenly without squeezing it out. Refrigerate the cookies briefly if you want firmer filling before serving.

One year my kids insisted on handing these cookies out for school parties because they looked so colorful and tasted even better than cupcakes

Flavor Boosters

The sanding sugar coating adds a subtle crunch and a sparkling finish enhancing both the texture and appearance.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. Try serving them on a dessert platter with fresh berries for an eye-catching presentation. They also work well as party favors placed in decorative boxes tied with ribbon.

Creative Twists

In spring and summer swap sanding sugar for crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an intense fruit crunch. During the holidays try adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for warmth. For fall, incorporating chopped toasted almonds inside the frosting provides texture and seasonal notes.

These strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies combine convenience and charm for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, experimenting with various cake mix flavors can provide different taste profiles, but strawberry complements the creamy filling well.

→ What is the best way to achieve a soft cookie texture?

Using room temperature butter and not overbaking helps maintain softness. Also, the cake mix provides tender crumb throughout.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

→ Can I substitute almond extract?

Yes, vanilla extract alone works well, but almond extract adds a unique depth that complements the strawberry flavor.

→ Is sanding sugar necessary for this recipe?

Sanding sugar adds a subtle crunch and sparkle, but you can omit it if preferred or substitute with coarse sugar.