The soft and fluffy strawberry cookies combined with a creamy, sweet filling make these sandwich cookies irresistible. Their vibrant pink hue and decadent texture make them a standout dessert for any occasion.
These delightful treats are perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. They’re quick to prepare, thanks to the convenience of a cake mix, and their flavor is nothing short of heavenly. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate sweet experience, or surprise your loved ones with this easy, charming dessert.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop even-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 12 sandwich cookies
History and Inspiration:
This recipe for Soft Strawberry Sandwich Cookies was inspired by the convenience and versatility of cake mix baking. Cake mix has been a household staple for decades, offering home bakers a quick way to create delicious desserts without the need for extensive ingredients or techniques. The addition of a creamy filling between two soft strawberry cookies elevates this recipe into something truly special. It’s a fun twist on classic sandwich cookies that brings out the fruity flavor of strawberries in every bite.
Baking Tips:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your cookie dough feels too sticky to handle, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, which helps with even baking and better sandwiching.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be just set in the center, as overbaking can make them dry instead of soft and tender.
- Adjust the Filling: For a tangy twist, consider adding a hint of lemon zest or strawberry extract to the filling.
Variations:
- Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different cake mix flavors such as lemon, chocolate, or vanilla.
- Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or freeze-dried strawberries to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Colorful Fun: Roll the edges of the filled cookies in colorful sprinkles, sanding sugar, or crushed freeze-dried fruit for an extra festive touch.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan cake mix and swap the eggs and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like flaxseed eggs and coconut cream.
Storage and Shelf Life:
- Room Temperature: Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies (without filling) for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies, add the filling, and assemble the sandwiches.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair these cookies with a glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or a frothy cappuccino for the ultimate treat.
- Arrange them on a dessert platter for parties, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day gatherings to impress your guests.
- Gift them in a decorative box or bag for a thoughtful, homemade present.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
While these cookies are a delightful indulgence, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
These figures may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that strawberry desserts became especially popular in the 1950s? The bright pink hues were often associated with celebration and joy, making them a favorite for festive occasions. These sandwich cookies carry that same celebratory charm, blending modern convenience with nostalgic flavors.
Why This Recipe Works:
The combination of using a cake mix as the base and a rich buttercream filling ensures these cookies are both quick to prepare and decadently delicious. The cake mix creates perfectly soft and fluffy cookies without the need for extensive measuring or ingredients, making this a foolproof recipe for beginners and experts alike. The creamy filling balances the sweetness of the strawberry cookies, creating a harmonious bite that’s irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
These cookies are not just a treat for the family—they’re versatile enough to suit any occasion. Their vibrant pink color and delightful flavor make them an excellent choice for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Birthday parties
- Baby showers (especially pink-themed ones!)
- Wedding dessert tables
- Afternoon tea gatherings
They can also be customized with themed decorations to match any celebration.
Customization Ideas:
- Flavored Fillings: Beyond vanilla, you can experiment with different flavors for the filling. Try a strawberry buttercream for extra berry flavor, a cream cheese frosting for tangy richness, or a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
- Seasonal Touch: Add seasonal flair by incorporating crushed peppermint candy for the holidays, or fresh lemon zest for a summer treat.
- Dipped Cookies: Dip the edges of the assembled cookies in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle with colorful toppings for an elegant finish.
Kid-Friendly Recipe:
This recipe is perfect for cooking with kids. Children can help mix the dough, scoop the cookies, or pipe the filling. It’s a fun and easy way to bond while baking together.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Too Sticky Dough: If the dough is too sticky to work with, add a tablespoon of flour to help manage the consistency.
- Flat Cookies: Ensure the oven temperature is accurate and avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the cookies spread too much.
- Runny Filling: If the filling is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it thickens to the desired consistency.
Allergen-Friendly Modifications:
For those with dietary restrictions, consider these alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly option.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the filling.
- Nut-Free: Ensure that all ingredients, including the cake mix, are nut-free and prepared in a nut-free environment.
Backstory of the Recipe:
Soft sandwich cookies have been a nostalgic dessert for decades, often enjoyed as a luxurious upgrade to simpler cookie recipes. This version, with its strawberry base, is inspired by the love for fruity desserts that became widely popular in the mid-20th century. The recipe reflects the perfect marriage of modern-day convenience with the charm of homemade baked goods.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Drinks: These cookies pair beautifully with drinks like strawberry lemonade, pink hot chocolate, or a refreshing iced tea.
- Dessert Spread: Serve them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or a fresh fruit platter for a cohesive dessert table.
Fun Tip:
For an extra touch of elegance, use a piping bag with a decorative tip to swirl the filling onto the cookies. This small detail will elevate the visual appeal and impress anyone who sees (and tastes!) them.
Conclusion:
Soft Strawberry Sandwich Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Their delicate strawberry flavor, soft texture, and creamy filling make them a dessert that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, surprising loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a quick and delightful option that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
With endless possibilities for customization and a charm that suits any celebration, this recipe is a must-have for your collection. Try it out today and let the sweet, fruity flavors brighten your day!