There's something undeniably joyful about homemade treats, and this Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a perfect example. Imagine crisp-edged cookies with a tender crumb, dusted in sparkling sanding sugar, hugging a luscious, creamy filling bursting with sweet strawberry essence. I love making these when I need a quick, cheerful dessert that's as fun to create as it is to share. You'll notice the warm aroma filling your kitchen as you bake, promising smiles with every bite.
Jump to:
- The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Again
- Ingredients You'll Actually Use
- How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Without Stress
- Little Tricks That Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Better
- Serving Ideas That Look Great
- Storing & Reheating Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
- You Made It - Now Tell Me!
- Complete Recipe
The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Again
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence. It combines a box of strawberry cake mix with simple kitchen staples to create cookies that are irresistibly soft yet slightly crisp, with a creamy filling that's just the right touch of sweet tang. Whether it's a last-minute get-together or a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies feel like a warm hug - a snack that's as comforting as it is delicious.
- Big flavor, simple steps: You don't need a dozen fancy ingredients or complicated techniques-just a few straightforward moves for amazing results.
- Comfort-food energy: The familiar strawberry sweetness and creamy filling make these cookies comfort food in bite-sized form.
- Everyday ingredients: With items you likely have on hand, this recipe makes baking approachable, even on busy days.
- Easy to customize: Play with extracts, add-ins, or even different cake mix flavors for your own signature twist.
Ingredients You'll Actually Use
Choosing the right ingredients can elevate your Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe from good to unforgettable. The quality of your strawberry cake mix sets the tone-I always reach for a well-known brand for reliable flavor and texture. When it comes to butter, room temperature is key to achieve that creamy filling everyone raves about. Vanilla and almond extracts add depth and warmth, but if you want to get creative, switching almond extract for lemon zest gives a bright, fresh twist. For those avoiding dairy, swap the heavy cream for a coconut-based alternative-just know your filling might shift a bit in texture but stay delicious.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: Use a fresh, quality boxed mix-great brands often have a pronounced strawberry flavor that's part of the magic. Swap with yellow cake mix plus freeze-dried strawberries for a fun variation.
- Flavor Builders: Vanilla and almond extracts bring depth. They're subtle but crucial for that warm aroma and rich taste.
- Texture Helpers: Softened unsalted butter ensures creamy filling, and sanding sugar adds a lovely crunch on the cookie's exterior.
- Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in white chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon to spice things up.
Ingredient Note: Exact measurements for Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Without Stress
Step 1 - Set Up for Success
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step saves clean-up hassle and ensures your cookies don't stick or brown too much underneath. Take a moment to gather and measure out all your ingredients before mixing - I promise it'll save time and help you have fun with the recipe rather than scramble for things mid-prep. If you want to save some time, you can even mix the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight, which also enhances the cookie texture.
Step 2 - Cook Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Until It Smells Amazing
Mix the strawberry cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla, and almond extracts in a large bowl until a cohesive dough forms-this comes together quickly, so be sure not to overwork it. Then, add softened butter and a pinch of salt, mixing slowly until the dough is soft and slightly sticky; you want tender cookies, not tough ones! After chilling the dough for at least an hour, roll it into 1-1.5 tablespoon balls and coat each in sanding sugar for that satisfying sparkle and crunch. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye for lightly golden edges and soft centers-you'll know the kitchen is truly alive when the warm strawberry aroma begins to fill the air.
Step 3 - Finish Strong
While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together softened butter, vanilla, and almond extracts for the filling. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well between additions until your frosting is thick and smooth. Add heavy cream and beat until light, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiching. When cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich. For an extra special touch, roll the filled edges in sanding sugar-it adds sparkle and texture. Rest assured, once you nail these final steps, your Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe will be deliciously irresistible.
Little Tricks That Make Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe Better
After several batches, I learned these small tips take the strawberry goodness up a notch. Your cookies come out best when you watch for subtle signs of doneness and treat the dough gently. Chill time isn't just about shaping - it actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Doneness cues: Look for edges turning slightly golden while centers stay soft-perfect for that tender bite.
- Heat control: Keep your oven at a steady 350°F. Too hot and cookies brown too fast; too low and they dry out.
- Make-ahead options: Dough freezes well if wrapped tightly; thaw in the fridge before shaping and baking.
- Common issues + fixes: If filling feels too thick, add a splash more cream; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar does the trick.
Serving Ideas That Look Great
Finishing Touches
To elevate your Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that snowy effect. A few fresh strawberry slices on the side enhance the fruity vibe and look beautiful. If you're feeling fancy, drizzle a little white chocolate over the top for an elegant flair and extra sweetness. These little additions feel so special but take hardly any time.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or even a cup of herbal tea (like chamomile or mint) to balance the sweetness. Try serving alongside a fresh green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette for an unexpected but delightful contrast at brunch. They also make a charming companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate your guests won't forget.
Make It Photo-Ready
For Instagram-worthy presentation, stack your sandwich cookies neatly on a pastel plate to highlight their strawberry hue. Set them against a backdrop of fresh berries or a soft linen napkin for color contrast. Keep the edges clean by wiping crumbs off the plate, and add a sprig of mint or edible flowers nearby to add height and a bit of green freshness to your shot.
Storing & Reheating Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Fridge Storage
Your Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe will keep nicely in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. The filling stays fresh and creamy, but the cookie edges might soften slightly. To enjoy the original crispness again, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing Tips
Cookies freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. When ready, thaw completely before filling. Sandwiched cookies can also be frozen, but I recommend wrapping them individually to protect the frosting. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let sit for a bit at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Without Drying Out
If you want to refresh your chilled or thawed cookies, a gentle 10-15 second zap in the microwave can revive softness-just keep an eye to avoid melting the filling. Alternatively, a warm oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes works well, but place the cookies on parchment to keep the bottom from crisping excessively. These little steps make your cookies taste freshly baked all over again.
Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can substitute a vanilla or yellow cake mix combined with 1-2 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder for flavor. This will give you a similar sweet strawberry taste while keeping the cookie texture tender.
If your frosting feels too soft, add more powdered sugar a little at a time to thicken it up. Make sure your butter is properly softened-not melted-to hold the texture. Refrigerate the filled cookies briefly if needed to firm them up.
Definitely! Swap almond extract for lemon or orange extract for fruity brightness, or add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just adjust powdered sugar accordingly to keep the filling smooth.
Package them in a sturdy container with parchment or wax paper layers between cookies to prevent sticking. Keep in a cool place or refrigerate if your environment is warm. They'll stay fresh for several days and look lovely for gift-giving.
You Made It - Now Tell Me!
I'd love to hear how your batch of Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe turned out! Did you try any fun twists or add-ins? Please rate this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Pinning this post ensures you can find it the next time the craving hits-or when a friend needs a quick sweet fix. Happy baking, friends - these cookies are as much about joy as they are about flavor!
PrintComplete Recipe
Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe
These Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies combine the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake with a buttery, creamy filling. Perfectly soft and coated with sparkling sanding sugar, these sandwich cookies offer a delightful treat that's simple to bake and sure to please.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (15.25 oz) box Strawberry Cake Mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups sanding sugar (for rolling)
Filling
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened (note: butter is separated from dough amount)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (remaining from total)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (remaining from total)
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ⅛ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Add butter and salt: Add the softened butter and salt to the dough. Mix on low speed, gradually increasing, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Chill and shape cookies: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. While chilling, pour sanding sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop dough into 1 to 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls, roll into smooth balls, then coat evenly in sanding sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: Beat softened butter with remaining vanilla and almond extracts until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth, thick consistency.
- Finish frosting: Add heavy cream to the frosting and beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Assemble sandwich cookies: Pair cooled cookies. Spread a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Optionally, roll the sides of each filled cookie in extra sanding sugar for added sparkle and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is essential to make shaping and rolling easier and helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use room temperature butter for both dough and filling to achieve the best texture.
- Adjust frosting consistency with heavy cream and powdered sugar to suit your preference for spreading or piping.
- Store sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a stronger almond flavor, add a few extra drops of almond extract to the frosting.
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