Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

These Strawberry Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the softness of cake mix cookies. Perfect for any spring or summer gathering, these cookies are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Their unique combination of a soft cookie shell and creamy filling makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Light and Fluffy: The cake mix gives these cookies a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home with family.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of fruit purees for the filling.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant pink color from the strawberry cake mix makes these cookies as attractive as they are tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these strawberry sandwich cookies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort by ensuring your butter and filling ingredients are smoothly combined.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components without mixing flavors until you’re ready.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking, giving your cookies that perfect texture.

Ingredients

These delightful strawberry sandwich cookies are made with cake mix, making them a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer!

For the Cookie Shells:

• 15.25-oz box strawberry cake mix
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons pureed strawberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter until smooth.
2. Add in egg and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
3. Add in strawberry cake mix, beating until well-combined.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form chilled dough into balls about 2 inches wide.
4. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
6. Let cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. Once cookie shells are cooled, prepare filling by beating together pureed strawberries and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.
2. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Use a piping bag or knife to spread frosting on the bottom of half of the cookies.
2. Place another cookie on top of the frosting to create the sandwich.

Now you have delicious Strawberry Sandwich Cookies ready to impress your friends and family! Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry sandwich cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve the cookies alongside fresh strawberries for a refreshing contrast. This pairing highlights the strawberry flavor and adds a juicy component.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other sweets like brownies and mini cupcakes. This makes for an appealing presentation at parties or celebrations.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie sandwich for extra creaminess. It complements the filling and adds a light texture.

As Part of Ice Cream Sundaes

• Crumble the cookies over ice cream sundaes for added crunch and flavor. They can also be used as cookie crumbles to mix into your favorite ice cream flavors.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these strawberry sandwich cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with both beverages.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Perfecting your strawberry sandwich cookies can take them from good to great! Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least an hour helps solidify the fats, leading to thicker, chewier cookie shells.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened properly. This allows for better mixing and smoother filling consistency.

• Measure Your Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you’re adding the right amounts, especially for flour and powdered sugar.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Fillings: Try different flavored fillings like lemon or raspberry for variety while keeping the base cookie consistent.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry sandwich cookies can create a delightful dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement their sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with crunchy cookie sandwiches.

3. Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Offer chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas as a decadent side that pairs wonderfully with strawberry flavors.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that offer a savory balance to sweet desserts.

5. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide a rich, creamy texture, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

6. Nut Mixes: Serve lightly salted nuts as a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with soft cookies, providing an interesting textural element.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry sandwich cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the chill time: Failing to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons carefully for best results.
• Overmixing the cookie batter: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, chewy texture.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing cookies from the oven too early can result in a doughy center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for flavor. Check that your baking soda or powder is fresh and that your strawberries are ripe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about strawberry sandwich cookies, here are some common questions answered.

What are Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Strawberry sandwich cookies are sweet treats made with two soft cookie shells filled with creamy strawberry filling.

Can I customize my Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or use different fruit purees for unique flavors.

How do I make Strawberry Sandwich Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix available at most grocery stores.

How long do Strawberry Sandwich Cookies last?

They will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry sandwich cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their bright flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a spring picnic or a summer gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite fillings or mix-ins. Enjoy making these sweet treats!