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A Treat That Brings Back Childhood Memories
There’s something about strawberry-flavored desserts that instantly takes me back to childhood. Maybe it’s the memory of enjoying pink-frosted birthday cakes, the delight of a strawberry milkshake on a warm afternoon, or the simple joy of biting into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes like happiness.
I first made these Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies when I was searching for an easy yet special dessert to bring to a family gathering. I wanted something that felt homemade but required minimal effort, something that was playful and fun, yet sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy too. When I stumbled upon the idea of using cake mix to make soft, chewy cookies, I knew I had found something magical.
As I mixed the dough, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries. When the cookies baked to a light, fluffy perfection, I knew they would be delicious. But the real magic happened when I sandwiched them with a rich almond buttercream filling—one bite, and it was pure bliss.
These cookies are now a staple at every celebration, from Valentine’s Day to baby showers and simple Sunday afternoons when we crave something sweet. They are easy to make, incredibly soft, and packed with strawberry flavor, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.
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Why These Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
1. Super Soft and Chewy
The cake mix base makes these cookies incredibly soft and light, with a delicate chew that melts in your mouth.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With just four ingredients for the cookies and a simple buttercream filling, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for last-minute baking.
3. A Fun and Playful Dessert
The vibrant pink color and fluffy almond buttercream make these cookies look as fun as they taste.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, or afternoon tea, they fit any celebration.
5. Customizable and Versatile
You can swap out the flavors, fillings, and decorations to create an entirely different treat every time.
Berry-Infused Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (Duncan Hines or similar)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups sanding sugar (for rolling)
For the Almond Buttercream Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅛ cup heavy cream
- 6 cups powdered sugar
How to Make These Delightful Sandwich Cookies
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil until just combined.
- Shape and Roll:
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sanding sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Buttercream:
- Whip butter until fluffy, then mix in salt, vanilla, almond extract, and cream.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
- Pipe or spread buttercream onto one cookie, then top with another to create a sandwich.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie Sandwich, Approximate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 30g
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Sandwich Cookies
1. Choose the Right Cake Mix
For the best results, use a high-quality strawberry cake mix. Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker both work well, but any brand around 15.25 oz will do.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can make them dense.
3. Roll the Dough in Sanding Sugar
Rolling the cookie dough in sanding sugar before baking gives them a slight crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft.
4. Let the Cookies Cool Completely Before Filling
Warm cookies can melt the buttercream, so be patient and let them cool to room temperature before assembling.
5. Use a Piping Bag for a Professional Finish
A large round piping tip or a simple plastic bag with the tip snipped off makes filling the cookies quick, easy, and even.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies
- Dip half of each assembled cookie sandwich in melted white or dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.
- Sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberry powder for extra flavor.
2. Lemon-Strawberry Fusion
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Swap the almond buttercream for lemon-flavored frosting.
3. Berry-Infused Buttercream
- Mix in strawberry jam or pureed raspberries into the buttercream for a fruitier, slightly tangy filling.
4. Vanilla Bean Delight
- Replace the almond extract with vanilla bean paste for a classic, creamy vanilla flavor.
5. Holiday-Themed Variations
- Roll the cookies in red and green sanding sugar for Christmas, or pastel sprinkles for Easter.
- Add heart-shaped sprinkles to make them perfect for Valentine’s Day.
How to Serve These Delightful Cookies
1. Paired with a Cup of Tea or Coffee
The rich buttercream and soft cookie texture make these a perfect match for a warm beverage.
2. As a Beautiful Gift Box Treat
Package them in a pastel gift box with tissue paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
3. At a Baby Shower or Birthday Party
Serve them on a tiered dessert tray alongside macarons and cupcakes for a stunning display.
4. As a Frozen Summer Treat
Freeze the sandwich cookies for a refreshing, ice cream sandwich-like experience.
5. With a Scoop of Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Cookies in Advance?
Yes! These cookies store well for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- At Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- In the Refrigerator: Up to a week, ensuring the buttercream stays fresh.
- In the Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months and add the buttercream after thawing.
3. Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! Try using red velvet, lemon, or vanilla cake mix for a different twist.
4. What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
Simply substitute with more vanilla extract, or try using coconut or raspberry extract for a fun variation.
5. How Do I Make the Cookies Thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
6. Can I Make These Without Buttercream?
Yes! These cookies are delicious on their own or with a chocolate or cream cheese filling instead.
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7. What’s the Best Way to Get Evenly Sized Cookies?
Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size and even baking. A 1-inch scoop makes about 12 sandwich cookies.
A Sweet Treat Worth Sharing
These Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity, sweetness, and nostalgia. They bring together the convenience of a cake mix with the elegance of homemade buttercream, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a special gift, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day, these cookies never fail to impress. They’re proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy.
So go ahead—bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy a bite of strawberry bliss!