Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

These Strawberry Sandwich Cookies are a fun and vibrant dessert perfect for any occasion. Their delightful strawberry flavor paired with creamy filling makes them irresistible. Quick to prepare, these cookies are ideal for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. With their soft cookie shells and luscious strawberry cream filling, each bite is a burst of sunshine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Made with cake mix, these cookies come together in just a few simple steps.
• Deliciously Fruity: The fresh strawberry flavor in both the cookies and filling offers a refreshing taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling sweetness or add different fruit purees for variety.
• Fun to Make: Involving kids in the sandwich-making process can turn baking into a joyful family activity.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Strawberry Sandwich Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie scoop or spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating ingredients together for smooth consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without worrying about spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking your cookies evenly.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes, leading to even baking.

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 Dough

In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the strawberry cake mix. Beat until well-combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm it up.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Form Cookie Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form chilled dough into balls about 2 inches wide. Place these balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Filling

Once cookie shells have cooled, prepare the filling. In another medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together pureed strawberries and cream cheese until smooth.

Step 7: Sweeten It Up

Slowly mix in powdered sugar, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Cookies

Use a piping bag or knife to spread frosting on the bottom of half of the cookies. Place another cookie on top of the frosting to create delicious sandwiches. Enjoy your Strawberry Sandwich Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

These strawberry sandwich cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways that can elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries for added flavor and a pop of color on the plate.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and a delightful presentation.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use the cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Simply add your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a refreshing treat.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled cookies to enhance their sweetness and create an eye-catching dessert.

Tea or Coffee Pairing

• Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or gatherings.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

To ensure your strawberry sandwich cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the cookie dough before baking. This helps prevent spreading and maintains shape during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and filling.
• Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for ingredients, especially flour and powdered sugar, to achieve the right consistency in your cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be soft in the center when you take them out to avoid becoming too hard.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix up the filling. Try incorporating different fruit purees or flavored cream cheese for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Pairing side dishes with strawberry sandwich cookies can enhance their appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad provides a fresh contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Consider using seasonal fruits like berries and melons.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and strawberries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements these cookies wonderfully.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of your dessert. Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar for variety.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of fruit or cookie halves into rich chocolate sauce.
5. Ice Cream: Serve scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side to amplify the flavors in your sandwich cookies.
6. Pistachio Crumble: A pistachio crumble adds nuttiness and crunch, providing an interesting textural contrast to the softness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry sandwich cookies can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes ensures your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Always refrigerate for at least one hour.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on the pan can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at 350°F before baking.
• Not cooling properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the pan for too long can make them soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack promptly after removing from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Strawberry sandwich cookies are delightful treats made by sandwiching cream cheese filling between soft strawberry-flavored cookie shells.

How do I make Strawberry Sandwich Cookies with cake mix?

To make strawberry sandwich cookies with cake mix, simply combine the cake mix with butter, egg, and vanilla, then bake and fill as per the recipe.

Can I customize my Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even replace strawberries with other fruit purees for different flavors.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Store leftover strawberry sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry sandwich cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile. With their vibrant flavor and creamy filling, they are perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or cookie flavors to make them your own!