The scent of warm vanilla and fresh strawberries filled my childhood home whenever my grandmother baked, making the kitchen feel like the sweetest place on earth. Those memories inspired my love for baking, especially when making soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies. There’s something magical about biting into a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with just the right balance of fruity sweetness and creamy filling.
Soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of joy in every bite. Whether shared at a family gathering, gifted to a friend, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these cookies bring comfort and nostalgia. Best of all, they come together effortlessly with a cake mix, so even the busiest baker can create something delightful in no time.
Why You’ll Love Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
- Easy to make: Only a few ingredients are required.
- Deliciously soft and chewy: The perfect texture for a sandwich cookie.
- Versatile: Switch up the flavors by using different cake mixes.
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for parties, bake sales, or family desserts.
- Customizable: Add fillings, toppings, or drizzle with white chocolate.
First: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box of strawberry cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups sanding sugar (for rolling)
For the Almond Buttercream Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 cup heavy cream
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip snipped off)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Second: Making the Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or mix by hand until fully combined.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop the dough using a 1-inch cookie scoop. Roll each ball in sanding sugar for a decorative and crunchy texture.
- Bake the cookies: Place them 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool before assembling.
Third: Preparing the Almond Buttercream Filling
- Whip the butter: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add flavoring: Mix in salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust consistency: If needed, add more heavy cream for a smoother texture.
Fourth: Assembling the Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
- Fill a piping bag with the almond buttercream frosting.
- Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
For those who love experimenting with different desserts, you might also enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies recipe that takes a fun twist on classic flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality cake mix result in the best cookies.
- Chill the dough (if needed): If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Customize flavors: Try different extracts or fillings like whipped cream or chocolate ganache.
Looking for more delicious desserts? This Easy Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe is another must-try treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
- Skipping the sanding sugar: This adds a delightful crunch and enhances texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Stir just until combined to maintain softness.
- Using melted butter instead of oil: Oil ensures a soft texture, while melted butter may make the cookies too dense.
- Filling too soon: Always allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
If you’re a fan of indulgent treats, you might also enjoy these Crescent Cheesecake Bars, another simple yet satisfying dessert.
FAQs About Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Absolutely! Red velvet, lemon, or vanilla cake mixes work wonderfully.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! Freeze baked cookies (without filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw and add buttercream before serving.
Q: How do I make these cookies chewier?
A: Slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Q: Can I make these cookies egg-free?
A: Yes! Substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
Conclusion
Soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies are an effortless yet impressive treat. With their chewy texture, rich almond buttercream filling, and vibrant pink color, they’re perfect for any celebration. Plus, they’re simple enough for even novice bakers to master.
Try this recipe and share your experience! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. Happy baking!
PrintSoft Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies are filled with a luscious almond buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a sweet treat with coffee!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 9 mins
- Total Time: 19 mins
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box of strawberry cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups sanding sugar (for rolling)
For the Almond Buttercream Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 cup heavy cream
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
First: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop the dough using a 1-inch cookie scoop and roll each ball in sanding sugar for added texture.
- Place cookie dough balls 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Second: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on a wire rack completely before assembling.
Third: Make the Buttercream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip the butter until light and fluffy.
- Add salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream, then mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency with more heavy cream if needed.
Fourth: Assemble the Cookies
- Fill a piping bag with buttercream frosting.
- Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto the flat side of a cookie.
- Place another cookie on top and press gently to form a sandwich.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
For variety, swap the strawberry cake mix with red velvet, lemon, or vanilla for a different twist. These cookies also taste amazing with a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 sandwich cookies
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~120mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg
Keywords: soft strawberry cookies, cake mix cookies, sandwich cookies, strawberry desserts, baking with cake mix, easy cookie recipes, almond buttercream cookies