Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

These Strawberry Sandwich Cookies are a charming treat that will capture your heart and taste buds. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, these cookies combine the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries with a delightful cream cheese filling. Not only are they easy to make with cake mix, but they are also visually appealing and perfect for any occasion—from picnics to birthday parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Fruity Flavor: The use of real strawberries in both the cookie shells and filling ensures a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions, these cookies can be enjoyed at parties, family gatherings, or as an afternoon snack.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant pink color of the strawberry cookies is sure to impress guests and brighten up any dessert table.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins to the cream cheese filling to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your strawberry sandwich cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Piping bag (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking cookies evenly while maintaining their shape.
• Piping bag: Allows for precise application of the cream cheese filling, giving a professional touch.

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

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

Step 2: Mix in the Cake Mix

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

Step 3: Preheat the 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 the Cookies

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 the Cookies

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Once cooled, prepare your filling. In another medium mixing bowl, beat together pureed strawberries and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 7: Add Powdered Sugar

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

Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Use a piping bag or knife to spread frosting on the bottom of half of the cookie shells. Place another cookie on top of each frosted shell to create delightful sandwiches.

Enjoy making these flavorful strawberry sandwich cookies; they’re sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry sandwich cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

For Afternoon Tea

• Serve with hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Pair with light sandwiches for a well-rounded tea experience.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags and tie with a ribbon.
• Place them on tables as sweet surprises for guests to take home.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries or mixed berries for added flavor.
• Drizzle some honey over the berries to enhance the sweetness.

On Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an exciting dessert twist.
• Create an ice cream sandwich by adding a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Creating perfect strawberry sandwich cookies takes just a few extra steps. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened properly for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cookie texture tender.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling as you add powdered sugar, adjusting it according to your preference.
• Piping Technique: If using a piping bag, practice your technique on parchment paper before decorating your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry sandwich cookies pair well with many delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when serving them.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs nicely with the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses, including softer varieties that balance the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade offsets the rich flavors of strawberry sandwich cookies perfectly.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that adds decadence.
6. Nut Mix: A mix of salted nuts provides a crunchy contrast and enhances flavors in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making strawberry sandwich cookies, even small oversights can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least one hour.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a softer texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can disrupt the balance. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring cooling time: If you don’t let the cookies cool properly, they may break when sandwiching. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Using warm filling: A warm filling can melt your cookie shells. Ensure both the cookies and filling are at room temperature before assembly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Make sure cookies are fully cooled before freezing.

Reheating Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350F and heat cookies for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about strawberry sandwich cookies that will help enhance your baking experience.

How do I make strawberry sandwich cookies?

To make strawberry sandwich cookies, you’ll mix cake mix with butter, egg, and vanilla, form into balls, bake them, and fill with cream cheese and pureed strawberries.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors in your sandwich cookies.

What is the best way to store strawberry sandwich cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

How to make strawberry cream whoopie pies?

You can follow the same recipe but shape them into whoopie pie style by using larger dollops of filling between two cookie shells.

Can I customize my filling?

Absolutely! You can add flavor extracts like almond or lemon zest to your filling or mix in chopped fruit pieces for added texture.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry sandwich cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to impress at any gathering. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to make them truly your own!