Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

These Strawberry Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a soft cake-like texture. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, these cookies are not only easy to make but also visually appealing and delicious. With their creamy filling, they bring joy to any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or simply a sweet indulgence at home.

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.
Flavorful Delight: The combination of strawberry cake mix and fresh strawberry filling creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, making these cookies an excellent family activity.
Beautiful Presentation: Their vibrant color and creamy filling make them a stunning addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delightful strawberry sandwich cookies, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of what you’ll need to make this recipe a success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve smooth and creamy textures when mixing your ingredients.
Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.
Wire rack: Allows your cookies to cool properly while preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

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 fully incorporated.
Gradually add in the strawberry cake mix, beating until well-combined.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Shells

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

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Once cookie shells are cooled, prepare the filling by beating together pureed strawberries and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.
Slowly mix in powdered sugar, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the 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 a sandwich.

Now you have created beautiful and delicious strawberry sandwich cookies that are sure to impress! Enjoy your delightful treats with family and friends!

How to Serve Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry sandwich cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a medley of berries for a refreshing contrast.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange them on a colorful dessert platter with other sweets like brownies or mini cupcakes for an eye-catching display.

With Whipped Cream

Top each cookie sandwich with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flair.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon to create charming party favors for guests to take home.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

To make your strawberry sandwich cookies truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough before baking to help maintain the shape of your cookies and prevent spreading.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for pureeing; they will enhance the flavor of your filling significantly.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your filling before adding all the powdered sugar; adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
Pipe Evenly: When spreading or piping the filling, aim for even layers to ensure consistency in each cookie sandwich.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Pairing side dishes with strawberry sandwich cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy balance to the sweetness of the cookies. Serve it on the side or use it as an ice cream sandwich alternative.
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that complements the flavors of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits for added vibrancy.
Chocolate Mousse: Rich and velvety, chocolate mousse adds a decadent touch when served alongside strawberry cookies.
Lemon Sorbet: The zesty flavor of lemon sorbet offers a bright contrast and cleanses the palate after enjoying the sweet cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthier side dish that balances out indulgence.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta, paired with honey or fruit preserves, for a sophisticated touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making strawberry sandwich cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to inconsistent results. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
Bold skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to refrigerate your dough as instructed.
Bold overbaking the cookies: Baking cookies for too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re set but still soft.
Bold using cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese can make it hard to achieve a smooth filling. Allow it to soften at room temperature before mixing.
Bold not letting cookies cool completely: Filling warm cookies can lead to a messy situation. Always let your cookie shells cool completely before adding the frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your strawberry sandwich cookies in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F degrees, then warm the cookies for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place a cookie on a pan over low heat for a minute or so until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about strawberry sandwich cookies.

What are Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Strawberry sandwich cookies are delightful treats made with strawberry-flavored cake mix and filled with a creamy strawberry filling.

Can I customize my Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different fruit purees to the filling for added flavor and texture.

How do I make Strawberry Cream Whoopie Pies?

To make strawberry cream whoopie pies, simply follow this recipe but shape the dough into rounds instead of balls before baking.

How should I store leftover Strawberry Sandwich Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry sandwich cookies are not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various fillings or toppings based on your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!