Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies – Baking with Blondie
When I think back to warm summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the memory of her strawberries lingers in the air. The soft, sweet aroma would envelop us as we waited for the treats to come out of the oven. There was something magical about those moments, surrounded by the love of family and the joy of baking together. One treat that always brings back that joy for me is the Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies. The delicate, pillowy texture filled with sweet strawberry goodness feels like a gentle hug from my childhood, evoking the warmth and comfort of home.
Why This Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies – Baking with Blondie Means So Much
Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies aren’t just a recipe; they carry my family’s treasured memories within each bite. I first discovered this delightful treat while experimenting with cake mixes after a long day of school runs and cooking dinner. It quickly became a staple at our family gatherings. The laughter and smiles that accompany sharing these cookies echo the joyous conversations around the table.
For me, this recipe embodies the essence of family. I remember making these cookies with my children one rainy afternoon, flour dusting our noses and strawberry dough glistening in the light. The giggles, the flour fights, and the thrill of squeezing the sweet filling between the cookies made for an afternoon I’ll treasure forever. Each time we sit down to enjoy these together, we’re not just sharing cookies; we’re sharing love, laughter, and memories that weave our family closer together.
The Simple Process Behind It
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
The process of making Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies is like a gentle dance in the kitchen. There is a rhythm to gathering the ingredients, combining them, and watching the transformation from simple elements into something beautiful and delicious. As the eggs crack open, the bright yellow yolks glisten in the bowl, promising richness and flavor. The cake mix pours out in fluffy clouds, filling the kitchen with a sweet anticipation.
Each step is infused with joy as the batter thickens, inviting you to dive in with a spatula. You can feel the excitement building when you scoop the batter onto your baking sheet, the pink hue hinting at the delightful flavor to come. Once they bake, the cookie aroma fills your home, wrapping around you like a beloved blanket, drawing everyone in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake these Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies, gather these ingredients together:
- One box of strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup of softened butter (fresh butter gives this its richness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (a little extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma)
- 1 to 2 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk (or enough to reach your desired frosting consistency)
- A pinch of salt
Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing flavor and texture to these delightful cookies. Feel free to chat with your kids as you gather them, making the kitchen a space of memories and laughs even before the treats begin to bake.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the exciting first step that signals the beginning of our baking adventure.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and strawberry cake mix until combined. The mixture should be soft and pastel pink, a delightful preview of the cookies to come.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Take a moment to savor the sweet smell wafting from your bowl as the colors blend harmoniously.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated; this will add that lovely depth of flavor that rounds out the cookies beautifully.
- Using a cookie scoop, place rounded teaspoons of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spacing them apart allows them to spread slightly, forming those charming cookie shapes we love.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when the edges are just set and the tops look soft and a little puffy. Breathe in the aroma that fills your kitchen; it’s pure bliss.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is when you can appreciate the beauty of a perfectly baked cookie.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach the perfect spreading consistency.
- Once the cookies have cooled, flip half of them upside down. Spread a generous layer of frosting on each one, then press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. You did it!
Serving Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies – Baking with Blondie With Family Warmth
Gathering around the table to share these Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures. We often enjoy them after dinner, with stories shared over warm cups of tea or glasses of milk. The kids love to create their own towers of cookie sandwiches, sometimes sneaking an extra bite or two before it’s time to serve.
When I plate these cookies, I remember my grandmother’s special touch, always garnishing with a small dusting of powdered sugar or a single fresh strawberry. It’s those little details that make sweet moments even sweeter. As I serve them to my family, I cherish the smiles that bloom across their faces—it’s as if each bite lifts the spirits of the whole table.
Keeping It Fresh and Comforting
Storing Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies is as simple as taking care to preserve those delightful flavors. Place them in an airtight container, where they can stay fresh for several days. If you happen to have leftovers (though in our home, that’s quite rare), the flavors mellow and deepen, making the cookies taste even better the next day.
If you want to bring them back to their original glory, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. That warm, gooey center is an irresistible treat that everyone will love. It feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Little Lessons From My Kitchen
- Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve that creamy, fluffy texture we adore in our cookies. If you forget to take it out in advance, just microwave it for a few seconds, being careful not to melt it completely.
- Feel free to customize: If you’re not a big strawberry fan, you could swap out the cake mix with any other flavor you love. Chocolate, lemon, or vanilla can all create delightful twists on this beloved recipe.
- Experiment with frosting: Try adding a little bit of cream cheese to your frosting for a tangy twist, or mix in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor and texture.
- Cleanup can be easy: Keep a damp cloth nearby as you work. It’s great for wiping down sticky surfaces and makes the entire process feel less overwhelming.
- Sized for sharing: If you have little hands in the kitchen, consider making mini versions of these cookies for smaller bites. It’s a fun way for kids to feel involved and makes for cute, tiny treats.
Family Variations on Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies – Baking with Blondie
Every family adds its own spin to beloved recipes, and ours is no different. One of my children’s favorite twists is to add chocolate chips to the cookie dough, folding them in just before scooping them onto the baking sheet. The combination of strawberry and chocolate is a delightful surprise that makes these cookies extra special.
Another variation we love is creating seasonal flavors. In the fall, we add a touch of pumpkin spice to the frosting for a cozy autumn feel. During the holidays, a hint of peppermint extract in the frosting can transform these cookies into festive delights that greet our guests with joyful holiday cheer.
Sharing these variations with friends during potlucks or holiday gatherings often starts a conversation about their family’s favorite flavors. It’s a beautiful way to connect through food and create even more memories together.
FAQs About Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies – Baking with Blondie
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their soft texture.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. You can freeze the unfilled cookies for a couple of months. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
What if I can’t find strawberry cake mix?
You can easily make your own strawberry-flavored cookies by adding strawberry puree or extract to a vanilla cake mix. It’s a wonderful alternative that keeps everything delightful.
How should I store the leftover frosting?
Store any remaining frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for about a week, and you can use it on other treats like cupcakes or cakes.
Are there any nut-free options?
This recipe does not include nuts, so it is naturally nut-free. But, do check your cake mix and other ingredients to ensure there are no hidden allergens if you are serving someone with allergy concerns.
A Warm Note From My Kitchen
Baking Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a vessel for love, laughter, and memories. As you pull these beautiful cookies out of your oven, I hope they bring a little warmth and inspiration to your kitchen, just as they do in mine. May they find their way into your family’s heart and home, creating sweet moments that last far beyond the last crumb. Here’s to many joyful afternoons spent making, sharing, and savoring with loved ones, one cookie at a time.
Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup softened butter Fresh butter gives richness
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use a little extra for more aroma
- a pinch salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar For the frosting
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired frosting consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and strawberry cake mix until combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop, place rounded teaspoons of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Pull them out when the edges are just set and the tops look soft and a little puffy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- While the cookies cool, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies have cooled, flip half of them upside down and spread a generous layer of frosting on each, then press another cookie on top.