Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a treat that’s both nostalgic and dazzlingly pink, these Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies are pure joy in every bite! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth strawberry cookies, sparkling with sugar, and hiding a lush cloud of almond-scented buttercream inside. They’re the sort of cookies that taste like childhood birthdays, strawberry fields, and all things sweet and special. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or just want to spoil yourself, this irresistible cookie sandwich brings together the best of soft cake texture and creamy filling with zero fuss. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies lies in their simplicity: just a handful of staple ingredients are transformed into a showstopping treat. Every component is selected to make the cookies soft, flavorful, and a treat for the eyes!

• Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25oz): The shortcut base that gifts the cookies their soft, pillowy texture and vibrant berry flavor—no artificial taste here, just pure nostalgia!
• Large Eggs (2): Act as the binder, keeping the cookie dough soft and chewy while adding richness.
• Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Brings just the right amount of moisture, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
• Sanding Sugar (1 1/2 cup): For rolling—brings a shimmer and gentle crunch that feels oh-so-festive.
• Unsalted Butter (2 sticks or 1 cup): The heart of our buttercream, whipped for that creamy, luscious texture.
• Salt (1 pinch): Enhances flavors, balancing the sweetness and making everything pop.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the buttercream; don’t skip this!
• Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint elevates the filling with a subtle, unexpected twist.
• Heavy Cream (1/8 cup, plus more as needed): Softens the buttercream texture, making it dreamy and spreadable.
• Powdered Sugar (6 cups): Brings structure and sweetness to the buttercream—sift if you like extra smoothness.

How to Make Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Cookie Sheet

Set your oven to 350 degrees and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures that your cookies won’t stick and that they bake evenly, giving that signature soft bite every time.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil together just until combined. The dough will be thick and a cheerful shade of pink—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that lovely cake-like quality!

Step 3: Shape and Roll in Sanding Sugar

Spread your sanding sugar on a plate. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough, roll between your palms to shape a ball, then roll each ball in the glittering sugar until completely coated. Transfer the sparkly dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for a little spreading.

Step 4: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 7–9 minutes. They should puff and set but stay soft—look for barely golden bottoms. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely before the next glorious step: the buttercream!

Step 5: Make the Almond Buttercream Filling

While your cookies cool, whip up the buttercream. Cream the unsalted butter until light and fluffy, then blend in salt, vanilla, almond extract, and heavy cream. Beat in the powdered sugar gradually until the frosting is billowy and holds its shape. Need it a tad softer? Just add a splash more heavy cream. Spoon into a piping bag (with or without a tip) for easy assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Turn half the cookies over and pipe a flat swirl of buttercream onto the bottom. Gently top with another cookie and press ever so lightly to create your Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies. Each bite gives you a little crunch, a little cream, and a whole lot of happiness!

How to Serve Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

For a truly special touch, dust each cookie with a pinch of powdered sugar, or add a few sprinkles on top of the buttercream just before sandwiching. If you’re feeling extra, a small halved strawberry or a drizzle of white chocolate adds a bakery-worthy finish!

Side Dishes

Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies shine alongside light accompaniments like fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a bowl of whipped cream. For a party platter, pair them with mini lemon bars or chocolate-dipped fruit to round out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in glass jars tied with ribbons for sweet gift-giving, or serve them on a tiered platter for afternoon tea. You can even nestle each sandwich cookie in a cupcake wrapper and arrange them in a box as a vibrant and thoughtful homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just let them come to room temperature before biting in so the buttercream inside is soft and dreamy.

Freezing

To freeze, place assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these cookies, but if you prefer them a touch softer, leave them out at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer. This short rest brings back that bakery-soft texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the strawberry version is a classic, you can swap in chocolate, lemon, or even funfetti cake mix for your own twist on sandwich cookies. Just keep in mind that the color and flavor will change accordingly.

What is the best way to pipe the buttercream if I don’t have a piping bag?

No worries! If you don’t have a piping bag, simply spoon the buttercream into a zip-top bag and snip off a corner. It works beautifully for swirling and sandwiching the cookies.

Can I make these Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies gluten free?

Yes! Look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix at your local supermarket or specialty store. The method and measurements remain the same, so everyone can indulge.

My buttercream seems too thick—how can I fix it?

If your buttercream is too thick to spread or pipe, simply add more heavy cream, just a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Beat it well for extra fluffiness.

How do I get the sanding sugar to stick evenly to the dough balls?

Roll each dough ball firmly and press gently into the sanding sugar to coat on all sides. If the dough seems too dry, dampen your hands very slightly with water before rolling—that bit of moisture helps the sugar adhere perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully joyful about Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies—they’re fun to make, gorgeous to look at, and absolutely delicious to eat. However you serve or share them, you’ll find yourself craving just one more. Gather your favorite people (or just a good book and a cup of tea) and bake up a batch soon!

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