Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies are a delightful treat combining soft strawberry-flavored cake cookies topped with creamy, fluffy cream cheese frosting and a crunchy, sweet strawberry crumble. These cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and fruity flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for strawberry lovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 3 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 oz box strawberry jello mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (divided)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (divided)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cookie
- 1 (15.25 oz) box strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In one bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, mixing until a thick dough forms. In another bowl, do the same with the strawberry jello mix, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup flour. Gently combine the two doughs just enough to create a swirl effect without fully mixing. Spread the mixture flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 11 minutes. Once baked, let it cool to room temperature or speed up chilling by placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes. After cooling, crumble the baked topping into a fine strawberry crunch crumble and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the ingredients for about 2 minutes until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Set this frosting aside for assembling later.
- Bake the Cookies and Assemble: Preheat your oven again to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix with the eggs and vegetable oil until a cohesive dough forms, using a rubber spatula to combine thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then scoop the dough in approximately 1/4 cup portions using an ice cream scoop, spacing the cookies apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes and then allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie and generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch crumble over the frosting. Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to set the frosting and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can store the strawberry crunch topping in an airtight container if not used immediately.
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract to the frosting.
- These cookies are best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before eating if preferred.
- Make sure to space the cookie dough well on the baking sheet, as they spread during baking.
Keywords: Strawberry cookies, cream cheese frosting, strawberry crumble, shortcake cookies, dessert cookies, cake mix cookies
