Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Nostalgic Flavor: I enjoy how these cookies capture the essence of the classic ice cream bars, bringing back fond memories with every bite.
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Easy to Make: Using a strawberry cake mix simplifies the process, allowing me to whip up these cookies without much hassle.
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Perfect Texture: The combination of soft cookies, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping creates a satisfying texture that I can’t resist.
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Customizable: I sometimes experiment with different flavors of cake mix or add-ins to put my own spin on the recipe.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
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1 box (15 ounces) strawberry cake mix
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
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3-ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
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3-ounce box strawberry gelatin mix
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (divided)
Directions
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Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping: I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In one bowl, I mix the vanilla pudding mix, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup butter until a dough forms. In another bowl, I combine the strawberry gelatin mix, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup butter to form a second dough. I crumble both doughs together, spread them on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 7–10 minutes until the edges are golden. After cooling, I crush the mixture into small pieces.
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Make the Cookies: I reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, I mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a dough forms. Using a cookie scoop, I portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I bake for 8–11 minutes until the edges are set. After baking, I let the cookies cool completely.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, I beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. I add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
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Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, I spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on each one and sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the frosting.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: Makes 12 cookies
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Prep Time: 1 hour (includes cooling time)
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Different Cake Mix Flavors: I sometimes use vanilla or lemon cake mix for a different flavor profile.
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Add Fresh Strawberries: For a fresh twist, I add diced strawberries to the cookie dough.
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Chocolate Drizzle: I drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the assembled cookies for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: I store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: I freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw them at room temperature, frost, and add the topping.
FAQs
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake the cookies a day in advance and store them unfrosted. I add the frosting and topping just before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix?
Absolutely, I sometimes make my own strawberry cake mix from scratch if I prefer to avoid boxed mixes.
Is there a substitute for the strawberry gelatin mix?
If I don’t have strawberry gelatin mix, I use freeze-dried strawberries blended into a powder as an alternative.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives to make the frosting suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
I chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of a beloved ice cream bar with the comfort of homemade cookies. I love how easy they are to make and how they bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are always a hit.
Print
Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These nostalgic strawberry crunch cookies start with a cake mix base and are topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting and a buttery strawberry crumble.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 box (15 oz) strawberry cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
Instructions
Make Crunch Topping:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In one bowl, mix vanilla pudding mix, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup butter until crumbly.
In another bowl, mix strawberry gelatin, remaining 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup butter.
Crumble both doughs onto baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes until slightly golden. Let cool, then crush into fine crumbs.
Prepare Cookies:
Lower oven temperature to 350°F (if needed).
In a large bowl, mix strawberry cake mix, eggs, and oil until dough forms.
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–11 minutes or until edges are set. Cool completely.
Make Frosting:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
Assemble Cookies:
Spread frosting on each cooled cookie. Sprinkle generously with the prepared strawberry crunch topping.
Notes
Chill cookie dough before baking to prevent spreading.
Use freeze-dried strawberry powder if strawberry gelatin is unavailable.
For a fresh touch, add diced strawberries to the dough.
Frosting can be made dairy-free with plant-based butter and cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (includes cooling)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
