Indulging in sweet treats is always a delight, and Strawberry Crunch Cake Cookies bring a unique twist to the traditional cookie.
These cookies are not only easy to make but also pack a flavorful punch with the combination of strawberry cake mix, a crunchy graham cracker and freeze-dried strawberry topping, and a luscious vanilla icing.
Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or oil of your choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Vanilla icing (I used Duncan Hines)
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Graham crackers (about 1/2 a pack)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Baking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake your cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of strawberry cake mix, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, forming a smooth dough.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The cookies should be set and slightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
While the cookies are baking, prepare the crunchy topping. In a food processor, mixer, or a ziplock bag (using a rolling pin to crush), combine about 1/2 a pack of graham crackers, some freeze-dried strawberries, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Crush or grind the mixture until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
Step 6: Melt the Icing
Melt the vanilla icing by microwaving it in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. If more melting is needed, continue heating in 15-second intervals until the icing is smooth and runny.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. This will help them firm up slightly and make them easier to handle.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the melted vanilla icing, ensuring an even coating. Immediately after dipping, press the iced side of the cookie into the prepared strawberry and graham cracker mixture, covering the icing with a delicious crunch.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Your Strawberry Crunch Cake Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed. These cookies are best served fresh, and the combination of soft cookie, creamy icing, and crunchy topping is simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing (or not!), these cookies are a delightful treat for any strawberry lover.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool just enough to handle but still warm enough for the icing to stick well.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Strawberry Crunch Cake Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a fun, handheld form.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Happy baking! 🍓🫶🏽