Name: Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15.25 ounces (432 grams) strawberry cake mix, Duncan Hines; 2 large whole eggs; 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil; 2 sticks (1 cup or 227 grams) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 pinch salt; 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sanding sugar (for rolling); 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) heavy cream; 6 cups (720 grams) powdered sugar

Baking sweet treats brings pure joy, especially when you stumble upon a soft strawberry cake mix sandwich cookies recipe that melts in your mouth.

These delightful cookies combine the classic comfort of cake mix with a burst of fruity flavor.

The soft, pillowy texture makes them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and strawberry essence.

Homemade cookies like these create moments of pure happiness and warmth.

The simple ingredients and easy preparation mean you can whip up a batch in no time.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch these cookies become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Why These Sandwich Cookies Are So Soft and Fun

Enjoy perfectly tender cookies that stay soft and melt-in-your-mouth, thanks to the careful baking technique that keeps the centers slightly underbaked.
Impress family and friends with these gorgeous strawberry sandwich cookies that look professional but are incredibly easy to create, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just because.
Experiment with different extracts or add food coloring to the buttercream to create unique variations that match any occasion or personal preference.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Cake Mix: A sweet and convenient base that provides the primary flavor and texture for the cookies.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, tender cookie.

Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

Coating and Sugar:

Sanding Sugar: Provides a sparkling, crunchy exterior and adds a sweet crunch to the cookies.

Buttercream Filling:

Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting with a smooth, luxurious texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream filling.
Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a silky, spreadable consistency for the frosting.

Additional Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

How to Make and Fill These Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Grab your stand mixer and combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, and oil.

Mix until just blended, creating a thick, luxurious dough.

Step 2: Roll in Sweet Crystal Coating

Sprinkle sanding sugar onto a plate.

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to:

Scoop dough
Shape into round balls
Roll each ball in sparkling sugar crystals

Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake to Soft Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the oven.

Bake for 7-9 minutes.

Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center – this ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Buttercream

Using the stand mixer, whip butter until it becomes light and airy.

Add:

Salt
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Heavy cream

Mix thoroughly.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, adding small amounts at a time.

Whip on high speed for 2 minutes until the frosting becomes silky smooth.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in a bit more cream.

Step 5: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

Pipe a generous swirl of buttercream on the bottom of one cookie.

Gently press a second cookie on top, creating a delectable sandwich cookie.

Your strawberry treats are ready to enjoy!

Tips for Even Cookies and Creamy Centers

Coat dough balls evenly in sanding sugar for a delightful, sparkling exterior that adds crunch and sweetness to each cookie.
Pull cookies from the oven when centers look slightly soft to ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays moist.
Adjust heavy cream gradually to achieve the perfect piping consistency – smooth, spreadable, and not too runny or stiff.
Combine vanilla and almond extracts for a sophisticated, multilayered flavor profile that elevates the strawberry cake mix base.
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential crumbling and helping them set perfectly.

Keeping Sandwich Cookies Fresh for Longer

Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent softness loss.
If cookies become slightly dry, place a small piece of bread in the container overnight to restore moisture and softness.

Fun Drinks or Snacks to Pair With These Cookies

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Sandwich Cookies:

Brew Creamy Iced Tea: Craft a chilled lavender-infused black tea that complements the sweet strawberry notes and cuts through the rich buttercream.
Select Smooth Prosecco: Pour a light, bubbly Italian prosecco with crisp apple undertones that enhances the cookie's delicate strawberry flavor and provides a refreshing contrast.
Match with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small medley of fresh raspberries and blueberries to amplify the strawberry profile and add natural brightness to the dessert experience.
Craft Vanilla Latte: Prepare a smooth vanilla latte with subtle caramel undertones that harmonizes with the cookie's sweet profile and provides a warm, comforting accompaniment.

Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free strawberry cake mix, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
Vegan Strawberry Dream: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap butter with vegan butter alternatives for a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Summer Treat: Utilize sugar-free cake mix and replace sanding sugar with monk fruit sweetener, creating a lighter dessert for diabetic-friendly options.
Dairy-Free Fruity Sandwich: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter substitute in frosting, making the recipe accessible for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! You can swap the strawberry cake mix for other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti to create different cookie variations.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk, though a stand mixer makes the process easier and faster.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly underbaked centers and edges that are just set. They should look soft but not wet, typically after 7-9 minutes of baking.

Can I make the buttercream ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the buttercream filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.

Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Sweet Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe for All

Why These Sandwich Cookies Are So Soft and Fun