Introduction to Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with a modern twist, look no further than Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, reminiscent of the beloved strawberry crunch ice cream bars we all grew up with. With a moist cookie base, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of that delicious strawberry crunch topping, every bite transports you straight back to those warm summer days.
Why Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies are the Perfect Treat
What makes these cookies special? For one, they marry the sweet burst of strawberries with a creamy richness that appeals to both kids and adults alike. You're not just getting a cookie; you're indulging in layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—great for gatherings, a snack with your afternoon tea, or a simple dessert after dinner.
Each cookie not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also invites conversations. Picture this: You’re at a picnic, the sun is shining, and everyone is raving about your strawberry crunch shortcake cookies. Want to impress your friends? Check out our full recipe below and get ready to bake something unforgettable!
Read More about the deliciousness of strawberries and why they are such a popular treat in desserts!
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Creating the perfect strawberry crunch shortcake cookies involves gathering some delightful ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to whip up this sweet treat!
Breakdown of Strawberry Crunch Topping Ingredients
The crunchy topping is what takes these cookies to the next level! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 oz box of instant vanilla pudding mix: For creaminess and flavor.
- 3 oz box of strawberry jello mix: To add that classic strawberry zing!
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and holds it all together.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (divided): For structure in your crumble.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
No cookie is complete without frosting! Gather these creamy ingredients for a luscious topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature: For a rich and creamy base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Ensures a smooth blend.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetness is key!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that delightful aromatic flavor.
Strawberry Cookie Ingredients
Finally, let’s ensure your cookies are deliciously strawberry-flavored:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box strawberry cake mix: The star of the show for that unforgettable taste.
- 2 large eggs: Binding everything together.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Gives the cookies their moist texture.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making strawberry crunch shortcake cookies that friends and family will adore! If you're eager to experiment with the flavors, consider checking out these strawberry dessert recipes for more inspiration!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Creating the perfect strawberry crunch shortcake cookies is not only a delightful experience but also an excellent way to impress friends and family. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these delicious and nostalgic cookies that embody a blend of moist cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping. Let’s dive in!
Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your toppings get that nice, crispy texture while baking.
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Combine Ingredients: In two separate bowls, mix the instant vanilla pudding and the strawberry jello. To each bowl, add ¼ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter and all-purpose flour. Stir each mixture until you achieve a thick dough-like consistency.
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Create the Swirl: Gently combine the two doughs for a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
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Bake: Spread the combined dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 11 minutes. When perfectly baked, take it out and let it cool to room temperature. If you’re impatient, placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes can speed up the cooling process.
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Crumb the Topping: Once cooled, crumble the mixture with your hands until you have a texture that resembles the beloved strawberry crunch topping. Set this aside—it’s a star player in your strawberry crunch shortcake cookies!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, ½ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Beat Until Smooth: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until you achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting. Set this aside, and feel free to sneak in a taste—it's irresistible!
Bake the Strawberry Cookies
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Preheat Again: Set your oven back to 350°F (175°C) if it’s cooled down.
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, blend together a box of strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, and ⅓ cup of vegetable oil until a dough forms.
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Scoop the Dough: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out roughly ¼ cup of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remember to leave enough space between each scoop, as they will spread during baking!
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Bake: Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before moving on.
Assemble the Cookies
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Frosting Time: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
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Add the Crunch: Finish off your creation by sprinkling the prepared strawberry crunch topping over the frosting.
Chill and Serve
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Final Chill: Place your assembled cookies in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Ready to Enjoy: After chilling, serve these delectable strawberry crunch shortcake cookies at your next gathering or simply treat yourself after a long day.
By following these steps, you’ll not only bring back nostalgic flavors but also create a delicious masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy baking!
Variations on Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Gluten-Free Option
If you're looking to enjoy strawberry crunch shortcake cookies but need a gluten-free alternative, don't worry! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the strawberry cake mix you choose is also gluten-free - many brands offer delicious options that cater to dietary restrictions. You won’t sacrifice flavor or texture, and you’ll still enjoy those delightful strawberry vibes!
Alternative Frosting Ideas
Looking to change things up? Here are a couple of delicious options for frosting your strawberry crunch shortcake cookies:
- Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: Lighten your frosting by adding more whipped cream to your cream cheese base for a fluffier alternative.
- Chocolate Ganache: For a rich twist, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top of your cookies instead of frosting. The combination of chocolate and strawberry is simply divine!
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite variation! For more ideas on how to customize your cookies, check out this resource for inspiration.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Ingredient Tips
When making strawberry crunch shortcake cookies, always choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for premium strawberry cake mix to enhance that fresh berry taste. For the creamy frosting, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy blending. If you're feeling adventurous, consider using homemade strawberry puree for an extra burst of flavor!
Baking Tips
Baking these cookies can be a breeze with a couple of handy tricks. Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Don’t forget to chill the cookies completely before frosting—this helps the cream cheese icing set just right. If you want an even crunchier texture, consider briefly toasting the crumble topping in the oven for a minute or two! For more helpful baking ideas, check out sources like King Arthur Baking and Serious Eats.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies
These delightful strawberry crunch shortcake cookies can brighten up any occasion. For a classic touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Consider serving them alongside fruity herbal teas, like chamomile or strawberry basil, for a refreshing twist. If you prefer something a bit more spirited, a sparkling lemonade or non-alcoholic strawberry spritzer would complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
How to Present Them
When it comes to presentation, let your creativity shine! Arrange your cookies on a colorful plate, and add fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a pop of color. You could also stack them in a clear glass jar, creating an appealing display that invites guests to indulge. A sprinkle of extra strawberry crunch on top will elevate the look, making these treats not only delicious but visually enticing as well!
For more delicious ideas and recipes, check out The Spruce Eats for inspiration.
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Preparation Time
Getting these strawberry crunch shortcake cookies ready is a fun process that takes about 1 hour. This includes making the strawberry crunch topping and cream cheese frosting, so have your baking gear at the ready!
Cooking Time
Once you’ve mixed up your dough and get those cookies in the oven, the cooking time is 30 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to clean up a bit and prepare for that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Although it sounds like a bit of a commitment, trust me—your taste buds will be thanking you once you indulge in these delightful cookies. If you want to speed things up, consider making the toppings and frosting ahead of time!
For those interested in the charm of homemade treats, check out sources like The Spruce Eats for more ideas and tips on baking fun!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Calories Per Cookie
Each strawberry crunch shortcake cookie contains approximately 150 calories, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoying one won't derail your efforts to maintain a balanced diet!
Key Nutritional Information
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Each cookie offers a sweet indulgence, combining the delicious flavors of strawberry with creamy frosting. These strawberry crunch shortcake cookies can be a fun addition to your snack rotation, especially if you're a fan of strawberry desserts!
For more in-depth information about cookies and their nutrition, check out Healthline's guide on desserts.
FAQ about Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! These delightful strawberry crunch shortcake cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they're completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, so you can enjoy that scrumptious flavor anytime!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you're looking for a cream cheese substitute, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar texture and flavor. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Each will bring its unique twist to the frosting while keeping that delicious experience intact!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness for about a week. Just ensure they are sealed well to avoid drying out.
For more tips on storing baked goods, check out The Spruce Eats.
Conclusion on Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These strawberry crunch shortcake cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that are sure to impress! Their moist texture and rich cream cheese frosting topped with crunchy strawberry bits create a nostalgic treat reminiscent of your favorite summer snacks. Don’t hesitate to bake a batch today, and be sure to share your delicious results! Print the recipe or save it to your favorite boards on Pinterest!
Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Hand Mixer
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Ice cream scoop
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 3 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 oz strawberry jello mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter divided
- ½ cup all purpose flour divided
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cookie
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- To one bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding and to another bowl, add the strawberry jello. Then to each bowl, add ¼ cup of butter and ¼ cup of all purpose flour. Mix each one until a thick paste/dough forms.
- Combine the two doughs just a bit so they're swirled into each other but don't mix too much.
- Spread flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop in the oven to bake for 8 to 11 minutes.
- Take out of the oven and allow it to cool down to room temp. For faster chilling, transfer to freezer for 30 minutes.
- Then crumble it up with your hands really well until it looks like strawberry crunch crumble. Set aside.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- To a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer and beat for about 2 minutes until it's smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
Bake the Cookies and Assemble
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Combine with a rubber spatula until a dough forms.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out the dough using an ice cream scoop, about ¼ cup portions. Make sure they are spaced apart as they do spread.
- Bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Allow to cool down completely.
- Once the cookies are at room temperature, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting and add the strawberry crumble on top.
- Pop in the fridge to chill for an hour and then enjoy!
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