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When the sun starts shining and the strawberries begin to blush with sweetness, my thoughts inevitably drift to baking. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the vibrant color and fruity aroma of strawberry desserts. Recently, I had a burst of inspiration to create Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies with Almond Buttercream—an easy, three-ingredient wonder that quickly became the star of my dessert table.

These cookies are nothing short of magic: soft, tender, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, they are essentially shortcake dreams come true. And let’s not forget the almond buttercream that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary with its creamy, dreamy texture and nutty undertones. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations, this simple recipe is a delightful way to bring a splash of joy to your baking routine. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure!

Why are Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies a must-try?

Delightful Flavor: Each bite brings a vibrant strawberry burst, making these cookies incredibly refreshing.
Quick to Make: With only three key ingredients, they come together in no time, perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are bound to impress your friends and family, turning any gathering into a sweet celebration!
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up—try lemon or chocolate cake mix for a new twist. These cookies shine for every occasion, helping you ditch fast food for homemade goodness. Enjoy them today and don’t forget to check out my other favorites like 3-ingredient cookies for more quick baking inspiration!

Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies

Strawberry Cake Mix – Delivers a sweet and fruity flavor; you can substitute with chocolate or vanilla cake mix for different tastes.
Large Eggs (2) – Adds essential moisture and structure to the cookies; no substitutes recommended for best results.
Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup) – Keeps cookies soft and adds fat; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a unique twist.
Sanding Sugar (1 1/2 cups) – Provides a delightful crunch on the cookie surface; granulated sugar can work if sanding sugar is unavailable.

For the Almond Buttercream

Unsalted Butter (2 sticks or 1 cup) – Creates a creamy and rich buttercream texture; you can use salted butter but decrease additional salt.
Pinch of Salt – Enhances the flavor of the buttercream; no substitute needed.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Adds depth to your buttercream; feel free to swap for almond extract for an even nuttier flavor.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Gives a unique nutty note to the buttercream; you can omit it if you prefer a classic vanilla flavor.
Heavy Cream (1/8 cup) – Ensures a smooth and spreadable consistency; milk can be used for a lighter option.
Powdered Sugar (6 cups) – Sweetens and thickens the buttercream; no substitutes are recommended for optimal texture.

These Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies will definitely be a hit at your next gathering!

How to Make Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cookie transfer once they’re done.
Mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil in a stand mixer on medium speed until just combined. The batter should be thick, but don’t overmix to maintain tenderness.
Scoop the dough using a 1″ cookie scoop, roll each scoop in sanding sugar to add a sugary crunch, and place them on the baking sheet about 3 inches apart. This spacing helps them spread evenly as they bake.
Bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes, or until they just set but remain soft. They will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on wire racks completely before frosting.
Prepare the almond buttercream by whipping the butter in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add in the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream until combined.
Blend in the powdered sugar gradually until fully incorporated. Whip until light and fluffy, achieving a creamy texture perfect for frosting.
Sandwich the almond buttercream between two cookies by piping a swirl onto the bottom of one cookie, then gently pressing another on top. Enjoy these delightful treats!

Optional: Top with sprinkles for a festive touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week, allowing you to enjoy your Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies longer.
Freezer: Freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To revive their softness, slightly warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.

Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds! Each variation can add a delightful twist to the standard recipe.

Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus burst that brightens each bite.
Chocolate Cake Mix: Swap the strawberry cake mix for chocolate cake mix and fill with chocolate ganache for a decadent treat. Rich chocolate flavors meet soft textures for pure bliss.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace almond buttercream with a smooth cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist that adds complexity. This pairing is both rich and delightful!
Nut Mix-In: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added texture and crunch. It brings a lovely nuttiness to complement the fruity cookies.
Coconut Cream: Swap heavy cream in the buttercream for coconut cream to infuse a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. The result is a luscious treat that transports you to an island paradise!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the buttercream for a surprising heat that contrasts the sweetness of the cookies. A hint of spice elevates the overall flavor profile!
Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut oil and dairy-free butter to make these cookies entirely dairy-free without losing softness. This allows everyone to enjoy these cookies, regardless of dietary needs.
Colored Sprinkles: Add festive color to your cookies by mixing in rainbow sprinkles into the dough before baking or sprinkling on top of the buttercream. It creates a joyful and celebratory vibe!

What to Serve with Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies?

As you indulge in these delightful cookies, envision a complete dessert experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.

Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, ripe strawberries add a bright, fruity touch that echoes the flavors of the cookies, enhancing the overall dessert experience. Serving them alongside creates a beautiful presentation that invites enjoyment.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies, providing a cool and indulgent combination that is simply irresistible.
Chocolate Fondue: A warm chocolate fondue adds rich, decadent flavor to your dessert table. Dip half the sandwich cookies in chocolate for a fun and interactive dessert that guests will love!
Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: This refreshing shake brings a delicious creaminess that pairs harmoniously with the cookies. The mint notes also help cleanse the palate between bites of sweet strawberry goodness.
Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A zesty lemonade or fizzy sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast, elevating the cookie experience to a delightful picnic treat or summer gathering centerpiece.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this alternative topping enhances the cookies without overpowering them. The coconut flavor adds a tropical twist while maintaining a soft, sweet balance.

These pairing options will create a memorable dessert spread, perfect for gatherings or sweet moments at home. Enjoy the scrumptious adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. The almond buttercream can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cookies soft, roll the dough in sanding sugar right before baking, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll have warm, soft cookies with luscious buttercream at a moment’s notice—perfect for spontaneous gatherings or sweet cravings! Just assemble the sandwiches after the cookies have cooled for the best taste and texture.

Expert Tips for Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies

Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, resulting in a softer cookie.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture you want.
Roll Before Baking: Roll the cookie dough balls in sanding sugar right before baking to achieve that delightful crunchy exterior.
Watch the Baking Time: Do not over-bake! Cookies should be soft when removed from the oven; they’ll continue to set while cooling.
Storage Tips: To keep your Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best strawberry cake mix?
Absolutely! Look for a strawberry cake mix that lists real strawberries as an ingredient for the best flavor. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness, and avoid mixes with a lot of artificial additives for a more natural taste.

What’s the best way to store Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies?
To keep these delightful cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy them longer, refrigerate in the same container for up to a week. Just make sure to keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Can I freeze Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies end up dry, this could be due to overbaking or too much flour in the mixture. To fix dry cookies during baking next time, keep an eye on the timer—remove them when they’re soft and just set. If you already baked them, try sandwiching them with extra almond buttercream for added moisture and flavor!

Are Soft Strawberry Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies safe for my pet?
Avoid sharing these cookies with pets, as ingredients like chocolate (if used) and excessive sugar aren’t good for them. Always prioritize their dietary needs and opt for special pet-friendly treats instead.

Can I make substitutions for the cookie ingredients?
Very! If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to use another cake mix flavor like lemon or chocolate. For the buttercream, you could also use cream cheese frosting for a tangy variation. Just remember to maintain the ratios for a successful result!