Introduction to Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
When you’re craving something sweet and delightful, easy strawberry crunch cookies are the perfect go-to treat! These cookies pack a flavor punch, transforming a simple strawberry cake mix into something truly extraordinary. With their chewy texture, rich cream cheese frosting, and a uniquely crunchy topping made from freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreos, each bite is a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Quick and Simple: They come together in just 45 minutes, making them ideal for unexpected guests or a last-minute potluck.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of strawberry and creamy frosting creates a satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- Fun Topping: The strawberry crunch topping adds an exciting texture, turning a traditional cookie into something very special. Plus, you can use the leftover topping in other desserts!
Not only will these cookies impress your friends, but they’ll also satisfy your inner sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a post-dinner treat, their vibrant flavor is sure to brighten your day! For more ideas and inspiration, check out our favorites like Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake and Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Strawberry Crunch Topping
To create the deliciously fun strawberry crunch topping, you'll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:
- 1 ¼ cups freeze-dried strawberries (pulsed to a coarse powder)
- 1 cup Golden Oreos (crumbed, about 15 cookies)
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
This topping not only adds delightful crunch but also brings an amazing strawberry flavor that complements the cookie base perfectly.
Strawberry Cookies
The core of your easy strawberry crunch cookies involves a delightful blend of:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup butter-flavored shortening
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together in a thick dough that bakes into soft, flavorful cookies that will make your taste buds sing.
Cream Cheese Frosting
And let’s not forget the finishing touch! For a rich cream cheese frosting, gather:
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (to achieve your desired consistency)
This ultrarich frosting brings everything together, ensuring each bite of your cookie is as decadent as the last.
Preparing Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
Creating the strawberry crunch topping is a breeze and adds a delightful texture to your easy strawberry crunch cookies. Start by grabbing your food processor. If you don’t have one, even a good old-fashioned plastic bag and a rolling pin will do the trick!
- Add about 15 Golden Oreos to your food processor and pulse until they reach a fine crumb consistency.
- Next, take 1 ¼ cups of freeze-dried strawberries and pulse them until they resemble a coarse powder, leaving a few chunks for added texture.
- Combine these crumbs into a bowl, add the pulsed strawberries, and mix in 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything until evenly coated. Set this aside, as it will be the crunchy crown on your cookies!
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cookie Dough
With your topping ready, it’s time to whip up the strawberry cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Whisk these together until evenly mixed. Now, add in ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of butter-flavored shortening, and 3 eggs, along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, blend everything until it becomes a thick, creamy dough that practically makes your mouth water!
Step 3: Bake the Strawberry Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare to bake. Using a ¼ cup, scoop out the dough onto a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each dollop into a round disc.
Bake six cookies at a time for about 11-13 minutes. They should be firm around the edges but soft in the center. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—this step is vital for achieving cookie perfection!
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, it’s time to make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together:
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup of softened butter
- 3 ½ to 4 cups of powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1-3 tablespoons of milk (to reach your desired consistency)
Mix until thick but spreadable. I often find that adding a little more milk helps give it that dreamy texture!
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Now for the fun part—assembling your easy strawberry crunch cookies! Spread a generous layer of your cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie. Finally, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top of the frosting, pressing gently to adhere.
The vibrant pink color and delightful texture of these cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your friends. Enjoy them right away or store any leftovers in the fridge for up to four days—or freeze for up to three months if you can resist temptation!
By following these five steps, you’ve turned a simple strawberry cake mix into a scrumptious masterpiece. What’s not to love?
Variations on Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Adding chocolate chips
For a delightful twist on your easy strawberry crunch cookies, consider folding in some chocolate chips. The rich chocolatey flavor complements the sweet strawberry and adds a gooey texture. Just add about a cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to your dough before baking. Not a fan of chocolate? Try using butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different flavor fusion!
Using different cake mix flavors
While strawberry cake mix brings a bright, fruity flavor, experimenting with other cake mix varieties can yield tasty surprises! Vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cake mixes can make for innovative easy strawberry crunch cookies. Feel free to add a matching crunch topping, like crushed lemon cookies or vanilla wafers, to keep your cookies exciting and delicious. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!
Baking Notes for Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
When making your easy strawberry crunch cookies, using room temperature ingredients like butter and cream cheese is crucial for creating a smooth and well-combined dough. This ensures that the fats emulsify properly, leading to cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Aim to set these ingredients out about 30 minutes before you start baking.
Tips for Mixing and Baking
- Mixing Technique: Cream the softened butter and cream cheese well to incorporate air, giving your cookies a light texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they're in the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies—Aim for a light golden edge for the best results.
For more baking tips, check out resources like the King Arthur Baking Company. Happy baking!
Serving suggestions for Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Creative ways to present your cookies
Elevate your easy strawberry crunch cookies by presenting them on a vibrant platter or in a decorative cookie jar. Consider stacking them with the strawberry crunch topping on display for an inviting look. You could even add a few fresh strawberries or edible flowers to the arrangement for that extra flair!
Pairing suggestions
For a delightful treat, pair these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with strawberry syrup. The combination is simply irresistible! Need more ideas? Visit Taste of Home for serving inspiration.
Time details for Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Preparation Time
Getting ready to whip up a batch of these delicious easy strawberry crunch cookies takes just 20 minutes. It’s perfect if you're short on time but want a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Baking Time
Once you've got your cookie dough prepared, baking these cookies will take about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re perfectly golden but not overbaked.
Total Time
In just 45 minutes, you can have these scrumptious cookies ready to enjoy! From prep to bake, it’s a quick and easy dessert that will elevate any occasion. For more tips on timing and baking, check out resources from Bon Appétit for great baking insights.
These cookies are not just easy to make – they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself. So why not give them a try?
Nutritional Information for Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
When whipping up a batch of easy strawberry crunch cookies, it’s great to know how they fit into your nutrition goals. Each cookie serves up:
Calories
- 592 kcal per cookie, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Protein
- You’ll get 5g of protein, thanks to the addition of eggs and cream cheese, providing some sustenance while you indulge in sweetness.
Sodium
- These cookies contain 411mg of sodium, so you might want to pair them with a refreshing drink to balance the flavors.
For more detailed nutritional insights, you might find resources from the USDA or health websites helpful, especially if you're keeping an eye on specific dietary requirements!
FAQs about Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the easy strawberry crunch cookies dough a day ahead. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, roll out the cookies and continue with the recipe. If you want to save time, bake them in advance and frost them later.
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like to save them for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they'll be good for up to three months.
Are there any nut-free options?
Definitely! The ingredients for easy strawberry crunch cookies are naturally nut-free. Just ensure that any toppings or add-ins, like your butter and frosting, are also certified nut-free if needed. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful treats without worry! For more information on nut allergies, check out the FAA's guidelines.
Conclusion on Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
In summary, easy strawberry crunch cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, blending fruity flavor with a satisfying crunch. With minimal effort, you can impress friends and family alike. So, gather your ingredients, and indulge in these sweet creations that are perfect for any occasion!
For more delicious strawberry-related recipes, consider checking out this guide from The Spruce Eats. You'll discover even more ways to enjoy strawberries in your baking!
Easy Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Equipment
- Food processor
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- hand held mixer
- silicone mat
Ingredients
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 1.25 cups freeze dried strawberries pulsed to coarse powder
- 1 cup Golden Oreos crumbs - about 15 cookies
- 3 Tablespoons butter softened
Strawberry Cookies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix 15.25 ounces
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 0.5 cup butter flavored shortening
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup butter softened
- 0.5 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3.5-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-3 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Add Golden Oreos to food processor and pulse until you have crumbs. Pour 1 cup into a bowl. Add freeze dried strawberries to food processor and pulse until you have a powder. Put 1 ¼ cups freeze dried strawberry powder into the Golden Oreo crumbs that you set aside. Add the softened butter and work it into the ingredients using your hands (or a spoon). Continue to work it together until everything is evenly coated. Set aside until cookies are ready.
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
Strawberry Cookies
- Combine the strawberry cake mix, all purpose flour and cornstarch in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together to combine. Add the softened butter, shortening, eggs and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and cream together using a hand held mixer. The dough will be a nice thick consistency.
- Use a ¼ cup to measure out cookie dough onto a silicone mat lined baking sheet. Form the cookie dough mounds into round discs, baking 6 cookies at a time. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the cookies are baked through but not over baked. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Continue baking the 2nd batch.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the cookies are cooling start making the frosting. In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Mix using a hand held mixer until thick but spreadable. Add more milk if needed.
- Spread the frosting on top of each cookie or add the frosting to a piping bag and pipe the frosting on the top of each cookie. Add Strawberry Crunch Topping to the top of each cookie and serve.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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