Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends fruity freshness with a satisfying crunch, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I love pulling out when I want to wow friends or just treat myself after a long day. The combo of soft strawberry cake-based cookies topped with a creamy frosting and a crunchy, slightly tangy strawberry and Golden Oreo topping is absolutely unforgettable. Stick with me—I’ll share everything you need to know to nail these from the first bite to the last crumb!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every component of this Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a unique role, creating flavors and textures you’ll fall in love with. I always recommend using quality ingredients—trust me, the difference is noticeable, especially when it comes to cream cheese and butter. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why:

• Freeze dried strawberries: These add intense strawberry flavor without moisture, perfect for the crunchy topping.
• Golden Oreos: Their buttery, vanilla taste pairs surprisingly well with strawberry and adds crunch once pulsed.
• Butter (softened): For richness in both the cookie dough and topping; softening is key for proper mixing.
• Strawberry cake mix: The heart of the cookie dough; brings consistent strawberry flavor and structure.
• All purpose flour: Adds necessary structure so cookies hold their shape without being tough.
• Cornstarch: Contributes to a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Butter flavored shortening: Helps keep the cookies soft and moist with a pleasant flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients for perfect dough consistency and bake texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to both dough and frosting.
• Cream cheese (softened): Key for that luscious, tangy frosting that pairs beautifully with strawberry.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, providing that smooth, spreadable texture.
• Milk: Used in frosting to get the perfect consistency—add slowly as needed.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to experiment a bit depending on the season or who I’m baking for. The beauty of this Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is that it’s forgiving and open to your personal twist. You can easily make it your own!

• Variation: Once, I swapped out the Golden Oreos for regular chocolate ones—yep, a chocoholic twist—and it turned out fun and unexpected!
• Dairy-Free: You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives if you’re catering to dietary needs.
• Seasonal fruit: In fall, I sometimes swap the freeze dried strawberries for freeze dried raspberries or a mix, to keep it fresh and seasonal.
• Crunch Topping Texture: If you prefer an even crunchier topping, lightly toast the Golden Oreo crumbs before mixing with butter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Create the Strawberry Crunch Topping

I always start with the topping because it needs to be ready for the cookie’s finishing touch. Add Golden Oreos to your food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. I like to reserve exactly one cup of these crumbs for the topping. Next, add the freeze dried strawberries to the processor—in my experience, pulsing until they’re a coarse powder with a few chunks left delivers the best fruity punch without going powdery. Combine the crumbs and strawberry powder in a bowl, then add the softened butter. Now, here’s a fun part: get your hands in there and mix everything until every bit is evenly coated with butter. It’s messy but kind of therapeutic! Set it aside while you bake the cookies.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry cake mix, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch thoroughly. This mix of dry ingredients ensures the right cake-like but still sturdy texture for the cookie. Then, add softened butter, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer if you prefer), cream it all together until you have a thick, luscious dough. The consistency should be dense but still workable—if it looks dry or crumbly, double-check your butter is fully softened.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Using a ¼ cup measure, portion your dough into mounds on the sheet, then gently shape them into round discs—this helps them bake evenly. I find 6 cookies per baking sheet works best to avoid crowding. Bake cookies for 11-13 minutes, aiming for a set but slightly soft center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake—this is a common mistake I used to make, and it definitely made the cookies lose their tenderness. When ready, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, it’s frosting time! In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk to start. Use your mixer and beat until the frosting is thick, creamy, and spreadable. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if the frosting is too stiff. The balance here matters a lot—in my kitchen trials, too liquid-y frosting runs everywhere, and too thick frosting doesn’t spread well.

Step 5: Assemble and Add Crunch

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie using a knife or the back of a spoon, or for a more elegant look, pipe it on with a piping bag. Then, sprinkle or gently press your strawberry crunch topping over the frosting. This final step is what truly sets these cookies apart—the interplay of creamy, soft cookie and frosting with the fresh crunch on top will have you goosebumps-level excited with every bite!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my cookies with a little extra crushed freeze dried strawberry or a small fresh strawberry slice for a pop of color and extra fresh flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch, especially if you’re serving them for a party or brunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of afternoon tea or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, try serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or even a light vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a tiered stand drizzled with a little melted white chocolate. Another fun idea is to make mini versions and serve them as part of a dessert platter with other berry treats and mini cupcakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge because of the cream cheese frosting. They typically stay fresh and tasty up to 4 days. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I like to freeze them unfrosted, then thaw and frost just before serving. If you’re in a rush, freezing them with frosting works too, but let them thaw in the fridge to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

For a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel, microwave leftovers for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting. Alternatively, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes—this helps the frosting soften and the crunch topping stay delightful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Cookies Featuring Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because it’s both fuss-free and so deliciously unique. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or a special occasion, it transports you to that sweet spot where crunch meets cream and strawberry flavors bloom. I promise once you’ve tried this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—just like I do. So grab your mixing bowl, fire up that oven, and let’s create some cookie magic!

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