Description

These Strawberry Crunch Shortcake Cookies are a nostalgic treat inspired by the classic strawberry crunch ice cream bars. With a soft, moist strawberry cookie base, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy strawberry topping, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors. Easy to make in about 1.5 hours, they’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or a fun baking project with the kids.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 box (3 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry jello mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with butter and flour to form a dough. Repeat with strawberry jello mix.
- Combine the two doughs slightly, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-11 minutes until golden brown. Let cool, then crumble into pieces.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F again. In a bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and oil until a dough forms.
- Scoop out dough using an ice cream scoop and place on a baking sheet to form 12 cookies. Bake for 8-11 minutes until firm and golden.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top.
- Let the frosting set in the fridge before serving.

Notes

You can try using a vanilla or lemon cake mix for a different flavor base.
For a vegan option, swap to plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor.