Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring together everything you love about soft bakery cookies and classic strawberry shortcake in one irresistible dessert. These bakery-style cookies use strawberry cake mix for bold flavor, then get topped with a light vanilla mousse frosting and buttery streusel. If you crave Strawberry Cookies with a soft texture and nostalgic flavor, this recipe delivers every time. Even better, this Crumbl Copycat recipe comes together quickly and tastes just like the real thing. Let’s walk through how to make these beautiful Cake Mix Cookies at home.

Story

The first time I tried Strawberry Shortcake Cookies from Crumbl, I immediately noticed how balanced they tasted. The cookie base felt soft and flavorful, yet not overly sweet. Then the vanilla mousse topping added a light, creamy contrast that made every bite feel airy. I knew I had to recreate these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies at home.

What makes Strawberry Shortcake Cookies so special is the texture contrast. The cookie stays tender thanks to the cake mix, while the topping adds richness without heaviness. Instead of fresh strawberries, the recipe relies on strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin for consistent flavor. That means you can make Strawberry Shortcake Cookies any time of year.

After testing several batches, I found that adding pudding mix improves softness and keeps the cookies moist. As a result, these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies taste bakery-fresh for days. If you enjoy nostalgic desserts with a modern twist, this recipe belongs in your rotation.

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
1 large egg, room temperature
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 packet (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix, divided
3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup cold heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. First, melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly. Then, soften the cream cheese so it blends smoothly. Measure all ingredients carefully to maintain the perfect cookie texture. Keeping the heavy cream cold helps the mousse whip properly.

Cooking Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, egg, and vegetable oil until a thick dough forms. Scoop large portions onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Remove the cookies and let them cool completely.

Meanwhile, combine flour, 2 tablespoons pudding mix, strawberry gelatin, and melted butter to create the streusel. Spread it onto a lined sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly crisp. Let it cool fully, then crumble.

For the mousse topping, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining pudding mix, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Whip until fluffy and light. Once cookies cool, frost generously and sprinkle streusel over the top.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. Overmixing the dough can also create dense cookies, so stir only until combined. Finally, always cool the cookies before frosting to prevent melting.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer mousse texture. Chill the frosted cookies briefly before serving so the topping sets. If you want stronger strawberry flavor, add a drop of strawberry extract to the dough.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cookies chilled or slightly cool for the best texture contrast. They make a beautiful party dessert, especially for birthdays, showers, or summer gatherings. Pair them with fresh strawberries on the side for extra presentation.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the frosting contains cream cheese and heavy cream, refrigeration keeps them fresh. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies combine nostalgic flavor with bakery-style presentation. Thanks to the cake mix base and fluffy mousse topping, they taste just like a professional Dessert from your favorite cookie shop. Once you try this homemade version, you may never need to visit the bakery again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cookies and prepare the streusel one day in advance. Store them separately, then frost the day you plan to serve for the freshest results.

Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cookies?

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh mousse and streusel before serving.

Do I have to use cake mix?

Cake mix creates the signature soft texture and consistent flavor. While you could make a scratch dough, using cake mix keeps this recipe quick and reliable.