If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of soft, flavorful cookies paired with a delightfully crunchy topping, then you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Crunch Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Topped with a Crunchy Pink Glaze Recipe. These cookies burst with the vibrant taste of strawberry, featuring a lush crumb from the cake mix and a white chocolate chip surprise, all finished off with a colorful, crunchy glaze that makes them as fun to look at as they are to eat. It’s an incredibly simple yet wholly satisfying recipe that will brighten your cookie jar and your day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s soft in texture and rich in strawberry flavor, topped with a unique crunchy glaze that adds color and crunch. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the cake mix providing that tender crumb or the Golden Oreos giving our topping that irresistible crunch.
- Strawberry cake mix: The base of these cookies, ensures a moist, fluffy texture and strawberry flavor throughout.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the cookie dough without overpowering other flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft chew.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the strawberry notes perfectly.
- White chocolate chips: Sweet, creamy pockets within each cookie add a fun and delicious surprise.
- Golden Oreos, crushed: Give our topping its signature crunch and subtle vanilla flavor.
- Strawberry gelatin (dry): Adds extra strawberry punch and a lovely pink color to the crunchy topping.
- Melted butter: Helps bind the topping together and adds richness.
- Powdered sugar: Key to creating a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze that ties everything together.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Topped with a Crunchy Pink Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crunch Topping
Start by creating the crunchy pink glaze that makes these cookies so distinctively delightful. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, dry strawberry gelatin, and melted butter. Mix them together until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds slightly when pressed. This topping promises a sweet crunch and bursts of strawberry flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cookie.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, blend the strawberry cake mix with the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms, the kind that’s pleasant to work with and promises tender cookies when baked. Then, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, adding that creamy texture and a little surprise in every bite.
Step 3: Shape & Bake
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly so they bake evenly and have the classic cookie shape. Bake them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to set. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderfully sweet and inviting.
Step 4: Cool & Top
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This short cooling period helps them set just right without drying out. While they cool, prepare a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm cookies, then generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on top before the glaze dries. This step is what transforms these cookies into a memorable treat.
Step 5: Let Set
Beat the wait here by letting the glaze firm up completely before serving or storing your strawberry crunch cookies. This keeps the crunchy topping intact and gives you that satisfying bite that these cookies are known for. Patience here ensures the best texture and presentation, making every cookie as irresistible as possible.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Topped with a Crunchy Pink Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, consider adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. The fresh fruit enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a natural freshness, while powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate sparkle that makes these cookies perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk is a classic pairing that never fails, making the sweetness of the cookies even more enjoyable. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a cup of lightly brewed green tea or a mild coffee to balance the sugary glaze. These simple sides elevate the experience, turning snack time into a cozy occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, stack the cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a pink ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a pretty platter with garnishes like small edible flowers or sprinkles matching the strawberry crunch. It’s a fun way to showcase the pretty colors and textures of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your strawberry crunch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. They usually stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, but the glaze is best enjoyed when fresh to retain its signature crunch.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, but be mindful that the crunchy topping may lose a bit of its texture upon freezing.
Reheating
For a freshly-baked feel, warm the cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This will soften the cookie and slightly revive the glaze, but be careful not to overheat and melt the topping completely.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavored cake mix?
While strawberry cake mix is essential for that classic flavor, you can experiment with other pink or fruity cake mixes like raspberry or cherry. Keep in mind the topping flavor will remain strawberry, which may create an interesting twist!
What if I don’t have Golden Oreos?
If Golden Oreos aren’t available, regular Oreos or any vanilla sandwich cookies will work, though the color and subtle vanilla flavor might shift slightly. Crushing any crunchy cookie will add texture.
How do I make sure my glaze is the right consistency?
Start by adding milk tablespoon by tablespoon to your powdered sugar mixture until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. It should drizzle easily without being too runny or stiff.
Can I skip the vanilla glaze?
Technically yes, but the vanilla glaze serves as the glue that holds the crunchy topping in place and adds an additional sweet note. Leaving it out will change both texture and flavor, so it’s highly recommended.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after glazing?
Freezing after glazing is possible, but the texture of the glaze and crunchy topping may soften. For best results, freeze the cookies unglazed and add the glaze and topping once thawed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Crunch Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Topped with a Crunchy Pink Glaze Recipe enough for anyone looking for a fun, sweet treat that’s both easy and impressive. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself to something delicious, these cookies bring brightness, color, and a playful crunch to the table. Go ahead, give it a try and watch these cookies quickly become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cookies: Soft, Sweet, and Topped with a Crunchy Pink Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Crunch Cookies are sweet, soft cookies made with strawberry cake mix and white chocolate chips, topped with a crunchy pink glaze made from crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry gelatin. These delightful cookies offer a perfect combination of a tender bite with a colorful, textured topping and optional vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin (dry)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Golden Oreos, dry strawberry gelatin, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside this crunchy topping for later use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. Then fold in the white chocolate chips gently to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape & Bake: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball to form cookie shapes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool & Top: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the optional vanilla glaze over the cookies and generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping on each cookie while the glaze is still wet.
- Let Set: Let the glaze and topping firm up completely before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make sure the butter for the dough is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the dough.
- The glaze can be adjusted to your desired consistency by adding more or less milk.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix and Oreos with certified gluten-free alternatives.
