These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor—topped with a vibrant, crunchy Golden Oreo-Jell-O layer that adds the perfect texture contrast. Made with just a few simple ingredients and no mixer required, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, or anytime you want something fruity and fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🎂 Flavorful Base: Strawberry cake mix gives these cookies a rich, fruity taste in every bite.
- 🍪 Crunchy Topping: The Golden Oreo and Jell-O crunch topping adds irresistible texture.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- 🍓 Sweet & Vibrant: Enhanced strawberry flavor without added sugar or artificial syrups.
- 🧁 Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be made ahead and chilled for later baking.
Ingredients (Makes about 24 cookies):
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 box (about 15–18 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (can also use melted coconut oil or butter)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ¼ cup white chocolate chips
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 20 Golden Oreos , crushed (or any vanilla creme sandwich cookie)
- 1 packet (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder (for extra berry flavor and color)
Optional: For Filling or Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese , softened (for frosting or sandwich-style filling)
- 2 tbsp butter , softened (if making frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, if using frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, if using frosting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Strawberry cake mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Optional: Stir in white chocolate chips or vanilla extract at this stage for more depth of flavor.
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to scoop and prevent spreading during baking.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs.
Add the strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter , then toss or pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and is evenly combined.
Optional Tip: Add freeze-dried strawberry powder for an even more intense strawberry flavor and deeper pink color.
Set aside while you shape and bake the cookies.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
Bake for 9–11 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes , then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Press with Crunch Topping
While the cookies are still warm, gently press the tops into the crunch topping so it adheres well.
Alternatively, roll the dough balls in the crunch mixture before baking for a fully coated look.
Step 5: Optional Cream Cheese Frosting or Filling
If making sandwich-style cookies , prepare a quick cream cheese frosting by mixing:
- Cream cheese , softened
- Butter , softened (optional for fluffiness)
- Powdered sugar (to taste)
- Vanilla extract (to enhance sweetness)
Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a dollop of frosting on one side and sandwich two cookies together.
Tips for Success:
- 🍪 Chill the Dough: Helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- 🔥 Don’t Overbake: These cookies firm up as they cool—better to slightly underbake than overbake.
- 🍓 Boost the Berry Flavor: Use freeze-dried strawberries in the topping or inside the filling.
- 🧁 Frosting Option: For a thicker cookie, frost after cooling and refrigerate briefly to set.
- 📦 Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze unbaked dough balls for later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea for a classic pairing.
- Great at parties, baby showers, or holiday dessert trays.
- Perfect for gift-giving when wrapped in cellophane or a decorative tin.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~9g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~12g (mostly from cake mix and Jell-O)
These Strawberry Crunch Cookies bring together everything you love about fruity desserts—soft, chewy bases, crunchy toppings, and bold strawberry flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because—you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more.
So go ahead and whip up a batch today… your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time!
