Description
These Delicious Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a homemade copycat version of the famous Crumbl treat. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these cake-like cookies are topped with a light whipped cream cheese frosting and a signature strawberry-vanilla crumble topping. Perfect for parties or a sweet weekend treat, they deliver that bakery-quality experience without the long lines or high price.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Streusel
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp strawberry jello powder
- 2 tbsp vanilla pudding powder
For the Cookies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15–16 ounces)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
For the Frosting
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1.5 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 3.5 tbsp vanilla pudding mix (instant)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Make the Crumble Toppings: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In one small bowl, combine 5 tbsp flour, 2.5 tbsp softened butter, and 2 tbsp strawberry jello powder, mixing until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. In another small bowl, repeat the process with 2 tbsp flour, 2.5 tbsp softened butter, and 2 tbsp vanilla pudding powder. Spread both mixtures separately on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Then gently break apart and combine both crumbles in a small bowl to create the strawberry-vanilla crumble topping.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup oil, 2 large room-temperature eggs, and 3 tbsp heavy cream. Mix until just combined without overmixing to keep the cookies tender. The batter will be thick and slightly textured. Room temperature eggs help create a better crumb structure.
- Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 8 evenly sized balls and place them on a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 9 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain slightly underdone. This ensures the soft, cake-like texture. Cookies will continue cooking as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 15 minutes to allow them to set and become sturdy yet soft inside. After 15 minutes, transfer them to a cooling rack if desired, or frost directly on the pan.
- Whip the Frosting: While cookies cool, beat 3 oz softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Add 1.5 cups cold heavy whipping cream, 3.5 tbsp vanilla pudding mix, and 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar. Whisk together for about 60 seconds until stiff peaks form and the frosting has a fluffy, mousse-like texture. Sifting powdered sugar helps prevent lumps and keeps whipped texture stable.
- Assemble and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each cookie with the whipped cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or offset spatula. Top each frosted cookie with a spoonful of the combined strawberry-vanilla crumble mixture, pressing gently so it adheres. Serve immediately or chill until ready to eat. Best enjoyed fresh within a few hours of assembly.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; remove when edges are set but centers are slightly underdone to maintain softness.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before moving to avoid breaking and preserve texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature to ensure smooth frosting without lumps.
- Sift powdered sugar before adding to frosting to keep it light and prevent lumps.
- The crumble topping combines strawberry jello and vanilla pudding powders baked with butter and flour for signature flavor and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days; frost after chilling for best results.
- You can freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months; prepare frosting fresh after thawing.
- Serve with cold milk, coffee, fresh strawberries, or vanilla ice cream for a delightful pairing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry shortcake cookies, Crumbl copycat cookies, strawberry cake mix cookies, whipped cream cheese frosting, soft cookie recipe, strawberry crumble cookies
