Strawberry cake and Cool Whip – a match made in dessert heaven! This combination offers a delightful blend of moist cake, sweet strawberries, and the light, airy fluffiness of Cool Whip. This guide explores various ways to achieve this delicious treat, addressing common questions and offering tips for baking success.
What are Strawberry Cake Cookies?
Strawberry cake cookies aren't a standard recipe you'll find in most cookbooks. Instead, it refers to a creative approach to combining elements of strawberry cake and cookie textures, often incorporating Cool Whip for an extra layer of delightful creaminess. This could involve using a strawberry cake recipe, modifying it to create a cookie-like consistency, or creating a cookie dough infused with strawberry flavor and topped with Cool Whip. The possibilities are endless, depending on your desired level of complexity and taste preferences.
How do I make Strawberry Cake Cookies with Cool Whip?
There isn't one definitive recipe for "Strawberry Cake Cookies with Cool Whip." The beauty lies in the customization. Here are two approaches to help you get started:
Method 1: Strawberry Cake Crumble Cookies with Cool Whip
This method uses a simple strawberry cake recipe base, adapted into a crumble cookie, and topped with Cool Whip.
Ingredients:
- Your favorite strawberry cake recipe (box mix or from scratch) – adjust to create a crumbly, not overly moist, consistency. You may need to reduce liquid slightly.
- Cool Whip, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare your strawberry cake batter according to your chosen recipe.
- Instead of baking in a standard cake pan, drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature than the cake recipe suggests, until edges are golden brown and the center is just set. This prevents them from becoming too cake-like.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Top with a dollop of Cool Whip just before serving.
Method 2: Strawberry Cool Whip Cookie Bars
This method offers a chewier, bar-cookie style, integrating Cool Whip directly into the cookie dough.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 cup Cool Whip, slightly thawed (for easier mixing)
Instructions:
- Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and slightly thawed Cool Whip.
- Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Additional Cool Whip can be added as a topping, if desired.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! However, you will need to puree or finely chop them to incorporate them into the dough. Fresh strawberries also release more moisture, so you may need to adjust the flour accordingly to prevent a soggy cookie.
What other variations can I try?
Experiment with different additions:
- Chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful combination of chocolate and strawberry.
- White chocolate: White chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberry.
- Different Cool Whip flavors: Consider using a flavored Cool Whip, such as strawberry or chocolate, for added flavor complexity.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the top before baking for a festive touch.
How long do Strawberry Cake Cookies with Cool Whip last?
Cookies are best enjoyed fresh. If you are storing them, it's best to keep the cookies and Cool Whip separate until serving time to maintain their individual textures. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
By following these guidelines and unleashing your creativity, you can develop your unique recipe for Strawberry Cake Cookies with Cool Whip, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Remember, the joy is in the experimentation!
