Decadent Strawberry Cream Sandwich Cookies
Indulge in these delightful Decadent Strawberry Cream Sandwich Cookies, perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet afternoon treat. With a luscious filling of softened cream cheese, fresh strawberry preserves, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sandwiched between crisp vanilla wafers, creating a delightful textural contrast. Perfect for sharing, these cookies will be a hit at any event, leaving your friends and family asking for the recipe. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste, or store them in the refrigerator for an anytime sweet indulgence!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened (reduced fat ok))
Strawberry Preserves
1/4 cup
Powdered Sugar
1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla Wafers
40
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, using a fork, mash the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2
Add the strawberry preserves, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the cream cheese and mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
4
Once chilled, take about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture and spread it generously onto the flat side of a vanilla wafer.
5
Top with another vanilla wafer to create a sandwich, pressing gently to spread the filling to the edges.
6
Repeat the process until all of the mixture has been used.
7
For an extra touch, lightly sprinkle the sandwich cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.
8
Enjoy the cookies immediately or store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Strawberry Cream Sandwich Cookies?
They are delicious treats consisting of a sweet strawberry and cream cheese filling sandwiched between two crisp vanilla wafers.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup strawberry preserves, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 40 vanilla wafers.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that reduced-fat cream cheese is a suitable option for the filling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 sandwich cookies, assuming you use 40 vanilla wafers.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the filling?
You should soften the cream cheese first and then mash it with a fork in a medium-sized bowl until it is smooth and creamy.
How long does the filling need to chill?
The mixture should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
What is the best way to assemble the sandwich cookies?
Spread about 2 teaspoons of the chilled filling onto the flat side of one wafer and top it with another wafer, pressing gently to spread the filling to the edges.
Can I use other types of preserves?
Yes, while strawberry is used here, you could substitute it with raspberry, blackberry, or any other fruit preserve you enjoy.
Do I need to bake these cookies?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that uses pre-made vanilla wafers.
How should these cookies be stored?
They should be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
Can these cookies be made in advance?
Yes, but for the best texture, serve them relatively soon after assembly as the wafers will eventually soften from the moisture in the filling.
Is there a garnish suggested for these cookies?
The recipe suggests lightly sprinkling the finished sandwich cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.
What type of bowl is best for mixing?
A medium-sized mixing bowl is recommended for preparing the strawberry cream filling.
Why must the filling be chilled?
Chilling is necessary to firm up the cream cheese mixture so it stays between the cookies without running out the sides.
Are these cookies good for summer events?
Yes, they are described as perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet afternoon treat.
Can I use a mixer instead of a fork?
While a fork works well for mashing, you can certainly use a hand mixer to ensure the cream cheese and preserves are perfectly combined.
What is the texture of the cookies?
The cookies offer a delightful textural contrast between the crisp vanilla wafers and the luscious, smooth cream filling.
How much filling goes into each cookie?
Each cookie uses about 2 teaspoons of the strawberry cream mixture.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla with almond extract if you prefer that flavor profile with strawberries.
What if I don't have powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is preferred for a smooth texture; granulated sugar may result in a slightly gritty filling.
Is this recipe easy for kids to help with?
Yes, kids can easily help with mashing the cream cheese and assembling the sandwiches.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Standard vanilla wafers contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, you would need to find certified gluten-free wafers.
Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese filling may change texture and the wafers may become soggy upon thawing.
How do I know when the filling is mixed enough?
The filling is ready when the cream cheese, preserves, sugar, and vanilla are thoroughly combined and no large lumps of cream cheese remain.
Can I use fresh strawberries?
While preserves are recommended for consistency, you could add very finely chopped fresh strawberries if they are well-drained of excess moisture.
What category of food is this?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They are best within 24 hours; after that, the wafers will lose their crispness.
Can I use homemade vanilla wafers?
Absolutely, homemade vanilla wafers would make these cookies even more decadent.
Is this a high-calorie dessert?
While the exact calories aren't provided, they are a sweet indulgence intended for moderate consumption.
What makes these cookies 'decadent'?
The combination of rich cream cheese, sweet fruit preserves, and vanilla creates a luxurious and indulgent flavor profile.