If you are looking for a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite, you have to try this wonderful Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe. These charming cookie sandwiches not only taste heavenly with their soft, fluffy texture and sweet frosting but also look like a bouquet of edible flowers. Perfect for any celebration or a fun baking day with friends or family, this recipe combines the playful touch of colorful marshmallow petals with the classic appeal of cake mix cookies. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so special and inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from a few straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that pack a big flavor and texture punch. Each one plays its part: the cake mix keeps the cookies soft and tender, while the buttercream frosting adds creamy sweetness. The marshmallows and sanding sugar bring the playful, colorful flower design to life, making these treats a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- Yellow cake mix: The base for soft, moist cookies with a subtle vanilla flavor that everyone loves.
- Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the dough tender without overpowering the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together and give structure to the cookies.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor essential for the frosting’s smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading and piping.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Milk or cream: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency—just the right amount of creaminess.
- Regular marshmallows: The “petals” of your flower, cut and decorated to create a fun floral appearance.
- Mini fruit marshmallows: The playful centers of each flower cookie, adding a pop of color and extra sweetness.
- Colored sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green): Adds that sparkling finish and distinct petal colors to make the flowers visually stunning.
How to Make Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature for baking cookies that are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking — a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Grab a large bowl and mix the yellow cake mix, canola oil, and eggs together. Stir until a thick dough forms; this sweet, simple dough is the foundation of our flower cookies. It’s quick to bring together, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out 2-tablespoon balls of dough onto your prepared sheets. Be sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball to allow room for spreading. Pop them into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the centers look just a little soft.
Step 4: Cool Before Decorating
After baking, let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential for decorating — frosting melts if the cookies are too warm!
Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and a tablespoon of milk, beating until the frosting looks fluffy and spreadable. If needed, add a bit more milk to reach the perfect consistency — you want it soft but not runny.
Step 6: Craft Your Marshmallow Petals
Grab your regular marshmallows and carefully cut each diagonally with scissors to create petal shapes. Then, press the sticky cut side into your bowl of colored sanding sugars. The sugar adds sparkle and color, transforming plain marshmallows into beautiful edible flower petals.
Step 7: Assemble the Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe
Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie. Arrange five marshmallow petals in a circle on top to form a flower. Press a mini fruit marshmallow in the center as the flower’s heart. These gorgeous details turn a simple dessert into a charming showstopper!
How to Serve Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra pop of elegance, lightly dust your finished cookies with edible glitter or a pinch more colored sanding sugar. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers alongside the cookies create a delightful garden-themed presentation that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookie sandwiches pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or fresh lemonade for afternoon gatherings. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit salad — the contrast in textures and flavors makes for a memorable dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering these flower cookie sandwiches on a tiered cake stand for a festive look, perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or garden parties. Alternatively, wrap individual sandwiches in clear cellophane tied with pastel ribbon to give as sweet favors, making your Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting keeps the cookies moist and the marshmallow petals fresh, but for the best texture, enjoy them within a couple of days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies before decorating by placing the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then add the frosting and marshmallow petals fresh for the best look and taste.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature so skip reheating to keep the buttercream frosting intact. If you prefer a slightly softer cookie, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other flavored cake mixes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Vanilla or funfetti cake mixes work wonderfully and add a fun twist to your flower cookies without altering the decorating process.
What if I don’t have colored sanding sugar?
No worries! You can substitute with colored sugar crystals, sprinkles, or even finely shredded coconut dyed with food coloring to create your petals.
Is it necessary to cut the marshmallows diagonally?
Cutting diagonally gives the petals a more natural shape and surface area to catch the sanding sugar, but you can experiment with other cuts if you want a different look.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, these cookies can be made safe for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How long do the marshmallow decorations stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, marshmallow petals remain fresh for up to 2 days. Past that, they may start to lose their softness or color vibrancy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am to whip up this playful and scrumptious Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe. It’s a joy to make, share, and enjoy these charming cookies that brighten any occasion. Whether for a party, a kid’s snack, or a whimsical bake, these flower cookies will bring smiles and sweet moments to your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Flower Cookie Sandwiches with Marshmallow Petal Decorations Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
Description
These easy flower cookies are a delightful treat featuring a soft yellow cake mix cookie base topped with a fluffy buttercream frosting and decorated with marshmallow petals and colorful sanding sugar. Perfect for springtime or any cheerful occasion, they combine simple ingredients and creative decoration to make charming edible flowers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Decorations
- 45 regular marshmallows
- 18 mini fruit marshmallows
- 1/2 cup colored sanding sugar (pink, yellow, green)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, canola or vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms.
- Portion the dough: Scoop out 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the dough balls for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft, ensuring they remain tender.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Continue beating until fluffy, adding additional milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Make the marshmallow petals: Using scissors, cut each regular marshmallow diagonally to create petal shapes. Press the sticky cut sides into colored sanding sugar to coat and give a sparkling effect.
- Decorate the cookies: Spread a layer of frosting on each cooled cookie. Arrange five coated marshmallow petals in a circle on top of the frosting to form a flower, then press one mini fruit marshmallow into the center as the flower’s core.
Notes
- To ensure the petals stick well, press them gently but firmly into the frosting.
- You can customize the colored sanding sugar to match themes or holidays by choosing different colors.
- For easier cutting, chill the marshmallows slightly before slicing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
