These festive treats start with a big-time shortcut: boxed cake mix.
Bake these for Christmas,Valentines Day, or any time a festive cookie is required.
There is no need to cool the melted white chocolate before adding it to the butter-cream cheese mixture.
Photo:Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Adding the chocolate while its still warm is key.
If the chocolate is significantly cooled, it can harden when added to the butter-cream cheese mixture.
This recipe was developed by Melissa Gray.
Ingredients
10Tbsp.
Add cake mix, eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; beat until well combined, about 1 minute.
Refrigerate dough, covered, for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven, and prepare the baking sheets:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into balls:
Place granulated sugar in a small, shallow bowl.
Scoop dough into 24 portions onto prepared baking sheets.
Shape dough into balls and roll each in sugar; place at least 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Sprinkle remaining sugar in bowl over dough.
Let cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely, 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Add melted chocolate; beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
Assemble the sandwich cookies:
Pipe or spread frosting over flat sides of 12 cookies.
Top with remaining cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Cookies and frosting can both be made a day ahead of time.
Store cookies tightly wrapped at room temperature.
Store leftover cookies in refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
Let come back to room temperature before enjoying.
