Oreo Cookies From Cake Mix

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet.

Combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, water, and cocoa powder in a bowl until a smooth dough is formed. Cover the bowl loosely and let the dough stand for 20 minutes.

Form the dough into marble-sized balls. Place them 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the bottom of a drinking glass with non-stick cooking spray. Lightly flatten each cookie with the glass (repeat greasing the glass as needed).

Place the cookies in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set (they won't be crisp). Remove them immediately from the baking sheet and place on paper towels. Using a flat spatula, press each cookie to flatten it again. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Soften the gelatin in the cold water in a small saucepan. Once soft, place the pan over medium heat and let heat until the gelatin is transparent. Do not let it boil or simmer, just dissolve. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool while preparing the rest of the filling.

Place the shortening in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy. With the mixer running, add the vanilla and powdered sugar, a little at a time, until incorporated. When the gelatin is cooled slightly, add it to the shortening and mix well. Let the filling cool and set.

Shape the filling into 1-inch balls and place between the bottom sides of two cookies. Press the cookies together gently to distribute the filling to the edges. Repeat with remaining filling and cookies.

Store the cookies in an airtight container.