There’s something timeless about red velvet. The bold color, soft texture, and hint of cocoa in red velvet cake cookies have captured dessert lovers for decades. But what if you could put all that familiar flavor in an easy-to-make cookie? Enter the Red Velvet Cake Cookies, the perfect combination of a classic cake flavor packed into a chewy, delicious cookie. Red velvet cake cookies are ideal for any holiday or even a birthday party event that may call for adding flair to the dessert table. With this recipe, you will learn exactly how to make such bakery-worthy treats right at home.
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cake Cookies recipe
- Quick and Easy: If you’re short on time but want a dessert that looks and tastes impressive, this recipe has your back! Using a boxed cake mix as the base cuts prep time in half without sacrificing flavor. In just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of stunning cookies ready for any occasion. Perfect for last-minute dessert needs or when you want to whip up something without the hassle of measuring a ton of ingredients.
- Holiday Hit: The vibrant red hue and luscious frosting make these cookies a standout treat for festive celebrations. Their striking color is perfect for Christmas cookie platters, Valentine’s Day treats, or even a romantic anniversary dessert. Add some heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s or green and white toppings for Christmas to elevate their holiday appeal further. They’re bound to grab attention and become a conversation starter at gatherings.
- Soft and Chewy: Every bite delivers a deliciously soft and chewy texture that’s irresistible. The touch of cocoa in the red velvet flavor adds a subtle richness, making them a crowd-pleaser for chocolate and non-chocolate lovers alike. The combination of tender cookie edges and slightly chewy centers creates a satisfying experience that will keep everyone reaching for more.
- Versatile: Red Velvet Cake Cookies offers endless opportunities for customization! Mix in white or dark chocolate chips for extra decadence, or dust edible glitter over the frosting to add a magical sparkle. Want to match a party theme? Use colorful sprinkles or edible pearls to give the cookies a personalized touch. You can also turn them into cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies—an instant upgrade for your dessert table.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Red Velvet Cake Cookies Mix: Using a mix of boxed cake mix simplifies the recipe and assures a consistent texture and flavor. Otherwise, using homemade Red Velvet Cake Cookies mix is also good to go.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps cookies soft and chewy, though melted butter will work great too for a richer cookie that’s slightly denser.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives the frosting its classic flavor. For a lighter option, reduced-fat cream cheese works well, though it slightly affects the texture.
- White Chocolate Chips: Putting white chocolate chips in is optional but highly recommended for a sweet, melty surprise with each bite.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Cookies (Step by Step)
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, add the cake mix and mix in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until all incorporated. The dough will be thick; mix just until combined so the cookies are soft and tender.
- Optional Mix-ins: Fold in a handful of white chocolate chips or nuts, if desired. They add such a fun texture and extra flavor to the cookies that it amplify the already delightful experience.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into balls, placing them on a prepared baking sheet. Take a spoon or your fingers and slightly flatten each ball. This helps the cookies bake up nice and evenly to get that
perfect cookie shape. - Bake and Cool: Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges are going to be set, while the center is soft. After baking, let the cookies stay on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes and then move them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Make the frosting: While the cookies are cooling, it is time to make a frosting. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until the frosting is creamy and light.
- Decorate the cookies: After the cookies have cooled completely, top them with cream cheese frosting, either spread or piped. If you want to give them a little extra something, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or crushed candy canes over the frosting.
Expert Tips for Success
- Avoid Overmixing: When it comes to cookie dough, less is more. Overmixing the dough can overwork the gluten, resulting in cookies that are dense and tough rather than soft and tender. To ensure your cookies remain light and airy, mix the ingredients just until they are combined. You don’t need a perfectly smooth dough; a little imperfection is perfectly fine!
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If you find that your dough is sticky and hard to handle, don’t fret! A quick trip to the refrigerator can work wonders. Chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing excessive spreading while baking. This step is particularly helpful if your kitchen is warm or you’re making these cookies during summer.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: For perfectly baked cookies, rotating your baking sheets halfway through the baking time is essential. Ovens often have hot spots, so this simple step ensures that your cookies bake evenly, with no overly browned edges or undercooked centers. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in achieving professional-quality results.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Variations and Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Version: If you or someone you’re baking for is gluten-sensitive, don’t miss out on the fun! Opt for a gluten-free Red Velvet Cake Cookies mix, which is now widely available in most grocery stores. Follow the recipe as usual, and you’ll still get those same soft, chewy cookies with a rich red velvet flavor. No one will even notice they’re gluten-free!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a gourmet touch to your cookies with a simple chocolate drizzle. Melt some dark, milk, or white chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler, then use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle it over the frosting. The contrast of creamy frosting and rich chocolate adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of decadence.
- Holiday-Themed Decorations: Customize your cookies to match the festive spirit of the season. For Christmas, top them with crushed candy canes, green and red sprinkles, or edible glitter. For Valentine’s Day, use heart-shaped sprinkles or a dusting of pink sanding sugar. These easy additions make the cookies extra special and perfectly themed for any celebration.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Take these cookies to the next level by turning them into sandwich cookies. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting or buttercream between two cookies for a delightful treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor.
- Mini Cookies for Gifting: Roll smaller portions of dough to create bite-sized cookies, perfect for gift bags or party favors. Package them in decorative boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s guaranteed to impress.
Storage and Reheating Directions
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cookies without frosting on a single-layer baking sheet lined with parchment. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for as long as 3 months.
Reheating
For a slightly warm, fresh-baked flavor, heat an unfrosted cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Enjoy your frosted cookies cold or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These are wonderful cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. They’re wonderful on a dessert platter with other desserts of the season, such as peppermint bark, chocolate custard cookies, or gingerbread cookies. If you want to serve them more elegantly, place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to make red velvet cookies with cake mix?
Just combine a box of Red Velvet Cake Cookies mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth; and bake. Such a delicious shortcut to cookies.
Can I use homemade red velvet cake mix?
Of course! If you prefer to make a homemade red velvet cake mix, feel free to do so. Just note that the texture might be slightly different than that of a mix from a box.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with a simple vanilla buttercream or melted white chocolate.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
For dairy-free, replace cream cheese frosting with a vegan frosting or use a glaze. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure your cake mix is dairy-free.
Related Recipes
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Rich, fudgy classics rolled in powdered sugar before baking create a beautifully crinkled look. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Soft sweet sugar cookies topped with frosting of creamy richness. Classic Red Velvet Cake cookies: If one desires to have a full cake to complement the cookies, then going all the way with a traditional red velvet cake cookies is a great idea.
These Red Velvet Cake Cookies capture a perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity, blending the beloved flavors of red velvet cake cookies into a treat you can enjoy at any time. Whether one is looking for a quick dessert or looking to impress with a great holiday cookie, this recipe fits the bill. With only a few easy steps and ingredients, you’ll have bakery-style cookies that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the process of baking, and don’t be surprised when these treats disappear as fast as you are baking them!
FAQs
How to make Red Velvet cake cookies with cake mix?
Just combine a Red Velvet Cake Cookies mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl and mix till smooth. Bake and enjoy the easiest ever shortcut to cookie heaven.
Can I make homemade red velvet cake cookies mix?
Yes! If you like to make your own homemade Red Velvet Cake Cookies mix, that’s entirely up to you. Just know that the texture will be somewhat different from the mixes you buy in a store.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
If you happen to be out of cream cheese, feel free to use a basic vanilla buttercream or melted white chocolate as a substitute.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
For dairy-free, see below. Replace cream cheese frosting with a vegan frosting or try using a glaze. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure your cake mix is dairy-free.
Related Recipes
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Rich and fudgy, these classic cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking for a beautiful, crinkled appearance.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Soft, sweet sugar cookies topped with a creamy layer of frosting.
Classic Red Velvet Cake cookies: If you want a full cake to balance the cookies, then go all the way with a classic red velvet cake cookies.
Conclusion
Red velvet cake cookies are that great mix of sophistication and simplicity; they bring in all the flavors of the beloved Red Velvet Cake Cookies into a cookies form that you will want any time of the day. Whether you look at it as a quick dessert or one impressive holiday cookie, this recipe checks all the boxes. Just think that a few easy steps and simple ingredients will give you the bakery cookies that all your family and friends will be talking about. Enjoy your baking process, and don’t be surprised if cookies as easy as these disappear just as fast as you bake them!
Red Velvet Cake Cookies Recipe
Course: Uncategorized24
servings15
minutes12
minutes120
kcalSoft and chewy red velvet cake cookies made with cocoa and topped with a cream frosting.
Ingredients
1 box red velvet cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
A few drops of red food coloring for extra vibrancy (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Dough: Heat oven to 350°F or 175°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, like red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth with no lumps.
- Optional Add-ins: If using, fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add some more texture and sweetness.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, balls of dough are formed and set onto the baking sheets. Gently press down each doughball to flatten it slightly to ensure an even bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract in steps, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate: When the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Serve immediately or store as directed.
Notes
- To get a really bright red, add a few drops of the food colouring right into the dough.
- If you want a more festive, crinkly look, you can roll the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking.