These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are a sweet treat that brings fun and joy to your baking! With their vibrant color and soft texture, they look as good as they taste.
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that’s both chewy and red? I like to make them even more special by adding cream cheese frosting on top. Yum! 😋
What I love most is how quick and easy they are to whip up. Just mix, scoop, and bake—perfect for when you want something tasty without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Mix: The star of this recipe! It’s quick and convenient. You can also use a homemade red velvet cake recipe if you prefer. Just adjust the measurements to match this recipe.
Vegetable Oil: I typically use vegetable oil for a neutral taste, but melted coconut oil or melted butter works well too. Just note that using butter may slightly change the flavor.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese is a must for that tangy sweetness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives—they work nicely too!
Powdered Sugar: This is used for smooth frosting. If you’re out or looking for a healthier option, you can use agave syrup or honey, but you may need to adjust the quantity for consistency.
How Do You Keep the Cookies Soft and Chewy?
Keeping your cookies soft and chewy is easier than you think! Here are my best tips:
- Chill the dough! It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and results in a softer texture.
- Don’t overbake. Take them out when the edges are firm, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled to keep them from drying out. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (about 18 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Crushed red velvet crumbs or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an optional 30 minutes to chill the dough. Baking will take about 10 to 12 minutes, so you’re looking at around an hour total for cookies that are wonderfully soft and chewy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until everything is well mixed and forms a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional):
For best results, cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Once the dough is ready, take it out of the fridge. Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. It’s fun to get your hands a little messy!
5. Bake the Cookies:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the oven and let the cookies bake for 10 to 12 minutes. When they’re ready, the edges will be slightly firm but the centers will still look soft. Take them out and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until they are smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and additional vanilla extract, mixing until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
7. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a dollop of the cream cheese frosting on one cookie, and then top it with another cookie, creating a delightful sandwich.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle crushed red velvet crumbs or decorative sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive touch. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your scrumptious cookies!
This recipe yields wonderfully soft and chewy red velvet cookies with a luscious cream cheese frosting filling. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix for These Cookies?
Absolutely! While red velvet is the classic choice, you can use any cake mix flavor you like. Just remember that the flavor and color of your cookies will change accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use mascarpone cheese or a store-bought vanilla frosting as a substitute for cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Cookie Dough?
Definitely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these cookies. Just fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before shaping them into cookies. Enjoy that extra chocolatey goodness!
