These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite! With their rich red color and a hint of cocoa, they’re perfect for any celebration or just because.
What I love most is how easy they are to whip up—just mix the cake mix, butter, and eggs! Plus, the cream cheese frosting feels like a little extra love on each cookie. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is the star of the show! It’s the easy way to get that classic red color and flavor. If you have a homemade red velvet cake recipe, you could make your own from scratch, but using the mix simplifies everything.
Unsalted Butter: A must for baking! It gives richness to the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Eggs: They provide moisture and help bind the dough together. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
Cream Cheese: It’s essential for that delightful frosting! If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which works well for frosting without losing much flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft, chewy cookies lies in the baking process. Here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Just mix until everything is combined to keep the cookies light.
- Watch the bake time carefully. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. This helps them complete their baking and stay soft!
These simple steps will ensure that your Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are perfect every time! Enjoy making them!
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (18 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 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)
- Optional: red velvet cake crumbs or sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Once baked, let the cookies cool for a bit, then add the frosting! The total time is around 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so the cookies won’t stick!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and thick dough. It’s so simple, but the colors are already looking gorgeous!
3. Scoop the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread as they bake.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be set while the centers are still slightly soft—this will keep them chewy. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, grab a medium bowl. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy—this frosting is going to be delicious!
6. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to dollop the creamy frosting onto the center of each cookie. Don’t be shy with the frosting—it’s the best part!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make them extra special, sprinkle some red velvet cake crumbs or festive sprinkles on top. Serve your cookies and enjoy every bite! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These soft and cakey cookies with cream cheese frosting are sure to be a hit—enjoy baking and sharing!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! While red velvet gives these cookies their signature flavor and color, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the frosting may need to be adjusted for flavor compatibility.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to keep them fresh and tasty!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. You can bake them directly from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Can I Omit the Frosting?
Sure! If you prefer, you can enjoy these cookies plain without the cream cheese frosting. They are delicious on their own too! However, the frosting adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess that complements the red velvet flavor nicely.
