These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are soft and chewy with a lovely red hue! Made with cake mix, they’re super easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion.
Throw some chocolate chips in the mix, and you have a sweet treat that’s hard to resist! I usually make a batch when I want to impress my friends without spending hours in the kitchen. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor and color. If you can’t find red velvet mix, a chocolate cake mix can work too, although the color won’t be the same.
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the cookies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in the same amount.
Cream Cheese: For frosting, softened cream cheese is essential for a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It will give a similar creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar dissolves easily and creates a smooth frosting. If you want a healthier option, you can try using coconut sugar instead, although the texture might differ slightly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
A key to achieving soft, chewy cookies is not to overbake them. You want the edges set while keeping the center soft. Follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help if you’re unsure.
- After mixing your dough, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before scooping. This helps the flavors meld and provides a better texture.
- Watch your baking time closely; pull the cookies out when the edges are firm but the middle still looks slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool for a short period on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without getting too dry.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: white sprinkles or red velvet crumbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow some extra time for cooling and frosting the cookies, bringing the total to about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined and a dough forms. It should be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Scooping the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
4. Baking the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake!
5. Cooling the Cookies:
Once they’re done baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their soft texture!
6. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. It should be creamy and well-mixed.
7. Adding the Sweetness:
Next, add the powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Adjust the sweetness to your taste if needed!
8. Frosting the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Be as creative as you like with your frosting technique!
9. Adding a Special Touch:
If you’d like, you can garnish your frosted cookies with white sprinkles or red velvet crumbs for a fun and festive touch.
10. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve the cookies to friends or family, or keep them all to yourself. Enjoy these soft, flavorful red velvet cake mix cookies with their delightful creamy frosting topping!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Yes! While the red velvet flavor is fantastic, you can substitute it with another cake mix flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that it will change the color and flavor profile of the cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but they may become slightly firmer. If you prefer soft cookies, let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Is the Cream Cheese Frosting Necessary?
While the cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tangy flavor and creamy texture, it’s optional! You can enjoy these cookies plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer.
