Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something irresistibly charming about red velvet—its vibrant color, subtle cocoa flavor, and hint of tangy cream cheese. Now imagine all that deliciousness transformed from a classic cake into soft, tender cookies. Welcome to the world of Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies, a quick and delightful twist on a beloved dessert that brings big flavor with minimal effort.
These cookies are a fantastic shortcut for busy bakers or anyone craving the luscious taste of red velvet without the fuss of a multi-step cake recipe. Made primarily from a boxed cake mix, they’re incredibly simple to prepare and yield perfectly moist and chewy treats that are perfect for sharing at parties, gifting during holidays, or simply indulging with a glass of milk. What makes this recipe especially appealing is the creamy frosting-like drizzle that often tops the cookies—mimicking that classic cream cheese frosting but in a portable, easy-to-enjoy cookie form.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and learn how to make these festive and flavorful cookies that capture the essence of red velvet in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 (18.25 oz or 518 g) box red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (90 g) white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a thick dough forms. If using, fold in the white or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
- Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear slightly cracked. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool—avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
- While the cookies bake, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously.
- Add the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Once the cookies are out of the oven and have cooled on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When completely cool, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cookies. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving to enjoy that luscious, creamy finish.
Recipe Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 10-12 minutes
- Cooling & glazing time: 40 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Difficulty level: Easy
Tips & Variations
- For the best texture, do not overbake the cookies. They should be soft in the center when taken out of the oven.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth glaze without lumps.
- If you want a more intense red color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough.
- Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are not only a joyous feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth quickly and easily. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just want to brighten your day with a pop of red velvet goodness.
Try serving them alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. We’d love to hear how your cookies turn out, so don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures and any creative twists you add in the comments below. Happy baking!