Summary
Craving something sweet but want a quick, easy dessert? Red velvet cake cookies are your answer. These soft, chewy delights combine everything you love about red velvet cake in cookie form. Plus, with this guide, you’ll learn how to make red velvet cookies with cake mix—a perfect shortcut for busy bakers like you.
In addition, we’ll explore tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re prepping for a party or indulging in a quiet afternoon dessert, you’ll find everything you need right here. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
What Are Red Velvet Cake Cookies? A Deliciously Simple Treat Made With Cake Mix
When it comes to red velvet cake cookies, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The red velvet cake mix serves as the base, making the preparation quick and easy without compromising on taste. Eggs provide structure, giving the cookies their soft, chewy texture. Vegetable oil adds moisture, keeping your cookies tender and delicious for days. And if you want to take it up a notch, adding white chocolate chips enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these lovely red velvet cookies using cake mix in no time!
What You’ll Need to Make Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making delicious red velvet cake cookies. Below, we’ve broken down the essentials into simple categories so you can easily prepare and customize your cookies.
Core Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: This acts as the foundation of the recipe, saving you time when measuring flour and other dry ingredients. You can try gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
- Eggs (2 large): Provide structure to the dough and help create a chewy texture. For an egg-free version, use alternatives like applesauce or flax eggs.
- Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and ensures your cookies stay soft. You can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Optional Mix-ins and Flavor Enhancers
- White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Add sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Swap with dark chocolate or nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese (optional, 1/4 cup): Perfect for making a creamy filling or drizzle. This adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet: Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl will give you enough space to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps portion the dough for uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
By organizing everything ahead of time, you’ll breeze through the preparation and bake perfect red velvet cookies with cake mix every time.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Here’s everything you need to make red velvet cake cookies. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
1 box red velvet cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or your favorite add-ins)
Optional Ingredients
1/4 cup cream cheese (for filling or drizzle)
1 teaspoon. vanilla extract (adds extra depth of flavor)
Powdered sugar (for dusting or garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C)
Start by setting your oven to the right temperature. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and have the right texture.
Mix the Red Velvet Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Stir until the dough is smooth and everything is well incorporated. If the dough feels sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Fold in White Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. This adds a sweet crunch to the cookies. If you prefer, swap these with dark chocolate, nuts, or even M&Ms for a fun variation.
Scoop the Cookie Dough onto a Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow space for spreading.
Bake the Cookies for 10-12 Minutes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the red velvet cookies with cake mix until the edges are set about 10-12 minutes. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Cool the Cookies on a Wire Rack
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents overbaking and ensures the cookies stay soft inside.
Optional: Add Cream Cheese, Drizzle or Dust with Powdered Sugar
For an extra touch, drizzle the cookies with softened cream cheese or dust them with powdered sugar. This adds a delightful finish to your red velvet cake cookies.
Enjoy or Store for Later
Your cookies are ready to serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for more extended storage.
Additional Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Cookies
- Chill the dough for easier handling: If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to make scooping easier and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Add food coloring for a richer red hue: Boost the signature red velvet color with a few drops of red gel food coloring.
- Use butter instead of oil for a richer taste. Swap vegetable oil with melted butter to give your cookies a buttery flavor and a slightly firmer texture.
- Experiment with fillings: Try stuffing the dough with cream cheese or chocolate chunks for a surprise center.
- Monitor baking time closely. Slightly underbake the cookies for a softer, chewier texture, as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
- Freeze dough balls for future baking: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them for quick, fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Tips and Tricks for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
These tips and tricks will help you create the best red velvet cake cookies possible, whether you’re baking for a party or enjoying a treat at home. From preparation hacks to flavor boosts, these insights will simplify the process and elevate your cookies to the next level.
Preparation Hacks for Red Velvet Cookies
- Chill the dough before baking: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and make it easier to handle.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat. These tools ensure your cookies bake evenly and make cleanup quick and easy (how to clean silicone baking mats correctly).
- Double the batch for convenience. Prepare extra dough and freeze it for quick baking whenever cravings strike.
Flavor Improvements for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
- Add a splash of vanilla extract: This deepens the flavor and enhances the cocoa in the cake mix.
- Use cream cheese filling: For an indulgent touch, stuff your cookies with softened cream cheese before baking.
- Mix in dark chocolate chips or walnuts. These ingredients add complexity and contrast to the sweet, chewy cookies.
Storage and Serving Ideas
- Store in an airtight container: Keep cookies fresh by storing them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for later enjoyment: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serve with a cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar. Drizzle cream cheese glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a polished presentation.
Nutritional Information for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Even with a simple recipe like red velvet cake cookies, small mistakes can affect the final result. By identifying and avoiding common preparation errors, ingredient mishandling, or baking missteps, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time. This section covers practical tips to help you avoid pitfalls and make the most of each ingredient.
Preparation Mistakes for Red Velvet Cake Cookies
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in dense cookies. Stir the dough just until combined to keep the texture light and chewy.
- Skipping Dough Chilling: If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Incorrect Measuring of Ingredients: Use the correct measurements for oil, eggs, and mix-ins to maintain the right dough consistency.
Ingredient Handling Issues
- Using Expired Cake Mix: Always check the expiration date of the cake mix to ensure your cookies rise properly and taste fresh.
- Substituting Eggs Incorrectly: When using egg alternatives (e.g., applesauce or flax eggs), adjust the liquid ratio to prevent soggy cookies.
- Inconsistent Mix-Ins: Distribute chocolate chips or nuts evenly to ensure every cookie has the same flavor and texture.
Temperature and Baking Issues
- Not Preheating the Oven Properly: Bake in a fully preheated oven to prevent undercooked or unevenly baked cookies.
- Incorrect Baking Time: Watch the cookies closely—bake for 10-12 minutes only, as overbaking will result in dry cookies.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack to set correctly.
Safety-Related Mistakes to Avoid
- Cross-Contamination with Raw Eggs: Always wash hands and utensils after handling raw eggs to avoid foodborne illness (learn more about egg safety guidelines).
- Improper Storage of Leftover Cookies: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from becoming stale.
- Unsafe Freezing Practices: If freezing dough, wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and label it with the date to keep track of storage time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Here are answers to common questions about red velvet cake cookies, covering everything from cooking techniques to ingredient substitutions. This section will help you troubleshoot issues, explore variations, and enjoy these cookies to the fullest.
Can I make red velvet cookies using cake mix in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the cookies for 7-8 minutes. Check for doneness, as cooking times may vary slightly.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This ensures the cookies keep their shape and don’t spread too much.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in this recipe?
Absolutely! Melted butter adds a richer flavor but may result in slightly firmer cookies.
Is red velvet cake the same as chocolate cake?
Not exactly. While red velvet cake contains cocoa powder, it also includes ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar, giving it a tangy flavor and distinct texture.
Does food coloring go bad?
Food coloring has a long shelf life, but its potency may decrease over time. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its vibrancy.
How should I store red velvet cake cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For more extended storage, freeze them in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag.
Can I reheat these cookies?
Yes! Warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their softness and enhance the flavors.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
You can easily make gluten-free red velvet cookies using a cake mix by substituting it with a certified gluten-free cake mix.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
Try reducing the sugar by substituting it with a sugar-free sweetener or adding oats for extra fiber.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make delicious red velvet cake cookies, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start baking! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some fun variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Thank you for following along! I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out—feel free to share your experience or any creative twists in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more tasty recipes, helpful tips, and baking inspiration. Your feedback means a lot and helps us create even better content for you.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
