Red Velvet Cookies Made with Cake Mix

The holidays are here, and nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies. This year, I’m making things incredibly simple (and deliciously festive!) with these amazing Red Velvet Cookies Made with Cake Mix. Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists – this recipe uses a humble cake mix as its secret weapon, resulting in soft, chewy, and vibrantly red cookies that are guaranteed to impress. Red velvet is always a crowd-pleaser, and turning it into a cookie is pure genius. The subtle tang of buttermilk flavor paired with the rich cocoa notes makes for an irresistible combination. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are a game-changer. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking the ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these cookies are. Get ready to experience holiday baking magic!

My expertise in baking comes from countless hours spent in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and techniques. I’ve always been drawn to simple recipes that deliver exceptional results, and this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie recipe is a prime example. The trend of using cake mixes for cookies has been around for a while, but I’ve refined the process to ensure these cookies are anything but ordinary. This is a recipe anyone can follow for the perfect cookie. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to create the perfect red velvet experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand of red velvet cake mix. The quality of the mix will influence the final flavor, so opt for a brand you trust.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding moisture. They also contribute to the cookie’s chewy texture. Large eggs are generally recommended for baking.
• Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft. You can also use melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile, although it may make the cookies a bit more dense.
• Cream Cheese: This is my secret ingredient! Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness that elevates these cookies beyond your average cake mix cookie. It also contributes to a softer, chewier texture. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: For coating the cookies. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful, crackled appearance.

Ingredient Science: Red velvet’s signature flavor comes from a combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk (or an acidic substitute like vinegar and milk), and red food coloring. The buttermilk reacts with the cocoa powder, creating a unique flavor and tender crumb. The cream cheese enhances this tanginess and adds a delightful creaminess to the cookies.

Substitution Tips:

• Vegan: Use a vegan cake mix, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and vegan cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Oil: Melted butter can be substituted for the oil, but it will result in a slightly flatter cookie.
• Cream Cheese: You can omit the cream cheese if you don’t have it on hand, but the cookies will be slightly less tangy and chewy. Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies

These tips are from my own experience perfecting this recipe! Follow these for amazing results:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the cake mix, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which means the cookies will bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t skip this step! It adds the perfect touch of sweetness and creates that classic crackled look.

FAQ About Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by a few factors: too much oil, not enough chilling time, or an oven that’s not hot enough. Make sure to measure the oil accurately, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Fold them into the dough before chilling.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft.

Why are my cookies dry?

Dry cookies are usually the result of overbaking. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! This recipe works well with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Adjust the add-ins accordingly.

What makes red velvet cookies red?

Red velvet gets its color from red food coloring added to the cake mix. Some recipes also use beet juice for a more natural color, though this can slightly alter the flavor.

Bake Up Some Holiday Cheer!

These Red Velvet Cookies Made with Cake Mix are a simple, delicious, and festive treat that everyone will love. They’re perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in. With their vibrant color, soft texture, and irresistible flavor, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite. So, grab a box of red velvet cake mix and get baking! And be sure to check out my other holiday recipes like Gingerbread Cookie Bars, Easy Fudge Recipe, and Peppermint Bark Brownies for even more festive inspiration.

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #RedVelvetCookies and tag me @MyBakingAdventures. Happy baking!

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