When it comes to entertaining, nothing beats these 15-minute Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies. They're festive, soft, and undeniably delicious. Whether you're planning a night in or hosting a party, these cookies are a no brainer addition to any dessert table.
There’s something about the vibrant red color of these cookies that instantly brings festive cheer to any gathering. They’re perfect for everything from holiday cookie boxes to Valentine's Day celebrations. Pair them with Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix or Frosted Ginger Cookies for an delicious holiday dessert spread. These cookies also make a fantastic addition to a Galentine’s theme party or even a Valentine’s breakfast for kids.
No matter the occasion, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of simplicity and taste. They’re great for creating memories, whether you’re crafting a festive holiday spread or making a thoughtful Valentine’s gifts for a college girlfriend. Pair them with appealing Apple Roses for a truly impressive dessert table!
What you need
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Any boxed cake mix brand will work for this recipe. Just pick up a box of cake mix at the grocery store! This recipe calls for a vanilla cake mix, but a gluten-free cake mix will also work if that is what you need.
- Pudding mix: This keeps the cookies moist and soft. Chocolate pudding mix is best for red velvet cookies.
- Butter: Swap for vegan butter if desired.
- Cream Cheese: I like full fat cream cheese for the best texture
- Red Food Dye: You can use traditional red food dye or a natural version although they result in a less vibrant cookies. A box of cake mix, when mixed with red food dye, becomes our delicious red velvet cookies recipe.
- Eggs: Swap for a flax egg if vegan.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, you make these cookies gluten free, simply swap the cake mix for gluten free cake mix. A lot of brands have gluten free cake mixes. For example, Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, and Pillsbury offer gluten-free cake mixes.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Make the dough: Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, softened butter, food coloring, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the dough is smooth and well-combined.
Scoop and Roll: Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to form 1-inch balls. For an extra festive touch, roll the dough balls in sprinkles before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.
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Make the Frosting: While the cookies are baking, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy in a large bowl. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or more powdered sugar if needed.
Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting on top. Add sprinkles or edible decorations.
Pro tip: Throw in some white chocolate chips when mixing the red velvet cookie dough for pops of white chocolate.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies dairy free by swapping out the butter for vegan butter and replacing the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. The taste and texture may vary slightly but they will still be delicious.
Hosting tips
- Cookie Decorating Party: Set out frosting, sprinkles, and piping bags to allow guests to customize their own cookies. It’s a fun, hands-on activity perfect for any holiday gathering.
- Serve on a Dessert Board: Arrange these cookies alongside chocolate-covered strawberries, white chocolate bark, and holiday-themed candies for an eye-catching dessert spread.
- Gift-Worthy Treats: Wrap up these cookies in festive boxes or tins to share with neighbors, friends, or coworkers.
Can I use store bought frosting?
Absolutely! Although homemade cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch, store-bought frosting is a great option if you want to save some time. You can also add crushed Oreo's into your frosting for another sweet twist.
Storage and make ahead
Storing: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For best results, separate cookie layers with parchment paper to keep from sticking.
Make ahead: Make the cookie dough and frosting up to two days in advance. Store the dough in the fridge and thaw to room temperature before baking. The frosting can be kept in an airtight container or ziplock baggie and stirred before using.
More Valentine's Recipes you'll love
- Dessert nachos
- Valentine's cake pops
- Valentines cookie gifts
- Pink champagne cake
- Red hot cookies recipe
- Valentines mocktails
- Valentines charcuterie board
15-Minute Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cookies
- 17 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 1 box chocolate pudding mix
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- .5 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla
Instructions
Red Velvet Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Combine the dry cake mix, dry chocolate pudding mix, butter, food coloring, and eggs in a stand mixer and mix well
- Scoop dough with a mini cookie (ice cream) scoop and roll dough into 1″ balls
- Place sprinkles in separate bowl and roll cookie dough balls in them
- Place balls on a silicone-mat-lined baking sheet and bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly brown and still soft to the touch on top (I like them a little undercooked)
- Remove cookies from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Once all the sugar is combined, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and mix.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until the desired consistency is reached. For thicker frosting, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
Sammy says
I love how easy this recipe is. I don’t have a ton of time to make dessert, so this recipe is great. Plus, I love how moist these cookies are