These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-pretty with that deep red color! Made with just a cake mix, they’re simple to whip up whenever a sweet craving hits.
Plus, who can resist the cream cheese frosting? It’s like a hug in cookie form! I love making these for friends, and they’re always a hit at parties. So easy, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base of these cookies is a box of red velvet cake mix which brings in that beautiful color and flavor. If you don’t have this, you can use chocolate cake mix; just add a touch of food coloring to achieve the red hue.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cookies moist and chewy. You could substitute with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist!
Eggs: Typically, two large eggs help bind the ingredients together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use 1/2 a mashed banana or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. Just keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor.
Cream Cheese: For the filling, softened cream cheese is essential for that rich taste. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese alternative, which works well too.
Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles: The optional toppings add extra fun! You can skip these if you prefer, or substitute with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Cream Cheese Filling Smooth?
Making a delightful cream cheese filling is easier than you might think! The key is to ensure your cream cheese is truly softened. It should be at room temperature for the best results.
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer is great for this.
- Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix again until combined. Scraping down the sides of the bowl helps get everything mixed evenly.
- This creamy filling should be fluffy and not too runny, perfect for placing in the cookie dough!
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- Red and white sanding sugar or sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You may want to allow an extra 5 minutes cooling time on the baking sheet. Overall, you can be enjoying these delicious cookies in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms. It should be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the red velvet dough and flatten them slightly in your hand. This will help in placing the cream cheese filling inside.
5. Fill the Dough:
Put about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each flattened dough portion. Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the cream cheese filling and roll it into a ball. Make sure to seal the filling inside!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place your filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. If you’re using sanding sugar or sprinkles, sprinkle them lightly on top of the dough balls.
7. Cooling Time:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft in the center. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious red velvet cookies with cream cheese filling are ready! Serve them to family and friends, and enjoy these soft, colorful treats!
Can I Use Different Cake Mix for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While red velvet adds a unique flavor and color, you can substitute it with chocolate or even vanilla cake mix. Just adjust the food coloring if you want a red hue in a different mix.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and filling.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much While Baking?
If your cookies spread too much, ensure your dough is chilled before baking. You might also want to double-check that you measured the cake mix accurately, as too little can affect the dough’s consistency.