Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Introduction

There are few desserts that instantly feel celebratory, and red velvet is one of them. With its deep crimson color, subtle cocoa flavor, and undeniable charm, red velvet has become synonymous with special occasions, cozy holidays, and heartfelt celebrations. These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies capture everything people love about red velvet desserts, but in a form that is approachable, quick, and wonderfully forgiving for home bakers of all skill levels.

This recipe is built for real life. It does not require chilling, fancy equipment, or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, it relies on a simple shortcut that many home cooks love: cake mix. By using a red velvet cake mix as the base, you get consistent texture, reliable flavor, and bakery-style softness without the stress of measuring flour, cocoa powder, or leavening agents.

What makes these cookies especially appealing is how versatile they are. They fit seamlessly into holiday baking trays, Valentine’s Day dessert spreads, bake sales, classroom treats, or casual weekend baking projects. With just a handful of ingredients and a total time of around 30 minutes, they are the kind of recipe you can turn to again and again.

Soft and chewy on the inside, lightly crisp at the edges, and generously studded with white chocolate chips, these cookies are visually striking and deeply satisfying. Whether you are baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers dependable results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses a short ingredient list with pantry-friendly items
• Requires no chilling time, making it fast and convenient
• Produces consistently soft and chewy cookies every time
• Ideal for holidays, gifting, and special occasions
• Beginner-friendly with simple, clear steps
• Easily scalable for larger batches

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe is intentionally simple, and every ingredient plays an important role in achieving the final texture and flavor. Below is the exact ingredient list, kept completely unchanged.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1 (18 oz) box red velvet cake mix
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• A few drops red food coloring (optional)
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Serving Size

• Yield: 34 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Important note: The cake mix should not be prepared according to the package directions. It is used dry as listed.

Tools & Equipment Needed

One of the advantages of this recipe is that it does not require specialized equipment. Most home kitchens will already have everything needed.

• Standard oven
• Two baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps are written clearly and precisely to ensure perfect results. Follow them exactly for the best texture and appearance.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

2. Mix the Dough Base

In a large bowl, combine the dry red velvet cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and eggs. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly glossy.

3. Add Food Coloring (Optional)

If using red food coloring, add a few drops and beat until the color is evenly distributed. This step is optional but helps intensify the red color, especially if the cake mix is pale.

4. Fold in the White Chocolate Chips

Stir in the white chocolate chips, reserving a couple of tablespoons if you want to place extra chips on top of each cookie before baking.

5. Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls about 1 to 1½ tablespoons in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. A cookie scoop ensures even sizing and uniform baking.

6. Top with Extra Chips (Optional)

If desired, gently press a few reserved white chocolate chips onto the top of each dough ball for a decorative finish.

7. Bake

Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the tops look set. The centers may appear slightly soft, which is ideal for chewy cookies.

8. Cool Properly

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

While the core recipe should remain unchanged, these tips help tailor the cookies to your preferences without altering measurements or steps.

Texture Tips

• Slight underbaking ensures a soft, chewy interior
• Overbaking can lead to dry cookies

Ingredient Notes

• If using a 15 oz box of cake mix, use 1/3 cup melted butter instead
• Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs

Dietary Adjustments (Conceptual Only)

• Gluten-free cake mix can be used if it matches the same weight
• Dairy-free butter alternatives may work but can affect texture

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These cookies offer a mild cocoa flavor balanced by rich butter and sweet white chocolate. The texture is soft and cake-like in the center with lightly crisp edges. The white chocolate chips add creamy sweetness that complements the red velvet base without overpowering it.

They pair beautifully with other desserts on a cookie platter and work well alongside lighter treats for balance.

Nutritional Overview

Each cookie is portioned for moderation, making it easy to enjoy without overindulging.

Per Cookie (Estimated):

• Calories: 109 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg
• Sodium: 9 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

These cookies are excellent for planning ahead.

• Dough should be baked immediately; freezing raw dough is not recommended
• Baked cookies can be made days in advance
• Flavor and texture remain excellent for several days when stored properly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes. The cookies will still taste the same, but the color may be slightly darker or more muted.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This may happen if the butter is too hot. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as you maintain the same ratios and bake in batches.

Do these cookies taste like cake?

They have a cookie structure with a soft, tender crumb similar to cake.

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

White chocolate is recommended for contrast, but similar chips may work.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	5 minutes
Bake Time	10 minutes
Cooling Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Arrange cookies on a white platter to highlight their vibrant color. For gifting, stack them in clear bags tied with ribbon. These cookies also make an excellent addition to holiday dessert boards or party trays.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Base)

• Press extra chips on top for bakery-style presentation
• Make cookie sandwiches using cream cheese frosting
• Add festive sprinkles before baking
• Shape slightly larger cookies for bakery-style portions

Ingredient Spotlight

Red Velvet Cake Mix

This ingredient provides structure, cocoa flavor, sweetness, and leavening all in one. Using cake mix ensures consistency and reduces prep time significantly.

White Chocolate Chips

White chocolate adds sweetness and visual contrast. Choose high-quality chips for smoother melting and better flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always measure cookie dough evenly for uniform baking
• Use parchment paper to prevent over-browning
• Remove cookies while centers look slightly soft

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze baked, cooled cookies for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	109 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free (depending on chocolate brand)

Expanded Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are proof that baking does not need to be complicated to be impressive. With their bold color, soft texture, and simple preparation, they offer everything home bakers love: reliability, flavor, and visual appeal.

Whether you are baking for a celebration or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe delivers consistent results and endless versatility. It is the kind of recipe you bookmark, return to, and confidently share.

If you try these cookies, make them your own, serve them proudly, and come back again for more dependable, home-tested recipes designed to make baking enjoyable and stress-free.

Print