What's more iconic than red velvet cookies leading up to Valentines Day? This red velvet cookies recipe could not be any simpler; with only 6 ingredients and one bowl, you'll be on your way to making these vibrant, pillowy cookies.

And if you're throwing a Galentines Day party, or making treats for a classroom, here are some amazing ideas for cute Valentines Day treats.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Red Velvet Cake Cookies Recipe
• Let's Go Through This Red Velvet Cookies Recipe Step-By-Step
• Tips To Enhance This Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
• How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cookies
• The Role of Cake Mix in Red Velvet Cookie Recipes
• Other Valentines Day Treats To Make
• Printable Recipe

What Is Red Velvet, Anyway?

Red velvet refers to a cocoa-based cake that’s tinged red—either from natural cocoa reactions or red food coloring—and usually paired with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. The flavor? A delicate balance of mild cocoa, buttermilk tang, and vanilla sweetness. Over the years, this classic flavor profile has been reinvented into cupcakes, pancakes, brownies, and of course, cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Red Velvet Cake Cookies Recipe

Easy to Make: Using a cake mix as the base makes these cookies incredibly simple to whip up, even for beginner bakers and kids.

Versatility: Swap out the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet, dark, or even a mix of your favorite candy to customize the taste.

Vibrant Appearance: The bold red color makes these cookies feel festive, whether for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Soft, Chewy Texture: This red velvet cookies recipe yields a perfectly soft and tender crumb, thanks to ingredients like melted butter and eggs.

Flavor Balance: They’re sweet but not overly so, with a touch of cocoa for depth and white chocolate chips for creamy contrast.

Let's Go Through This Red Velvet Cookies Recipe Step-By-Step

Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a thick, smooth dough forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies may appear soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of red velvet? Yes! While red velvet gives these cookies their signature color and mild cocoa flavor, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti for a unique twist.

What can I use instead of white chocolate chips? You can substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. Chopped nuts or dried fruit can also add an interesting texture and flavor contrast.

Why do my cookies turn out too dry? Overbaking is the most common reason for dry cookies. Make sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies without eggs? Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

How do I get a deeper red color in my cookies? If you want a more intense red hue, you can add a few drops of red gel food coloring or liquid food coloring to the dough. Be sure to mix well for even coloring. If you want a more natural way to color the cookies, use beet powder. Learn more about using natural ingredients as a replacement for food coloring, here.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Simply use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix. Double-check that all other ingredients, including any mix-ins, are also gluten-free.

Fun Variations to Try

Red velvet cookies are incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or match the season. Here are some fun ideas:

• Cream Cheese Filling: Turn your cookies into sandwich cookies by adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
• Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a festive holiday treat.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Sprinkles Galore: Roll the dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking to match any occasion.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cookies

Proper storage ensures your cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:

• At Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.
  
• In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep your cookies longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
  
• Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
  
• Freezing Cookie Dough: If you want to prep cookies in advance, freeze the dough instead. Scoop the dough into individual cookie portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

The Role of Cake Mix in Red Velvet Cookie Recipes

One of the easiest ways to make red velvet cookies is by using a box of red velvet cake mix. Not only does it save time, but it also guarantees consistent results. Cake mix already contains the perfect balance of flour, sugar, and cocoa, so all you need to do is add a few simple ingredients to transform it into cookie dough. Here’s why it works so well:

1. Convenience: With the base already mixed, you’ll spend less time measuring ingredients and more time enjoying the process.
2. Texture: Cake mix creates a soft and pillowy texture that’s ideal for cookies.
3. Flavor: The mix ensures that signature mild cocoa and vanilla flavor without any guesswork.
4. Room for Creativity: While the base is simple, you can easily customize the recipe by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.

The Science Behind Cake Mix Cookies

Let’s dig a little deeper into the science of why cake mix works so well for cookies. Cake mixes are formulated to create soft, airy textures—but when you use them for cookies, the ingredient ratios take on a new purpose. Here’s how it all works:

• Flour-to-Sugar Balance: Cake mixes contain a higher ratio of sugar compared to homemade cookie recipes. This gives the cookies a tender crumb and keeps them moist for days.
• Leavening Agents: The baking powder and/or baking soda in the mix ensure the cookies puff up slightly while baking, creating a soft and chewy center.
• Fat Content: By adding melted butter to the cake mix, you’re enriching the dough with fat, which not only enhances flavor but also improves texture, making the cookies rich and decadent.
• Binding Ingredients: Eggs act as the binder, holding the dough together and giving the cookies structure. Using room-temperature eggs ensures that they incorporate smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Hydration Levels: Since cake mixes are designed to handle liquid ingredients for batter, the addition of just a little melted butter and eggs creates a thick dough instead, perfect for cookies.

This carefully engineered balance of ingredients is why cake mix cookies come out perfectly soft and chewy every single time—even if you’re new to baking.

Other Valentines Day Treats To Make

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Printable Recipe