Red Velvet Cookies – Cake Mix Hack

Looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious red velvet cookies without the hassle of measuring out tons of ingredients? Look no further than this simple Red Velvet Cookies recipe using a cake mix hack! This shortcut recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies that taste just like homemade red velvet cake but without all the complicated steps. By using a box of red velvet cake mix as the base, you can whip up a batch of these indulgent cookies in no time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these red velvet cookies will not disappoint. With a vibrant red color and rich, cocoa flavor, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Using a cake mix for the base makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a homemade treat.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp edge — just like a fresh red velvet cake.

3. Vibrant and Festive

The stunning red color of the cookies makes them a showstopper at any event, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or a birthday party.

4. Minimal Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about a long shopping list or complicated measurements.

5. Customizable

You can add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of cream cheese frosting to make these cookies even more indulgent.

Ingredients

• Red velvet cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• White chocolate chips (optional)
• Cream cheese (optional for frosting)

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist that complements the red velvet flavor.
• Nuts: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft cookie.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For extra indulgence, top the cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting or glaze.
• Mini Red Velvet Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller balls to create mini cookies that are perfect for parties or snacking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a thick dough forms. If you’re adding white chocolate chips or other mix-ins, fold them into the dough at this point.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can dry out quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost them with cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix with the wet ingredients, be sure not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Watch the Bake Time: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. The cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for an extra cozy experience. For a more festive presentation, arrange them on a plate and top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or until they’re warm and soft.

FAQs

1. Can I use any cake mix for these cookies?

While the recipe specifically uses red velvet cake mix, you can substitute it with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla cake mix for different variations.

2. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute the vegetable oil with a plant-based option. You can also make a dairy-free frosting or skip the frosting entirely.

3. Do I need to add any additional flour to the dough?

No, the cake mix provides all the flour and dry ingredients needed, so there’s no need to add extra flour.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies as usual.

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add sprinkles to the dough before baking or top them with cream cheese frosting and red sprinkles for a festive look.

6. Can I make the dough into bars instead of cookies?

Yes, you can spread the dough into a greased baking dish and bake it as a bar cookie. Adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough.

7. How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

If you find the cookies too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake mix by about ¼ cup, or skip the frosting.

8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of stirring by hand?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer to combine the dough, but be careful not to overmix the batter.

9. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is optional, but it can help the cookies hold their shape better and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are slightly set and the centers look soft but no longer raw. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookies using a cake mix hack are the perfect solution for anyone craving the rich flavor of red velvet cake without the time and effort of making it from scratch. These cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a fun treat for a holiday or an everyday indulgence, these cookies will be a hit every time. Don’t forget to top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain — either way, you’re in for a sweet, colorful delight!

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