There’s something magical about the first batch of Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies emerging from the oven during the holidays. The kitchen fills with the sweet, buttery scent of cocoa and vanilla, mingling with the cozy warmth of winter spices and twinkling lights. These Red Velvet Cookies have a way of turning an ordinary afternoon into a festive baking celebration. I remember rolling each cookie ball in a cloud of powdered sugar, watching as the bright red batter baked into soft, crackled rounds — the perfect blend of chewy centers and delicately crisp edges.
For many of us, holiday baking isn’t just about the treats; it’s about the memories tied to them. Whether you’re baking with kids, exchanging cookies with neighbors, or preparing a platter for a Christmas party, these cake mix cookies make everything easier and more joyful. They showcase everything wonderful about Cake Mix Cookie Recipes — simplicity, consistency, and just the right touch of magic for your holiday baking traditions.
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Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies for Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These soft red velvet cake mix cookies combine the classic flavor of red velvet cake with the charm of crinkle cookies. Perfect for festive parties, cookie exchanges, or easy Christmas baking moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
3. Stir in white chocolate chips or other mix-ins if desired.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball.
6. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create the crinkle effect.
7. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set and centers appear slightly soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: soft red velvet cookies, holiday baking, red velvet cookie recipe, crinkle cookies, cake mix cookies, christmas cookies, easy cookies
Red velvet desserts have long been a holiday favorite, and for good reason. The rich red hue evokes festive cheer, while the subtle cocoa flavor paired with a gentle tang makes every bite luxurious. When transformed into cookies using a cake mix, that same irresistible flavor becomes accessible for busy bakers who still want to impress.
These Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies come together in minutes yet look like they came straight from a bakery display. With only a few ingredients and no mixers or complicated steps, you get consistently soft, vibrant red cookies dusted in snowy powdered sugar — the perfect winter aesthetic.
What makes them even better is their adaptability. Whether you add white chocolate chips, roll them in sparkling sugar, or sandwich them with cream cheese frosting, they fit seamlessly into any holiday dessert spread. Easy, elegant, and irresistibly tender, they embody everything that makes Christmas baking special — warmth, color, and a touch of indulgence.
Baking Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Cookies
To create irresistibly soft, bakery-style Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. This recipe keeps things quick and foolproof while allowing room for creativity and personalization.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Red velvet cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Choose a moist, rich-flavor brand for best results. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature eggs ensure smoother mixing. |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | Keeps cookies soft and chewy. |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup | Roll dough before baking – creates crinkle tops. |
| White chocolate chips (optional) | 1 cup | Adds creamy sweetness and festive contrast. |
| Cream cheese (optional) | 2 oz, softened | For filling if making sandwich-style cookies. |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | ½ tsp | Enhances the red velvet flavor depth. |
Pro Tip: Use a reliable brand that offers a vibrant red color and balanced cocoa flavor. If you prefer homemade mix, substitute with a blend of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and red food coloring for a from-scratch version that maintains that signature cookie texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Success
- Mix the dough – In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and oil until a thick dough forms. Stir in optional ingredients like white chocolate chips or peppermint bits.
- Chill the dough – Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading and deepen flavor.
- Shape into balls – Scoop 1 to 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each piece generously in powdered sugar for that snowy crinkle finish.
- Bake – Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for a perfect chewy-inside result.
Tips for Success:
- Be generous with the powdered sugar to emphasize the crinkles and avoid overmixing the dough.
- If cookies turn too firm, shorten baking time or lower oven temperature slightly.
- If they spread excessively, chill longer or add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or a busy holiday baking day, these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies deliver gorgeous color, soft texture, and Christmas charm with every bite.
Making Your Red Velvet Cookies Stand Out
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
One of the joys of baking Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies is how easily you can customize them. This base Red Velvet Cookie Recipe serves as a blank holiday canvas — rich, red, and ready for your creative touch.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Cool baked cookies, then drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive red-and-white look.
- Peppermint Crunch: Stir crushed candy canes into the dough for instant Christmas spirit and a minty twist.
- Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies: Place a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a version reminiscent of mini red velvet cakes.
- Sparkling Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in coarse sugar instead of powdered for a shimmery look.
- Festive Mix-Ins: Add minis of white chocolate chips, marshmallows, or nuts for texture and flavor variety.
These enhancements turn a simple Crinkle Cookies recipe into a festive centerpiece perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or family desserts. You can easily divide the dough and experiment with several styles in a single batch.
Serving, Storing, and Gifting Tips
Freshly baked Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are best enjoyed warm with coffee, cocoa, or milk. Store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to maintain softness for up to five days. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months and thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
For make-ahead convenience, roll sugared dough balls and freeze unbaked. When ready, bake directly from the freezer—no need to thaw. This time-saving tip ensures freshly baked cookies any time during the holiday rush.
When gifting, aim for presentation. Use decorative holiday tins, boxes, or clear bags tied with ribbons, and layer cookies with parchment paper. Add a handwritten card or ornament for extra charm—perfect for thoughtful homemade gifts that warm hearts and homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies ahead of time?
Yes — chill the dough for up to two days or freeze pre-rolled dough balls for two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding one to two extra minutes of baking time.
What brand of cake mix works best for Red Velvet Cookies?
Choose any major red velvet cake mix brand that offers a moist, rich flavor and deep color. “Moist-style” or premium mixes tend to produce the softest cookies with a vibrant hue.
Why didn’t my cookies crack or crinkle?
Crinkles appear when the outer layer dries before the center bakes through. Chill the dough for at least 20–30 minutes, make sure each dough ball is heavily coated in powdered sugar, and avoid overmixing.
Can I substitute butter instead of oil in this recipe?
Yes, replace oil with melted, slightly cooled butter in equal amounts. Butter gives a richer flavor and firmer texture, while oil yields a softer cookie. Watch baking time closely to prevent overbaking.
How should I store Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies for maximum softness?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment between layers. For lasting softness, add a slice of bread to the container. Freeze up to two months if needed.
Bringing Joy with Every Bite
From their striking red hue to their melt-in-your-mouth centers, Soft Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies capture the essence of holiday baking: warmth, ease, and a touch of elegance. With just a few pantry staples, you can craft stunning homemade cookies worthy of the season.
These Red Velvet Cookies prove that a cake mix can transform into bakery-quality treats that make family moments more memorable. Whether you bake them for gatherings, wraps them as gifts, or savor them by the fire, they’ll become a part of your festive traditions.
Preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and let these simple Cake Mix Cookie Recipes remind you that holiday magic often starts with the simplest recipes — and the joy of sharing something sweet from your heart.
