Introduction
Red velvet cake has long been a favorite with its rich color and distinct flavor. Now, you can capture that joy in a simpler form: cookies made from cake mix. These red velvet cake mix cookies combine the luscious taste of red velvet with the ease of baking cookies. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent treat at home, they’re sure to impress.
By using a cake mix as your base, you cut down on preparation time while still achieving a deliciously soft and flavorful cookie. With just a handful of ingredients, you'll find it’s a straightforward path to your new favorite dessert. Let's delve into the ingredients and techniques that will help you create these delightful cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz. box red velvet cake mix
The star of the recipe, the cake mix provides the primary flavor and color. It ensures that each cookie has the right texture and taste associated with red velvet cakes. - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Oil contributes to the moisture and richness of the cookies, helping to keep them soft and chewy. It helps balance the dry ingredients from the cake mix. - 2 large eggs
Eggs act as a binder, bringing the ingredients together to create a uniform dough. They also contribute to the cookies' structure and provide additional moisture. - 1 teaspoon baking powder
This ingredient helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a fluffy texture. It’s crucial for cookies to achieve a nice lift during baking. - 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
The powdered sugar coating not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives the cookies a beautiful, snowy appearance once baked.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven ensures even baking, which is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes an even bake.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
Combining all the wet and dry ingredients in a single bowl simplifies the process. Mixing until smooth ensures that the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, preventing lumps, which leads to consistent texture.
Step 3: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step is essential for achieving thicker cookies rather than flat ones.
Step 4: Once chilled, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Rolling the dough creates a uniform size for your cookies, ensuring even baking. The powdered sugar not only flavors the cookies but also adds to their aesthetic appeal after baking.
Step 5: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Spacing is critical as the cookies will spread during baking. Maintaining enough space allows air to circulate and ensures that they bake evenly without merging together.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center looks soft.
Baking for the right time is crucial. Undercooking slightly ensures that your cookies remain soft and chewy. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal, so don't overbake.
Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on the sheet allows the cookies to firm up a little, making them easier to transfer. Once on the wire rack, they can cool evenly, maintaining their texture.
Why Red Velvet?
Red velvet isn't just a beautiful dessert; it has a unique flavor profile that combines cocoa, vanilla, and sometimes buttermilk, making it distinctively rich yet not overpowering. These cookies capture that beloved combination while being easy to prepare. The visual allure of deep red cookies with the powdered sugar dusting further invites you to indulge.
Add a Personal Touch
You can customize these red velvet cookies to make them truly unique. Consider adding creamy white chocolate chips or crunchy nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Cream cheese frosting can also be added on top post-baking for a classic red velvet dessert experience in cookie form.
Perfect for Gifting
These cookies are not just a treat for yourself; they make incredible gifts too! Package them in festive boxes for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Their striking appearance and delightful taste will impress anyone who receives them, making them a thoughtful and delicious option.
FAQs
Why did my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies are dry, it may be due to overbaking or not using enough fat or moisture in the recipe. Ensure you watch them closely as they bake.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a unique take on these cookies.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, consider refrigerating it for a longer time or adding a little more cake mix until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in the cookies?
For a deeper chocolate flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder along with the cake mix, or fold in chocolate chips.
Can I bake these cookies into bars instead?
Absolutely! Simply spread the dough in a lined baking pan and extend the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, check if you used enough flour or if the dough was too warm. Chilling the dough longer can help.
Conclusion
Red velvet cake mix cookies are a deliciously easy dessert that brings a beloved flavor to life in a convenient format. The combination of soft, chewy cookies with a sweet finishing touch gives them a unique appeal that is hard to resist.
Whether you are baking them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to create smiles. Enjoy the simple pleasure they bring with every delicious bite.
Recipe Card
Delicious Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies for Any Occasion
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz. box red velvet cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center looks soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
