Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies



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I make these simple red velvet cake mix cookies with just 4 ingredients for light, fudgy cookies dotted with white chocolate chips. I use a boxed red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil to get the perfect texture and flavor. These easy cookies take under 30 minutes and are perfect for Valentine’s Day, the holidays, or anytime I am craving red velvet cake.

Easy red velvet cake mix cookies, stacked on a white plate.

I love that I can turn a cake mix into decadent cute cookies! Cake mix is a shortcut that saves time and reduces ingredients while still giving me a sweet homemade treat. They are a great alternative to cookie monster cookies if I want something simple, festive, and full of flavor.

I created this red velvet cake mix cookie recipe because I wanted a quick, simple treat that I could make for my family without spending hours in the kitchen. I was inspired while making lemon blueberry cookies for a weekend brunch and realized I could use the same idea with red velvet cake mix to get a soft, fudgy cookie in under 30 minutes. Give this recipe a try and see how easily you can make a delicious batch for your own family or friends.

Last year on Valentine’s Day, I went to my nephew’s apartment to help him bake these red velvet cookies for a surprise dinner with his girlfriend. I wanted to help him make something quick and satisfying that they would both actually enjoy while showing him how we can share love through baking. Using this red velvet cake mix cookie recipe allows me to offer a vibrant crimson treat that is perfect for the season while keeping it soft and sweet enough for even the pickiest eaters.

I start by stirring the batter by hand, which keeps the cookies light and fudgy instead of dense or tough. The combination of cake mix, eggs, and a little oil transforms into a soft texture as it bakes in the oven. Hand scooping the dough ensures each cookie is a good size, so they bake well, and the white chocolate chips add a subtle crunch that balances the tender center.

The following morning, the girlfriend called me to say that the surprise was a huge success and they had already eaten half the tray before the meal even started. These cookies are perfect for families or anyone who wants a quick Valentine’s treat that is still made with simple ingredients. They strike a balance between a fun dessert and a simple snack, and I encourage you to try the recipe yourself to see how easily it can become a favorite at home.

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🥘 Ingredients

This red velvet cake cookie recipe is as simple as it gets. Here are all the ingredients I use to bake these red velvet cake mix cookies.

Ingredients for red velvet cake mix cookies recipe on a white background.Ingredients for red velvet cake mix cookies recipe on a white background.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: I use an 18-ounce box of red velvet cake mix as the star of this recipe. It gives the cookies their classic red color and rich cocoa flavor.

Eggs: I add eggs to bind all the ingredients together and help create a fluffy texture in the cookies.

Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil to keep the cookies moist and soft. It also helps the cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly.

White Chocolate Chips: I add white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the cocoa flavor and a little crunch. I also sometimes swap in dark chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or nuts depending on what I have on hand.

Substitutions

Cake Mix: If I cannot find a red velvet cake mix, I use a vanilla cake mix and add a couple of tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and some natural red food coloring.

Vegetable Oil: I substitute the vegetable oil with any neutral-flavored oil I have on hand, such as coconut, canola, or avocado oil.

White Chocolate Chips: I use any type of chocolate chips I have. If I cannot find regular white chocolate chips, I use a vegan version, dairy-free dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even chop up a bar of regular or vegan white chocolate.

🔪 How To Make

It is so easy to make red velvet cookies using cake mix! I follow these simple steps to create a batch of these delicious treats.

Preheat Oven, Mix Ingredients: I preheat the oven to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for later use. Then I combine all my ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

eggs, cake mix, white chocolate chips and oil in a mixing bowleggs, cake mix, white chocolate chips and oil in a mixing bowl

Combine: I stir the cake mix cookie dough by hand until it is well combined. I could use a stand mixer, but I find it is not necessary.

cookie dough in a bowlcookie dough in a bowl

Form the Cookies: I use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized mounds of dough and place them on my prepared baking sheet.

cookie dough on a baking sheetcookie dough on a baking sheet

Bake Cookies, Cool Cookies: I place my cookie sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. After baking, I remove them and let them cool on a wire rack. I enjoy these homemade red velvet cake mix cookies fresh from the kitchen!

red velvet crinkle cake mix cookies on a baking sheetred velvet crinkle cake mix cookies on a baking sheet

My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to hand mix for the best results. I always stir the ingredients by hand to achieve that perfect soft texture. Overmixing with an electric mixer can make them tough, but hand mixing makes sure that they stay light and fluffy.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Choose Organic: I like to use an organic red velvet cake mix for this recipe. Organic mixes are free of artificial colors and preservatives, which makes my cookies healthier and more natural.
  • Use An Ice Cream Scoop: I use an ice cream scoop to make evenly sized cookies. This ensures they all bake at the same rate and come out perfectly done at the same time.
  • Monitor Baking Time: I keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. 10 minutes gives a soft, fudgy center, and I add a couple more minutes if I want them a little crispier.
  • Adjust For Smaller Cake Mix: This recipe calls for an 18-ounce cake mix, but if I only have a 15-ounce mix, I add a quarter cup of all-purpose flour to get the right consistency.

📖 Variations

Here are some delicious and fun ways I like to switch up this easy red velvet cookies recipe: 

Lemon Zest Cookies: I swap the red velvet mix for a lemon cake mix to make tangy, zesty cookies. I like to sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar on top before baking for a sweet crunch.

Chocolate Coconut Cookies: I use a German chocolate cake mix instead of red velvet and add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. I also replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Cream Cheese Cookies: I spread 2 tablespoons of cream cheese frosting on cooled red velvet cookies. The creamy, tangy frosting pairs perfectly with the rich cookie for an indulgent treat.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

I like to enjoy these red velvet cake mix cookies for brunch with a hearty bowl of strawberries and cream oatmeal or a frozen berry smoothie without yogurt. I love how the cookies add a sweet, soft bite alongside the fresh fruit flavors and creamy texture of the oatmeal or smoothie. 

For a snack, I pair these cookies with a cup of oatmilk hot chocolate or fresh fruits like apples and bananas. I also make a simple dessert when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a vegan mug cake for a quick, indulgent treat.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: After enjoying these light and fudgy red velvet cake mix cookies, I store any leftovers in an airtight container. I keep them at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their taste and texture.

Freezing: I do not freeze these cookies because their delicate texture and the white chocolate chips do not hold up well. Thawing can make them soggy and lose their fudginess.

Reheating: If my cookies have been refrigerated, I let them come to room temperature before serving. If I want them slightly warm, I microwave them for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat and melt the white chocolate chips.

❓Recipe FAQs

How do you thicken cake batter for cookies?

I thicken the batter by adding the right amount of oil and eggs. In this recipe, I add 1/2 cup of oil and 2 eggs to the cake mix to get the perfect cookie batter consistency.

What causes my cookies to be flat and spread too much?

This usually happens when the dough is too soft or warm before it goes into the oven. If the dough feels sticky, I chill it for a short time so the fat firms up and the cookies spread more slowly as they bake. I also make sure the baking sheet is cool and leave enough space between each scoop of dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape and bake up thicker instead of thin and flat.

Why did the cookies turn out dry and grainy?

Dry, grainy cookies usually mean the dough did not have enough moisture or they stayed in the oven too long. I reduce the baking time slightly and pull the cookies out while the centers are still soft. I also measure the oil carefully, since the right amount helps keep the cookies moist and tender instead of crumbly.

Easy red velvet cake mix cookies on a white plate.Easy red velvet cake mix cookies on a white plate.

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📋 Recipe Card

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

I make these simple red velvet cake mix cookies with just 4 ingredients for light, fudgy cookies dotted with white chocolate chips. I use a boxed red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil to get the perfect texture and flavor. These easy cookies take under 30 minutes and are perfect for Valentine’s Day, the holidays, or anytime I am craving red velvet cake.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: 26 cookies

Calories: 113kcal

  • My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to hand mix for the best results. I always stir the ingredients by hand to achieve that perfect soft texture. Overmixing with an electric mixer can make them tough, but hand mixing makes sure that they stay light and fluffy.
  • Choose Organic: I like to use an organic red velvet cake mix for this recipe. Organic mixes are free of artificial colors and preservatives, which makes my cookies healthier and more natural.
  • Use An Ice Cream Scoop: I use an ice cream scoop to make evenly sized cookies. This ensures they all bake at the same rate and come out perfectly done at the same time.
  • Monitor Baking Time: I keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. 10 minutes gives a soft, fudgy center, and I add a couple more minutes if I want them a little crispier.
  • Adjust For Smaller Cake Mix: This recipe calls for an 18-ounce cake mix, but if I only have a 15-ounce mix, I add a quarter cup of all-purpose flour to get the right consistency.

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g