Name: Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounce box red velvet cake mix; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese spread; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

There’s something extra delightful about soft, chewy cookies with a hint of that classic red velvet charm. This Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is a quick, foolproof way to transform ordinary cake mix into little bites of happiness you and your friends will adore.

A stack of four thick red velvet cookies is shown on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is round with a cracked surface covered in white powdered sugar, which contrasts with the deep red color of the cookie underneath. The top cookie is bitten in half, revealing a soft, moist inner texture with a rich red color. The stack is tall and slightly uneven, highlighting the cracked powdered sugar pattern on each cookie. In the blurry background, more cookies and a white container are faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any cookie recipe—it’s a lifesaver when you want big flavor with minimal effort. I remember making this recipe on a busy weekend and being amazed at how fast it came together. Plus, that cream cheese twist makes the texture so irresistibly soft!

Super simple: You only need a few ingredients, mostly from one box, which cuts down on prep and clean-up.
Perfectly soft texture: Thanks to the whipped cream cheese spread, these cookies stay tender and moist.
Beautiful and festive color: These bright red cookies bring a pop of fun to any cookie plate or celebration.
Customizable sugar coating: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar gives you those iconic crinkle tops that just melt in your mouth.

A close-up view of several round cookies arranged tightly together on a white marbled surface, showing a cracked texture on top. Each cookie has a deep red base layer, mostly hidden under a thick, uneven layer of white powdered sugar that fills the cracks and crevices, giving a cracked ice or crumbled appearance. The cookies have a soft, slightly rough texture with bright red parts visible through the white topping, creating a striking contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe plays a key role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. Here's why I stick with these simple components and what you might want to look out for when shopping.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red velvet cake mix powder, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth whipped cream cheese spread, a shallow white ceramic bowl holding fine white powdered sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Red velvet cake mix: The star of the show, providing that classic cocoa-tinged base and rich red color without needing to measure multiple ingredients.
Eggs: They bind the dough and add a bit of lift, essential for those soft yet chewy cookies.
Whipped cream cheese spread: Unlike traditional cream cheese, the whipped version blends effortlessly and keeps your dough perfectly soft.
Powdered sugar: Dusting the cookies with this adds a lovely sweet crust and the signature crinkle look every red velvet cookie needs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible the Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your cravings or special dietary needs without losing that soft, cozy cookie texture. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Variation: Adding mini white chocolate chips gives little pockets of melty sweetness. I've tried this on a whim, and it’s a wonderful surprise in each bite.
Dairy-free option: Swap the whipped cream cheese spread for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and just watch your cookies still turn out soft and delicious.
Spicy twist: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth, making these cookies perfect for cozy fall afternoons.
Nutty crunch: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a subtle texture contrast I really enjoy on occasion.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper so your cookies don't stick and for easy clean-up. I always prep this first because nothing derails my cookie mojo like a cold oven or unprepared pan.

Step 2: Mix It All Up Until Soft and Sticky

Grab a large bowl and your mixer (hand or stand). Beat together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and whipped cream cheese spread for 1-2 minutes. You want the dough to be soft and sticky but well combined. If you overmix, the cookies can get tough, so keep an eye on the texture.

Step 3: Powder Sugar Bath for the Perfect Crinkles

Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or spoon), drop dough balls right into the powdered sugar and roll them around to coat evenly. This step is my secret for getting those bold crinkly tops that look as fun as they taste.

Step 4: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls about 1-2 inches apart on your lined pans and bake for 8-11 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the middle stays soft—that’s your cue to pull them out. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack or, honestly, diving right in while still warm.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to success with this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe lies in timing and texture—get those just-right baking and mixing moments down, and you’ll impress everyone with your effortless, bakery-style cookies.

Room temperature cream cheese spread: Using it straight from the fridge can make it clumpy and hard to mix, so take it out early for smooth blending.
Even cookie sizes: A cookie scoop helps maintain uniform baking so none come out under or overdone.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating: It’s not just for looks—the sugar helps create that crackly exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Watch your oven closely: These cookies bake fast, so check them a minute or two before time’s up to prevent overbaking.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple—another light dusting of powdered sugar right after baking adds a lovely touch. Sometimes I top a few cookies with a tiny dollop of cream cheese frosting or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for festive flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a cozy chai latte. For a party, I often serve them alongside cream cheese frosting or cheesecake bites for an indulgent spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies in a circle around mini cupcakes or stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a homemade gift. Their vibrant color makes any cookie platter pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep these cookies fresh at room temperature for 3-5 days in an airtight container. I like to cover them after the first day to keep them from drying out, which really helps preserve their softness.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a freshly-baked feel. I've done this many times and it works like a charm!

Reheating

When I reheat leftover cookies, I give them 10-15 seconds in the microwave to soften that outer edge without drying the middle. If you prefer, a few minutes in a low oven also brings back that just-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese spread?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, but make sure it is softened to room temperature and beat it smoothly into the batter to avoid lumps. Whipped cream cheese is easier to blend and helps keep the dough soft and lighter in texture.

Why do we roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar?

Rolling the dough in powdered sugar creates the signature crinkled surface once baked. It also adds a layer of sweetness and helps keep the edges slightly crisp while the centers remain soft and chewy.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3-5 days. Refrigerate them if you want them to last up to a week, but be sure to cover well to prevent drying out.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll your cookies in powdered sugar as usual.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to quick desserts anytime I want something special without fuss. The softness, the beautiful cracks, and that subtle tang from the cream cheese spread—everything just feels like a hug in cookie form. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back to bake these again and again.