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; ½ cup whipped cream cheese spread; ½ cup powdered sugar

There’s something so irresistible about the tender, slightly tangy sweetness of red velvet in cookie form. This Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe blends the ease of a cake mix with the softness of cream cheese, creating cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Trust me, these are worth every bite!

A stack of four round red velvet cookies dusted with white powdered sugar is shown on a white marbled surface, with the top cookie broken in half to show its soft, dense, and moist dark red inside. The cookies have cracked powdered sugar surfaces, creating a textured pattern of red and white. The background is softly blurred, with light pink and white tones hinting at more cookies and a red and white striped straw. 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

I first stumbled on this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe when I wanted a quick, fuss-free way to get that classic red velvet flavor without the whole cake ordeal. What I got was a simple, soft, crave-worthy treat that’s easy enough to whip up on any ordinary afternoon — but special enough to serve at a party.

Simple Ingredient List: You just need a cake mix, eggs, cream cheese spread, and powdered sugar—no complicated additions required.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies stay tender and a bit luscious inside.
Beautiful, Festive Look: The bright red dough rolled in powdered sugar creates delightful crinkles and eye-catching color.
Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, you’ll have these cookies ready in under 20 minutes—great for last-minute sweet fixes.

The image shows several round cookies with a cracked surface, lying close together on a surface with a white marbled texture. Each cookie is cracked with a red base peeking through a thick layer of white powdered sugar that covers the top. The cookies have an uneven, rough texture due to the cracks and powdered sugar, and their red color contrasts strongly with the white powder. The overall look is soft and slightly rough with a cracked pattern on each cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: the red velvet cake mix gives it that iconic cocoa and vanilla flavor with a beautiful color, while the cream cheese spread enriches the dough, making the cookies soft and tender. Using powdered sugar for coating not only keeps them from sticking but also adds a sweet finished-crisp shell.

Flat lay of a small pile of deep red velvet cake mix powder, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a half cup of smooth whipped cream cheese spread in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, all carefully arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: This base brings the classic flavor and color with minimal effort. Choose a quality mix with vibrant red color and cocoa.
Eggs: They bind the dough and add moisture for softness.
Whipped Cream Cheese Spread: It’s softer than block cream cheese, blending smoothly and adding a tangy richness that keeps cookies tender.
Powdered Sugar: Coating the dough balls creates those signature crackly tops and balances the tang of cream cheese.

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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 forgiving this recipe is—you can tweak it easily. For example, swapping the cream cheese spread for regular softened cream cheese works fine, though whipped spread ensures a smoother mix. You can add white chocolate chips or nuts if you're feeling adventurous, too.

White Chocolate Chips Variation: I once tossed in a handful of white chocolate chips to amp up sweetness and add melty pockets—totally delicious!
Dietary Swap: Use dairy-free cream cheese spread to make these cookies friendly for lactose intolerance.
Intensified Flavor: A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder can deepen the red velvet taste if you’re after something extra.

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

Step 1: Mix It All Up Into a Soft Dough

After preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment, I like to combine the cake mix, eggs, and whipped cream cheese spread in a large bowl. Using my hand mixer, I beat everything together for about 1–2 minutes until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, just give it a quick mix by hand to check the texture—you want it soft but scoopable.

Step 2: Roll, Roll, Roll in Powdered Sugar

Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll it generously in powdered sugar. You’ll notice the contrast of the white sugar against the red dough creates those gorgeous crinkles in the cookie surface after baking. Place the balls around 1-2 inches apart on your parchment-lined sheet to give them room to spread just a bit.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8–11 minutes. I usually check them around the 8-minute mark to watch for edges that are set but with the center still soft. Overbaking is the easiest way to lose that soft texture we’re aiming for. Let them cool on the pan for about 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—or go ahead and enjoy them warm!

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small hacks really make these cookies stand out. The cream cheese spread should be at room temperature for a luxuriously smooth dough without lumps. Also, don’t skip the powdered sugar coating—it transforms texture and appearance.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It mixes seamlessly into the dry cake mix, ensuring no patches of cream cheese remain in the dough.
Generous Powdered Sugar Roll: A thick coating produces beautiful crackled tops and a delicate outer texture that contrasts with the chewy center.
Even Sized Cookies: Using a cookie scoop guarantees uniform baking, so every batch comes out consistent.
Watch the Bake Time: Pull the cookies out when edges are firm but center looks slightly undercooked to keep that tender middle.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’ve found that a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving makes these cookies look festive and adds a touch more sweetness. For special occasions, a few white chocolate drizzle lines or tiny edible pearls can elevate their appearance without much effort.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea. For a party spread, I usually offer them alongside cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.

Creative Ways to Present

I like arranging these cookies on a tiered dessert tray sprinkled with fresh berries for Valentine’s Day or holiday gatherings. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes them perfect gifts or party favors—everyone’s always so delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they keep their softness beautifully for 3-5 days. After one day, covering them well helps prevent drying out while still maintaining their tender crumb.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies once fully cooled. I like to layer them with parchment paper between batches inside a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. The texture remains delightfully soft, although sometimes a bit firmer than fresh.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly baked feel, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds. If you want to revive the sugary crunch, give them a quick 3-5 minute toast in a 325°F oven on parchment—just watch carefully so they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Regular softened cream cheese works fine, though whipped cream cheese spread blends more easily and creates a slightly smoother dough.

Why do I roll the cookie dough in powdered sugar?

Rolling in powdered sugar adds a sweet outer shell and creates the signature crackled texture that makes these cookies look so inviting.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges look set and slightly firm while the centers still feel soft. Avoid overbaking as it will dry the cookies out.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then roll in powdered sugar right before baking.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe because it nails that perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy night in or wrapping some up for friends, these cookies never fail to impress. Give them a try—you’ll enjoy how quickly you can whip up a treat that feels like a special occasion all on its own!