Are you craving that decadent red velvet flavor but don't have hours to spend baking? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe transforms a simple red velvet cake mix into incredibly moist and delicious cookies, perfect for a quick dessert or a delightful treat to share. It’s one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and tasty homemade dessert. Get ready to experience the magic of red velvet in a whole new way! This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights, offering a delicious and easy dessert solution.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) red velvet cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
-
Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). This is where you can personalize your cookies! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or sprinkles.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This ensures even baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey delights!
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cookies:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Creative Mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! The possibilities are endless.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting. Just whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Instead of chocolate chips, try swirling in some melted white chocolate for a beautiful contrast.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on mix-ins)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy red velvet cookie recipe offers a quick and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for a quick dessert or a simple treat, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy!