Effortless Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies: Your Go-To 4-Ingredient Valentine’s Day Treat

Prepare to delight your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with these incredibly simple Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies. Thanks to the convenience of a boxed cake mix, these festive treats come together with just four basic ingredients, making them an absolute dream for busy bakers. Rich, sweet, and wonderfully soft, each cookie is perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy homemade cream cheese frosting and a scattering of festive sprinkles. This recipe is your secret weapon for creating impressive, delicious cookies without the fuss!

You’re truly going to adore these red velvet cookies from cake mix. They are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also burst with a profound, delicious flavor. The cookie base requires only four simple ingredients, which then gets crowned with an effortlessly prepared, creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. This recipe proves that you don’t need a pantry full of specialized ingredients or hours in the kitchen to whip up something truly special and memorable for any occasion, especially for Valentine’s Day. Their vibrant red hue and irresistible taste make them an instant favorite.

Why These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite

These red velvet cookies are a game-changer, simplifying the baking process immensely thanks to the humble cake mix. By combining the cake mix with just a few common pantry staples like eggs, buttermilk, and butter, you can effortlessly create a perfect dough without the usual extensive effort. What’s more, these delightful treats bake up in mere minutes, meaning you can have a fresh batch of Valentine’s Day cookies ready in no time at all. Share these beautiful, heartfelt cookies with family and friends to spread an extra dose of love and sweetness this holiday season!

Unbeatable Reasons to Love These Easy Valentine’s Cookies:

• Minimal Ingredients: Only 4 for the Cookies! You can whip up a batch of these sensational cookies using just four simple ingredients. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of these staples in your kitchen. The accompanying cream cheese frosting also calls for very basic ingredients that are likely already in your refrigerator and pantry. This minimal ingredient list makes grocery shopping a breeze and baking a joy.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: These incredibly delicious cookies are as simple to create as they are to devour. The dough comes together in a flash, and they bake in approximately 10 minutes. Even novice bakers will find this recipe foolproof. Give them a try, and you’ll quickly see for yourself just how easy it is to produce a batch of these sweet, tender treats. They’re perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Fun, Festive & Customizable! With this simple boxed cake mix cookie recipe, you and your family can enjoy a perfectly themed Valentine’s dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The striking red color is inherently festive, and the addition of red, pink, or white sprinkles allows for creative decoration, making them ideal for school parties, office potlucks, or a romantic evening at home.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their beautiful appearance and delightful taste make these cookies an excellent homemade gift. Package them in a decorative box or bag, and you have a thoughtful present that shows you care, without hours of complex preparation.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: The straightforward steps and minimal fuss make this an ideal recipe for getting children involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping to mix the dough, scoop the cookies, and especially adding the colorful sprinkles.

Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies

Crafting these delectable cookies begins with a simple list of ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Red Velvet cookie base and its luscious frosting:

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: You will need one standard-size box (typically 15.25 ounces) of Red Velvet flavored cake mix. Any reputable brand will work beautifully; simply choose your favorite to create these stunning cookies. The cake mix provides the signature flavor and color, and eliminates the need for multiple dry ingredients, streamlining the process significantly.
• Buttermilk: Incorporate ½ cup of buttermilk into the dough. Buttermilk is crucial as it adds vital moisture, a subtle tangy flavor that complements the red velvet, and contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
• Egg: You’ll need 1 large egg, lightly beaten. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the dough together and providing structure and richness to the cookies.
• Butter: Use 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter that has been melted and then cooled slightly. This butter adds a wonderful richness and depth of flavor to the cookies, ensuring they are moist and flavorful. Be sure it’s cooled so it doesn’t scramble the egg or alter the dough’s consistency too much.

For the Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting:

No red velvet cookie is complete without a generous swirl of classic cream cheese frosting. This simple recipe yields a smooth, pipeable, and incredibly flavorful frosting.

• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Room temperature butter is essential for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting as it creams easily with the cream cheese.
• Cream Cheese: You’ll need 2 ounces of cream cheese, also softened to room temperature. This is the star ingredient that provides the signature tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Add in ¼ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the frosting, adding a warm, aromatic note that is indispensable.
• Heavy Cream: Use 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. This ingredient helps achieve the perfect creamy, pipeable consistency for your frosting, ensuring it’s smooth and easy to work with.
• Powdered Sugar: ¾ cup of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) provides the sweetness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the frosting. Be sure to sift it if it’s lumpy to avoid any gritty bits.
• Sprinkles: For an added touch of fun and festivity, decorate your frosted cookies with some vibrant red, pink, or white sprinkles. These are perfect for a Valentine’s Day theme and add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Delicious Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of perfectly baked, delightfully frosted red velvet cookies.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in the entire contents of the dry red velvet cake mix. Next, add the ½ cup of buttermilk, the single beaten egg, and the 2 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), combine all the ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake to Perfection

Using a large cookie scoop (a 2-tablespoon scoop works well for uniform cookies), portion the dough into even balls. Place these dough balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each for them to spread slightly during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies are done when their edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft. They might appear a bit fluffy and rounded right out of the oven.

Once you remove the cookies from the oven, they will be wonderfully soft and puffy, resembling small red velvet balls. To achieve that classic, slightly flattened cookie shape, gently use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to press down on the center of each hot cookie. This helps to flatten them just a bit and creates a perfect surface for frosting. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling while you prepare the irresistible icing. Cooling completely is crucial for the frosting to set properly.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Frosting

While your cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the dreamy cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. Using your hand mixer, beat these two ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of butter or cream cheese remaining.

Next, add in the ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. Continue to mix until these ingredients are fully incorporated into the butter and cream cheese mixture. The heavy cream will help achieve a light and airy texture.

Finally, gradually add the ¾ cup of powdered sugar, about ¼ cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the powdered sugar is fully combined and the frosting reaches a thick yet wonderfully creamy and smooth consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream; if too thin, a touch more powdered sugar. Aim for a consistency that is easy to pipe or drizzle.

Step 5: Decorate and Enjoy!

Once your irresistible cream cheese frosting is fully mixed and the cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip for a professional touch. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a spoon to artistically drizzle the icing over each cookie. Be generous with the frosting!

Immediately after frosting, sprinkle your cookies with festive Valentine’s colored sprinkles (red, pink, and white work wonderfully) before the icing has a chance to set. This ensures the sprinkles adhere beautifully. Allow the frosted cookies to set for a few minutes, then serve and savor these delightful, homemade treats. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!

Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients, plus a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spreading love!

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Red Velvet, Cake Mix Cookies, Valentine’s Day Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 20 cookies

Calories: 152 kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 15.25 oz Red velvet cake mix
• ½ cup Buttermilk
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 2 TBSP Unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Frosting:

• 2 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ tsp Vanilla extract
• 2 TBSP Heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup Powdered sugar
• Red, Pink, white colored sprinkles (Valentine’s Day theme!)

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, buttermilk, beaten egg, and cooled melted butter. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until just combined into a smooth dough.
3. Scoop and Bake: Use a large cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
4. Once baked, the cookies will be fluffy. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down and flatten each hot cookie. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely while preparing the icing.
5. Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
6. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream; mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is thick and creamy.
7. Decorate: Place the frosting into a piping bag (or use a spoon for drizzling). Frost the cooled cookies, then immediately top with Valentine’s themed sprinkles before the icing sets. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

These Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies are a fun, festive, and incredibly delicious treat to share with those you love most. Their soft texture and sweet, tangy frosting are truly irresistible!

Nutrition Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 152 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 19mg
• Sodium: 197mg
• Potassium: 88mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g
• Vitamin A: 153IU
• Vitamin C: 0.01mg
• Calcium: 45mg
• Iron: 1mg

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think, especially with this cake mix recipe. Here are some extra tips to ensure your red velvet cookies turn out perfectly every time:

How long will my Red Velvet cookies stay fresh?

These delightful cake mix cookies will remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, especially with the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Mastering the Perfectly Round Cookie Shape

Ever wonder how bakeries get their cookies so perfectly round? Here’s a clever little trick you can use at home! Immediately after your cookies have been baked and while they are still hot and cooling on the baking pan, take a medium-sized round cookie cutter, a drinking glass, or a mug that has a slightly larger diameter than your cookies. Place this round object over the top of a cookie.

Gently swirl the round cutter or object around the cookie, allowing it to softly push and reshape the edges of the still-warm cookie. As you swirl, the cookie will become more perfectly circular. The more you swirl, the slightly smaller and thicker the cookie will become, if desired. This technique works wonders for drop cookies and rolled cookies, but won’t work for cutout cookies that already have a specific shape. Let the cookies cool completely after this step to maintain their newly formed perfect shape.

Can I use store-bought frosting for convenience?

Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time or simply prefer the ease of store-bought frosting for the icing, you can certainly use it. To achieve a smoother, more drizzly consistency similar to homemade, simply add about 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to a tub of store-bought cream cheese frosting. Microwave it for about 30 seconds (or less, depending on your microwave), then stir it very well until it’s smooth and pourable. You can even add a touch of red or pink food coloring to the frosting to make them extra special and vibrant for Valentine’s Day!

Why are my cookies coming out flat?

Flat cookies can be a common frustration, but there are usually a few culprits. The most frequent reason is that the butter used in your dough was too soft or even melted. When butter is too warm, it causes the cookies to spread excessively in the oven, leading to a thin, flat appearance. To remedy this, ensure your butter is just softened (still slightly cool to the touch) if the recipe calls for it, or follow the “melted and cooled” instruction precisely. If you find your dough seems too soft, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour to help absorb some of the excess moisture and firm up the dough. Another potential issue is placing your cookie dough balls onto a hot baking sheet. This causes the butter to melt too quickly before the cookie structure can set, resulting in flat cookies. Always use a cool or room-temperature baking sheet, or allow your sheets to cool completely between batches.

Additionally, chilling your cookie dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm. This allows the butter to firm up and the dry ingredients to fully hydrate, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

As bakers, we often share stories that connect us to the joy of making food. This reminds me of my little one, who has always been a water baby! Whether the water was cold, she was hungry, or her brothers were teasing her, she was always happy when splashing around. She still is! Maybe a swim team would be perfect for her now, even in her tween years. It’s funny how some joys never fade, much like the joy of a good cookie!

More Delicious Cake Mix Cookie Recipes to Explore!

If you loved how easy and delicious these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are, you’re in for a treat! The world of cake mix cookies is vast and full of simple, delightful possibilities. Cake mixes are fantastic shortcuts that allow you to create a wide variety of cookies with minimal effort and fantastic results. Here are some other incredible cake mix cookie recipes that you might want to try next:

• White Chocolate Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: A delightful blend of sweet strawberry and creamy white chocolate, perfect for spring or summer.
• Cake Mix Peanut Butter Blossoms: The classic peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss, made effortlessly with a cake mix.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies: A rich chocolate cookie base studded with creamy peanut butter, a match made in heaven.
• Classic Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies: Simple, chewy, and deeply chocolatey cookies that are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies: A refreshing twist on chocolate cookies, with cool mint flavor perfect for holidays or a fresh dessert.
• General Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies: Explore other festive options for Valentine’s Day using various cake mix flavors.
• Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies: Warm spices and gooey caramel make these cookies a cozy treat, especially in the fall.
• Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies: Embrace the flavors of autumn with apple and caramel in a simple cookie format.
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: A bright and fruity cookie, perfect for those who love the sweet taste of strawberries.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: While not a cookie, this decadent dessert extends the red velvet theme beautifully.
• Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cakes: Another elegant way to enjoy the rich red velvet flavor in individual portions.
• Red Velvet Oreo Balls: A no-bake treat combining red velvet and crushed Oreos for an irresistible bite.

These recipes demonstrate the versatility of using a cake mix as a shortcut. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a potluck contribution, or a special holiday treat, cake mix cookies offer an easy path to deliciousness every time. Enjoy your baking adventures!

Indeed, these Red Velvet Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly simple to make, all thanks to the convenience of a boxed cake mix. These delightful Valentine’s cookies are not only decadent and beautifully soft but also require just four basic ingredients for the cookie base, making them a truly fuss-free and gratifying baking experience. Get ready to fall in love with these effortlessly delicious treats!