Red velvet cake mix crinkle cookies are the perfect treat for Valentine's Day and Christmas cookie exchanges.
These soft, chewy cookies only take about twenty minutes from start to finish and begin with a box of cake mix—so prep is a breeze.
This easy cookie recipe requires minimal effort but is worthy of any special occasion!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ Unlike many cookie recipes, this holiday favorite doesn't require any chilling time which is great if you're in a pinch.
✔️ If your family loves red velvet desserts, this is sure to become their new favorite cookie!
✔️ Plus, this great recipe uses only six simple ingredients including a dry cake mix so there's no fussy measuring or sifting needed.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- 15.5 ounce package Red Velvet Cake Mix
- cream cheese
- butter
- pure vanilla extract
- large egg
- powdered sugar
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Using a small cookie dough scoop, scoop a heaping tablespoon. Using your hands, form into a 1-inch ball.*
- Place each ball into a bowl of powdered sugar and coat well. Repeat with the remaining dough
- Place cookie balls on the lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven about 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Equipment
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FAQ's
Nope, it's not necessary when using the red velvet cake mix. Don't you just love easy recipes—I sure do!
It doesn't matter too much! You can't go wrong with Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines' brand cake mixes. Although, even generic will do the trick.
Throw the dough in the fridge for 45-60 minutes to allow it to firm up so it is easier to roll in your hand or with a cookie dough scooper.
This can be tricky because of the color of the cookies. However, once you see them start to crinkle through the middle, that's the sign that you are really close to being able to devour them!
Test kitchen tips
- Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer when combining the ingredients to throw these easy red velvet cookies together super quickly.
- It's best to avoid using a wooden spoon when you blend the cake mix with the wet ingredients. Instead, use a silicone spatula or spoon to prevent any dough from sticking to the utensils.
- Remember to let your cookies cool on a wire rack so they can set completely. Of course, this is the toughest part!
- You can freeze unbaked cookie dough to have ready-to-bake cookies whenever! I recommend pre-rolling the dough into balls and freezing it in a freezer-safe ziplock or other similar container. Then, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes in the oven.
Variations
Feel free to change the flavor of these delicious cookies by swapping the box of red velvet cake mix for another kind. For example, try vanilla, chocolate, or even lemon crinkle cookies—don't forget a pinch of lemon zest to make the flavor pop.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, sandwich two red velvet cake cookies together with some cream cheese frosting or Cool Whip to make a filled treat!
Storage
Refrigerate—Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to five days.
Freezer—Make your leftover cookies last longer by freezing them in a freezer-safe bag. For best results, enjoy within a month or two. You can also freeze cookie dough for ready-to-bake cookies (see the tips section for more.)
Reheat—From the freezer, allow the cookies to soften at room temperature for a couple of hours. Then, warm in the microwave using five- to ten-second intervals if you'd like.
Related recipes
- Perfect for a cookie exchange this holiday season, Shortbread Cookies are scrumptious and fun—switch up the sprinkles to fit any occasion.
- Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are mouthwatering, full of fall flavor, and the best addition to any gathering. Plus, they're effortless to make!
- If you love these simple red velvet cookies for their easy prep, you'll want to try delicious four-ingredient Peanut Butter cookies ASAP.
Serve with
- Pair freshly baked cookies with rich and creamy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate—it's a fan favorite during the cozy winter months.
- Then, finish your dessert table with Chocolate-Covered Cashews. They have an ideal sweet-to-salty ratio that you won't be able to resist.
- This Cream Cheese Ball is a great party appetizer, and the flavor goes great with any meal and dessert you've planned—especially red velvet!
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If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 15.5 ounce package Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchement paper, set aside.
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Using a small cookie dough scoop, scoop a heaping tablespoon. Using your hands, form into a 1-inch ball.*
- Place each ball into a bowl of powdered sugar and coat well. Repeat with the remaining dough
- Place cookie balls on the lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven about 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Sherri Rochester says
I love Crinkle Cookies! They are so chewy. Bring on the Hot Chocolate!
Bowl Me Over says
You know it Sherri! That's the perfect combination. Happy Holidays!
Connie says
This recipe looks delicious 😋 and fairly easy to make...I am anxious to try it to give outcookie tins for Christmas..Thank you so much for ALL the wonderful recipes you send 😀...Happy Holidays to you and your family..
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Connie! These little gems are perfect for your cookie tins. They freeze great as well. Thanks for your support and have a wonderful holiday season!!
Cat stevens says
I've made Red Velvet cupcakes but not crinkle cookies. The cupcakes are delicious so i expect the cookies to be too. Thank you for sharing the recipe Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you give them a try Cathie! These are soft, chewy cookies, SO GOOD!! Hard to believe they start with a cake mix! Happy Holidays!!
Cassie A says
My husband loves red velvet. Definitely going to be trying this
Bowl Me Over says
I can't wait to hear what he thinks Cassie - happy baking and have a wonderful holiday season!
Rachel says
My daughter is gluten free and red velvet cake is her favorite...gonna try with a gf cake mix...hope they are as good as they look.
Bowl Me Over says
What a wonderful gift Rachel! I bet she will really enjoy her cookies!!
Colleen B. says
I love making these kind of cookies; quick, easy and can use just about any kind of cake mix when making these cookies.
Only thing that I do different is that I first roll in white granulated sugar before rolling in powdered sugar.
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Thank You and have a wonderful evening.
Bowl Me Over says
Oooh!! Granulated sugar first? Now you're taking them right over the top! That sounds amazing Colleen - thanks for your support of the blog!
Marsha juozaitis says
I love the cake mix idea! The red velvet is so festive too, ! I just went and got a box of cake mix to try this recipe soon🎄💩
Bowl Me Over says
That's great Marsha - be sure to pop me an email or tag #bowlmeover on social media. I'd love to see your cookies!!
Jean Morgan says
Love simple to make cookies AND red velvet oh yeah these are being made!
Bowl Me Over says
You're going to love them Jean! The perfect soft, chewy cookie! Happy Holidays!!!
Jean Morgan says
Nice simple way to make cookies! Will definitely have to try these.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! Enjoy the recipe Jean and Happy Holidays!
Craig Miller says
I just made a Red Velvet Cake ... I never thought of Red Velvet. Cookies. I'll have to try this next. My cookie jar can use some filling up.
Bowl Me Over says
Oh goodness, I bet that cake is amazing Craig - enjoy the cookies, they will be a treat as well!
Michelle Gosser says
I love cake mix cookies, so quick and easy! Not a big fan of red Velvet, wondering if adding food coloring to a white cake mix would work as well?
Bowl Me Over says
I bet it would, you could even make them green - that would be super fun!
libby rouse says
Oh my goodness these will be perfect for our family this Christmas! We love red velvet cake!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, enjoy the recipe Libby - Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Carol says
I love Red Velvet Cake, I need to try these cookies!!!
Bowl Me Over says
One order of cookies STAT for Carol! 🤣 Seriously though, they are so good!
Maureen says
I have to share this recipe to my daughter. She loves red velvet cake and I know she will love this. Great combination.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Maureen, I appreciate you passing the word. These are excellent cookies and it's such an easy recipe!
Sheryl L Deiter says
These are my favorite cookies. I make then every year and there are never any left.
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome Sheryl - see, they are definitely Santa's favorite! 🎅🏻