These Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful twist on classic red velvet, combining the convenience of cake mix with the festive crunch of M&M candies. They are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a casual dessert night, or just want a quick treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using a cake mix significantly cuts down on preparation time and effort.
- Delicious Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful burst of crunch from the M&Ms.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Their vibrant red color makes them ideal for festive holidays like Christmas or Valentineโs Day.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is easy for little hands to help with, especially when it comes to mixing in the colorful M&Ms.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Red velvet cake mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- M&M candies (preferably red and green for a festive touch)
Directions
- Preheat the ovenย to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined, forming a thick dough.
- Gently fold in the M&M candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Swap out the M&Ms for white chocolate chips to complement the rich red velvet flavor.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles for an even more colorful and celebratory treat.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an indulgent twist, add a small piece of chocolate or cream cheese in the center of each cookie before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture before serving.
FAQs
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 20-30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! This recipe works well with other cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti.
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of the mix?
Absolutely. If you prefer a homemade approach, just make sure the batter is thick enough to form cookies.
What kind of M&Ms should I use?
You can use regular, peanut, or even mini M&Ms for variety. Red and green M&Ms are perfect for holiday themes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix as a substitute.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
Donโt overbake them! Remove the cookies when they are just set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch to these cookies.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Itโs not necessary, but refrigerating the dough can make the cookies a bit thicker and prevent them from spreading too much.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! They make beautiful, festive gifts, especially when packaged in a decorative box or jar.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies are a festive, fun, and delicious treat that anyone can whip up in no time. The vibrant red color and the crunch of M&Ms make them a great option for holiday baking or any celebration. Easy to customize and quick to make, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
PrintRed Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are a quick and easy treat perfect for holidays or any time you’re craving a sweet, colorful cookie. The cake mix base makes them wonderfully moist, and the addition of M&Ms brings extra crunch and fun.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup M&Ms (red, white, and blue for holidays, or regular)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your ovenย to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combineย the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Fold inย the M&Ms and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized ballsย of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake.
- Remove from ovenย and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!ย Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- You can use holiday-themed M&Ms to match the occasion (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter).
- For even softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them firm up as they cool.
- If you want a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
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