The smell of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, gooey red velvet cookie that practically melts in your mouth. The rich cocoa flavor dances on your taste buds while the cream cheese center adds an indulgent twist to this beloved treat.
These Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are not just desserts; they’re a celebration wrapped in vibrant red hues. I still remember the first time I made them for my friends’ gathering. The moment I pulled them from the oven, their eyes widened as if I had just unveiled the crown jewels. They disappeared faster than you can say “cookie monster,” leaving only crumbs and smiles behind.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their unique gooey texture sets them apart from ordinary cookies
- The eye-catching red color makes them visually stunning for any occasion
- They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed at parties or cozy nights in with milk
My best friend begged for the recipe after tasting just one of these magnificent cookies at my birthday party last year.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: A shortcut that brings rich flavor and beautiful color without the fuss of baking from scratch.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind everything together and give that lovely chewy texture.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of your cookies.
- Cream Cheese: This is where the gooey goodness comes from—smooth and decadent!
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature crackled top.
- Cocoa Powder: Just a touch enhances the chocolatey flavor without overpowering the red velvet essence.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to your cookie’s flavor profile—don’t skip it!
- Salt: A pinch balances out all the sweetness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Melt That Butter: In a mixing bowl, melt half a cup of unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid but not bubbling. Let it cool slightly before using.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine one box of red velvet cake mix with two tablespoons of cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Whisk until evenly mixed to ensure no lumps remain.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter along with two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir everything until combined but don’t overmix—your dough should be thick yet pliable.
Create Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix eight ounces of softened cream cheese with two cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Form this mixture into small balls about one inch wide.
Form Your Cookies: Take small portions of cookie dough (about two tablespoons) and flatten them slightly in your palm. Place a cream cheese ball in the center before wrapping up the dough around it tightly to seal.
Bake Away!: Place each cookie on your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they start to look puffy but still soft in the center—trust me; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Enjoy every gooey bite of these delightful treats that will surely become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies
- The rich red color and cream cheese flavor create an irresistible treat
- These cookies are perfect for gatherings, and their gooey texture will have everyone coming back for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then blend them with wet ingredients for an even batter. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still gooey.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in white chocolate chips or nuts for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; this helps achieve that perfect gooey consistency
- Don’t overbake; if they seem slightly underdone, that’s when they’re at their best!
- Chill the dough before baking to enhance flavors and improve texture
Sharing my first attempt at these cookies was a hilarious experience; my friends couldn’t stop laughing when I declared them “gourmet,” despite their rather chaotic appearance.
FAQ
What makes Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies special?
The unique combination of red velvet flavor with creamy butter creates an unforgettable taste.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for set edges while keeping the center soft and gooey; that’s the magic!
Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies, featuring a creamy center and a delightful cocoa flavor. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
- Red Velvet Cake Mix
- Eggs
- Unsalted Butter
- Cream Cheese
- Powdered Sugar
- Cocoa Powder
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt half a cup of unsalted butter; allow it to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix one box of red velvet cake mix, two tablespoons cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add melted butter, two large eggs, and one teaspoon vanilla extract; stir until just combined.
- For the cream cheese filling, blend eight ounces of softened cream cheese with two cups of powdered sugar until smooth. Form into small balls.
- Take two tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it, place the cream cheese ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it securely.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheets with space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain gooey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
