Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs: The Ultimate Guide to a Festive Delight

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There’s something undeniably magical about baking. The process itself, from mixing the ingredients to pulling warm cookies out of the oven, is comforting and rewarding. But when the cookies are as easy to make as Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs, the experience becomes even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s not only quick and simple but also delicious and visually stunning, these cookies are your perfect go-to.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best red velvet cake mix cookies with a delightful surprise of chocolate and caramel in the center. Whether you’re planning a holiday treat, a birthday surprise, or just want a sweet indulgence for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Choose Cake Mix for Cookies?

Convenience and Time-Saving

When you’re craving a sweet treat, sometimes you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Cake mixes, like the red velvet mix used in this recipe, are a fantastic shortcut that still delivers an impressive result. The beauty of cake mix is that it combines all the essential ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents in the right proportions. All you need to do is add a couple of eggs, some butter, and a few other ingredients—making the baking process faster and more accessible. In this case, you’ll have fresh, soft, and chewy red velvet cookies in no time.

Consistency in Flavor and Texture

If you’ve ever baked from scratch, you know that sometimes the result can be unpredictable. Cake mixes, on the other hand, ensure you get a consistent outcome every time. With Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs, you won’t have to worry about the cookies being too dry, too crumbly, or lacking flavor. Red velvet cake mix is designed to create a rich, moist texture, and using it for cookies keeps things simple while maintaining that signature deliciousness.  garlic bread or steamed vegetables.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

Perfect for Customization

Cake mixes aren’t just for cakes. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of cookies, bars, and other desserts. In this recipe, we take it a step further by incorporating chocolate candies with caramel centers, creating a surprising and delightful flavor combination. You can easily swap out the candy or add in other mix-ins, like nuts, chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.

Ingredients for Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. Fortunately, the ingredient list is short and simple, so you likely already have most of these items in your pantry.

Table of Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Red velvet cake mix	1 box (15.25 oz)	Can be found in most grocery stores
Large eggs	2	Room temperature works best
Butter (melted)	1 stick (1/2 cup)	Melted, but not too hot
Chocolate candies with caramel center	20-30 pieces (depending on cookie size)	Choose Hugs or any caramel-filled chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs

With your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make these amazing cookies. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfect red velvet cookies in no time!

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

The first step is simple: mix the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter together. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 box of red velvet cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 stick of melted butter

Use a spoon or an electric mixer to stir the ingredients until the dough comes together. The mixture should be smooth and uniform—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies. At this point, the dough will be a rich red color, thanks to the red velvet cake mix.

Tip: Make sure the butter isn’t too hot when you add it, as this could cause the dough to become too soft or runny. Let it cool to room temperature if needed.

2. Chill the Dough

After your dough is mixed, it’s time to let it rest. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking. This step is especially important if you like your cookies thick and chewy, as it helps them maintain their structure.

Why Chill? Chilling the dough also gives the butter time to firm up, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive texture. Plus, it helps prevent the caramel-filled chocolate from melting too much before the cookies are fully baked.

3. Roll the Dough into Balls

Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to form the cookie dough balls. Use your hands or a cookie scoop to create 1-inch dough balls. This size is perfect for getting a chewy cookie with just the right amount of chocolate candy in the center.

Place the dough balls onto a chilled cookie sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. The dough balls should not touch each other on the sheet, as this will cause the cookies to spread into each other during baking.

4. Refrigerate the Dough Balls

For an extra step of precaution, refrigerate the formed dough balls for another 20 minutes. This extra chilling time will ensure that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.

Pro Tip: Chilling the dough balls a second time helps control how much the cookies flatten during baking, giving them that perfect, thick texture.

5. Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chilled cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for about 7-9 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch. The cookies should appear puffed up and not overly golden.

Note: These cookies continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft. They will firm up as they cool.

6. Add the Chocolate Candy

Once the cookies have baked for a couple of minutes and are just beginning to set, it’s time to add the caramel-filled chocolate. Gently press one piece of chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie. This creates a beautifully sweet surprise at the center of every bite.

Allow the cookies to cool for another 5 minutes on the sheet to ensure the chocolate candy stays in place, then transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs

While the steps are straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Customize the Size: You can adjust the size of the dough balls depending on how large or small you want your cookies to be. Smaller dough balls will yield more cookies, while larger ones will create a more indulgent treat.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: As mentioned, chilling the dough is essential. Don’t skip the chilling steps, as they prevent the cookies from spreading and help them maintain their shape.
• Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. You can swap out the caramel-filled chocolates for white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or crushed candies to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the timer. Overbaking will result in cookies that are too crispy instead of soft and chewy. Take them out as soon as they are set and just barely starting to firm up.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

A Festive Treat for All Seasons

Red velvet cookies aren’t just a treat for Valentine’s Day (though they’re a perfect fit for the holiday). Their rich red color makes them an ideal addition to any holiday dessert table, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a birthday celebration. They also make an excellent cookie for potlucks or bake sales.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Baking these cookies is an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Kids can help roll the dough into balls, press the chocolates into the center, and even enjoy a warm cookie right out of the oven.

Great for Gifting

Need a last-minute gift? These cookies are an easy and impressive choice. Package them up in a cute tin, mason jar, or decorative box, and you’ve got a sweet, homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving based on 24 cookies.

Table of Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	180
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugars	18g
Protein	2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can! While the red velvet cake mix gives these cookies their unique color and flavor, you can easily substitute it with a different flavor like chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon. The rest of the recipe will still work beautifully.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Simply allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months and defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Can I skip the chilling steps?

It’s highly recommended to chill the dough and dough balls to avoid the cookies spreading too much during baking. Skipping this step may result in flatter, thinner cookies.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Simple Dessert

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies with Hugs are the perfect solution for a delicious and visually stunning treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weekday craving, these cookies are sure to impress.

So, why not give this recipe a try? The next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, you’ll be able to whip up these easy, festive cookies in no time. Let us know how they turn out, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with friends and family!

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