As the holiday season draws near, baking becomes a joyful tradition filled with warmth and creativity. These Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies perfectly embody the spirit of celebration. Vibrant, chewy, and studded with colorful M&Ms, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious. This quick and easy recipe will have you whipping up festive treats in no time, making them an ideal addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: A cake mix base means minimal effort with maximum results.
- Bursting with Flavor: The rich, velvety taste of red velvet paired with the crunch of M&Ms is simply irresistible.
- Festive Colors: Red and green M&Ms bring cheerful holiday vibes to your table.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are a hit when packaged as thoughtful, homemade gifts.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup M&M candies (holiday colors for festive flair)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
- Wire cooling rack
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 3: Fold in the M&M candies, saving a handful to use as toppings. Be gentle to avoid breaking the candies.
Step 4: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 5: Lightly press the tops of the cookies to flatten them slightly. Decorate with the reserved M&Ms for a festive pop of color.
Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers should look slightly soft—this ensures a chewy texture.
Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: For extra holiday charm, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies at holiday parties, as a festive snack for guests, or enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. They’re also perfect for cookie swaps or gifting in decorative tins.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Layer cookies between wax paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Double Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor and visual contrast.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free red velvet cake mix for a crowd-friendly treat.
- Peppermint Twist: Mix in crushed candy canes for a festive minty touch.
- Nuts for Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the M&Ms.
Helpful Notes
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before scooping.
- Prevent Overbaking: Remove the cookies when the centers still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Customize for Any Occasion: Swap the M&M colors to match other holidays or events throughout the year.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef’s Tip: Celebrity baker Duff Goldman recommends using high-quality candy for the best flavor and vibrant colors. He also advises not overmixing the batter to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Pro Tip: Letting cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes post-baking allows the centers to set perfectly while keeping the edges chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?
Yes! You can use chocolate chips, sprinkles, or any mix-ins you prefer.
2. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Grease your baking sheet lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. How can I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate M&Ms or skip the powdered sugar dusting for a slightly less sweet version.
4. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
5. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking, and avoid placing dough on a hot baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their festive colors, rich flavor, and soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies will add a touch of holiday magic to your season.