Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Introduction

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic gooey butter cookie. With their vibrant red color, soft texture, and rich flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth centers paired with the slight tang from the cream cheese make these cookies irresistible.

I first made these for a gathering with friends, and they were gone within minutes. The rich red hue and the creamy texture were a hit, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. What’s great about these cookies is how simple they are to make, but they still look and taste impressive. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft, chewy center with a subtle tang that complements the sweet, rich flavor of the red velvet.

These Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to add a special touch to a party or simply indulge in a treat. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Birthday parties
• Dessert tables
• Gifting
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Here’s why Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies will become your go-to dessert:

• Soft and Gooey Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy, and gooey center that’s almost cake-like, making them incredibly addictive.
• Vibrant Red Velvet Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and cream cheese gives these cookies their signature red velvet flavor, which is subtly rich and tangy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these cookies are easy to make yet look impressive and taste amazing.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just because, these cookies are perfect for sharing and will be a hit with everyone.
• Versatile: Customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 27g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix (or homemade red velvet cake)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: Using a box mix simplifies the process while still giving you the rich red velvet flavor and color.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese creates the signature gooey, soft center and adds a tangy depth of flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookie.
• Butter: Butter gives these cookies a rich, tender crumb that’s perfect for gooey cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar coating gives the cookies a light sweetness and a beautiful crackly exterior once baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Gradually add the red velvet cake mix, mixing until combined. The dough will be thick, almost like a batter.
5. Chill the Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and help prevent spreading during baking.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Shape the Dough: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a crackly finish when baked.
8. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. The centers should still be soft and gooey.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in many ways:

• For Parties: Serve these cookies on a dessert platter at any party or holiday gathering, and watch them disappear!
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot beverage for a cozy afternoon snack.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute jar or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• On a Dessert Table: These vibrant red cookies are perfect for adding a pop of color to any dessert table.
• For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to make any day special.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Softened Cream Cheese and Butter: Softened cream cheese and butter will blend together more smoothly, making the dough easier to mix and roll.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving them that gooey center and slightly cracked exterior.
• Do Not Overbake: These cookies are meant to be gooey in the center, so avoid overbaking them. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
• Customize with Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even crushed nuts into the dough before baking.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy, sweet contrast to the red velvet.
• Chocolate Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for an extra chocolatey twist on the classic red velvet flavor.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies: Add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each cookie before baking for a cheesecake-inspired treat.
• Nutty Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture that complements the gooey center.
• Red Velvet Oreo Cookies: Place a mini Oreo in the center of each cookie before baking for a fun surprise.
• Lemon Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist on the classic red velvet flavor.
• Caramel Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a decadent treat.
• Mini Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Make smaller, bite-sized versions of these cookies for an easy-to-eat treat.
• Spicy Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice that complements the sweetness of the red velvet.
• Vegan Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Replace the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

Here are some tools that will make preparing Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that your dough balls are uniform in size, leading to even baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack helps the cookies cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will ensure your cookies turn out just right.
• Sifter: Sift the powdered sugar to avoid any lumps when rolling the dough balls.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake mix?
   Yes, you can use homemade red velvet cake mix, but be sure the texture is similar to a box mix for the best results.
2. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
   The cream cheese is essential for the gooey texture, but you can try substituting it with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should have slightly set edges and a crackled top. The centers should still be soft, as they’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
   Absolutely! You can fold chocolate chips into the dough for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies are a delicious and visually striking treat that will be the star of any occasion. With their soft, gooey center and rich red velvet flavor, they’re sure to please everyone who tries them. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire, whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

This recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!