As I pulled out the baking sheets and began mixing the vibrant, red dough, my kitchen transformed into a festive holiday haven. The rich aroma of sweet vanilla blended with a hint of cocoa, instantly evoking memories of cheerful gatherings and warm family moments. This recipe for Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies comes together in a flash, making it the ultimate treat for those who long to escape the mundane fast-food routine and bring a touch of homemade magic to their celebrations.
These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining ease with indulgence. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of festive M&M’s alongside creamy white chocolate chips, they’re guaranteed to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday potluck, a cozy family night, or simply to satiate a sweet craving, these cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for sharing. Let’s dive into creating a batch of these holiday delights that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why will you love Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies?
Irresistible Texture: With a soft, chewy bite and that signature red velvet flavor, these cookies offer a delightful experience you can’t resist.
Easy Peasy: Utilizing a cake mix means you can whip up these scrumptious treats in no time—perfect for busy bakers!
Crowd Pleaser: Bright holiday colors and creamy chocolate flavors make these cookies a hit at any gathering.
Versatile Fun: Ideal for holiday parties or a sweet family treat, they adapt to any occasion with ease.
Quick Bake Time: In just 9-11 minutes, you can bring warm, homemade goodness from your oven to your family’s plates!
Bake a batch today and taste the holiday cheer!
Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Red Velvet cake mix – This is the secret shortcut to achieving that rich red flavor easily.
• Large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together for a soft and chewy texture.
• Canola/vegetable oil – Use melted oil to keep the cookies moist and delicious.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness.
• White chocolate chips – Provides creamy pockets of sweetness in every bite.
• Holiday M&M’s – These colorful pieces not only add festive fun but great crunch too!
Grab these ingredients and get ready to spread joy with Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies!
How to Make Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F, then prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
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Combine cake mix, eggs, vanilla, and melted oil in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Stir just until everything is blended; don’t overmix to maintain that delicious chewy texture!
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Fold in the white chocolate chips and holiday M&M’s gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for delightful bursts of flavor in each bite.
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Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop, approximately 2 tablespoons each, onto the baking sheets, leaving a few inches of space between them to allow for spreading—no more than 6 cookies per sheet!
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Decorate by topping each dough ball with a few additional white chocolate chips and M&M’s for that extra festive flair and color!
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Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, just until the cookies have set but are not browned. You want them soft and chewy!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the perfect texture!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for a luxurious finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with delightful twists that will surprise and excite your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
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Nutty Add-In: Sprinkle in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a lovely taste contrast.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the white chocolate chips for dairy-free alternatives to cater to lactose intolerant friends or family.
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
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Minty Fresh: Mix in mint chocolate chips or a few drops of mint extract for a refreshing twist that brightens up the red velvet profile.
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Fruity Burst: Consider adding dried cranberries or cherries to the mix for a tangy pop of flavor among the sweetness.
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Cocoa Lovers: Substitute half of the cake mix with unsweetened cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate experience that enhances the overall taste.
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Festive Sprinkles: Top your cookies with seasonal sprinkles or edible glitter for an eye-catching addition that makes these treats even more celebratory!
With these variations, you can create a unique version of Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies that will surely become a seasonal favorite for all!
Tips for the Best Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies
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Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the wet ingredients. This maintains the chewy texture we love in Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies.
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Check the Oven: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Cooking time can vary, so look for just-set centers without browning to ensure they stay soft.
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Cool Smartly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps achieve the perfect texture.
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Decorate Delightfully: Don’t skimp on the extra white chocolate chips and M&M’s on top! It adds a wonderful pop of color and sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible.
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Storage Tips: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh. They also freeze wonderfully for later indulgence!
How to Store and Freeze Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, place the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: To freeze Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies, lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their soft texture.
What to Serve with Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies?
These cheerful cookies are perfect for brightening up any occasion, so let’s explore delightful companions to elevate your festive gatherings!
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a rich creaminess that perfectly balances the sweet, chocolatey flavors of the cookies. The cold and warm contrast is heavenly! -
Hot Cocoa:
A steaming mug of hot cocoa brings warmth and nostalgia, making it an ideal beverage for cozy evenings. Pairing the two creates a delightful winter treat. -
Festive Fruit Salad:
A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of color and a sweet-tart contrast, complementing the rich flavor profile of the cookies beautifully. It’s light and zesty! -
Peppermint White Chocolate Bark:
This festive treat provides crunch and a peppermint kick, enhancing the cookies’ sweet notes while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Perfect for sharing! -
Spiced Chai Latte:
A warm chai latte, with its aromatic spices, enhances the cookies’ flavors while providing a soothing, cozy finish to your holiday treat experience. -
Gingerbread Men:
The spiciness of gingerbread cookies harmonizes nicely with the sweetness of Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies, creating a fun cookie platter for guests to enjoy. -
Pecan Pie:
Rich pecan pie brings a buttery crunch and nutty flavor, creating a luxurious dessert spread that pairs beautifully with your festive cookies. -
Sparkling Cider:
A glass of sparkling cider adds a bubbly celebration to your dessert table, making your gatherings feel extra special and festive.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the dough following the recipe, scoop it onto the baking sheets, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container in the fridge to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to achieve that soft, chewy texture. Just pop them in a preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, and enjoy warm, homemade goodness that’s just as delicious as if they were baked fresh!
Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of cake mix should I use for Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely use a Red Velvet cake mix for this recipe! It’s the star ingredient that brings that vibrant red hue and rich flavor. If you’d like to experiment, some bakers use homemade red velvet cake mix, but for a quick and easy option, stick with the store-bought kind!
How should I store Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! First, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a large zip-top bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice that your cookies spread too much, it could be due to using too much oil or not chilling the dough. To prevent this, be sure to measure the oil carefully and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping onto the baking sheet. This will help them hold their shape better during baking!
Are Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies safe for pets?
Unfortunately, these cookies aren’t suitable for pets, particularly dogs. Ingredients like chocolate and vanilla extract can be harmful. Always keep human treats away from furry friends and consider baking pet-friendly treats for them instead!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Certainly! To make Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free Red Velvet cake mix. Most blends will work well, but always check to ensure the texture aligns with your expectations. Happy baking!
Santa’s Red Velvet Cookies That Will Delight Your Holiday!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, then prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine cake mix, eggs, vanilla, and melted oil in a large bowl with a wooden spoon.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and holiday M&M’s gently.
- Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop onto the baking sheets.
- Decorate by topping each dough ball with a few additional white chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.