Cookies don’t need to be complicated to be delicious! If you’re craving something indulgent, these three-ingredient red velvet cookies are the perfect treat. Simple, quick, and absolutely stunning in color, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without taking up your whole evening in the kitchen.
These cookies are ideal for beginner bakers, busy individuals looking for a quick dessert, or anyone who loves the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to whip up these cookies in no time and might have a new go-to dessert recipe in your repertoire.
Why We Love This 3 Ingredient Recipe
Baking doesn’t need to be intimidating. Sometimes, all you need are a few key ingredients to create something magical. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Minimal Ingredients: With just three everyday ingredients, there’s no need for an elaborate shopping list.
- Time-Saving: From start to finish, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: The vibrant red color and rich flavor make these cookies perfect for any occasion, from festive holidays to last-minute get-togethers.
- Beginner FriendlyBeginner Friendly: Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe is almost foolproof. With just three simple steps, anyone can make these delicious treats.
Tips for Customizing Your Cookies
While this recipe is excellent as is, there are also plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add-ins: Want some extra texture or flavor in your cookies? Try adding in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits.
- Flavor Variations: The base recipe calls for vanilla extract, but you can experiment with different flavors like almond or peppermint extract. Try using citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
- Frosting and ToppingsFrosting and Toppings: For an extra special treat, consider frosting or decorating your cookies with sprinkles, colored sugar, or drizzled chocolate.
- Mix-ins: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of mix-in. Feel free to combine different flavors and textures, such as chocolate chips and chopped nuts, for a delicious cookie experience.
- Custom Shapes: While the traditional shape for a cookie is round, you can use cookie cutters to create fun and unique shapes. This is especially great for holidays or special occasions.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re making cookies for a party or gathering, consider doubling the recipe so you have plenty to share (or keep for yourself).
- Experiment with Different Types of Flour: You can use all-purpose flour for most cookie recipes, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour. This can add a unique flavor and texture to your cookies.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to your cookie dough may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
- Substitute Sugars: Instead of using traditional white sugar, you can try using brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners in your cookies. This can add a depth of flavor and make your cookies slightly healthier.
Now, grab your apron and get ready to bake!
The Key Ingredients
To make these three-ingredient red velvet cookies, you’ll need only these simple items:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix
Have you ever wondered how to achieve that classic red velvet flavor? A box of red velvet cake mix is your secret weapon. It eliminates the need for cocoa powder, red food coloring, and sugar by combining everything in one convenient package.
- Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the mix and giving the cookies structure. Make sure to use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
- Oil
Vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) keeps these cookies moist and chewy. The oil ensures a soft texture while helping blend the ingredients effortlessly.
- Vanilla extract
Adding vanilla extract to the mix adds a rich depth of flavor to the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Powdered sugar
This is used in addition to the cake mix and helps create a soft and crumbly texture for the cookies. It also adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering.
- Cream Cheese Filling
One of the most iconic elements of red velvet is its cream cheese filling or frosting. To make your own, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Sprinkles
While optional, adding sprinkles on top of the cookies adds a fun and festive touch. You can use red, white, and/or pink sprinkles to enhance the red velvet theme further.
- White chocolate chips
For an extra decadent twist, consider adding white chocolate chips to the cookie dough. The combination of tangy cream cheese filling and sweet white chocolate is sure to be a hit.
- Heart-shaped cutouts
To make your red velvet cookies even more Valentine’s Day-appropriate, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough before baking. This will give you adorable heart-shaped cookies that are perfect for sharing with your loved ones.
That’s it! No butter, sugar, or tricky measurements. Baking doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2. Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and empty the red velvet cake mix into it. Add the two eggs and vegetable oil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything until you have a thick dough. If the dough feels a bit sticky, don’t worry—that’s normal.
Pro Tip: To make the dough easy to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before shaping it into cookies.
Step 3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Roll them into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Optional step: For added flair, press a few white chocolate chips into the top of each cookie before baking for a stunning color contrast.
Step 4. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should appear set in the center but not overly firm. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly even after you take them out.
Step 5. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite warm beverage for the ultimate indulgence.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
While these cookies are delightful as they are, you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are some fun add-ins to consider:
- White Chocolate Chips
Add a hint of creamy sweetness that complements the red velvet perfectly.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle
Drizzle cream cheese frosting on top for that classic red velvet and cream cheese flavor combo.
- Chopped Nuts
Pecans or walnuts bring a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Festive Decorations
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or sprinkle with edible glitter for a festive touch. For a fun and colorful look, you can also use red and white sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies
- Don’t Overbake
Red velvet cookies can dry out quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they look set.
- Chill the Dough
If you’re working in a warm kitchen, chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy.
- Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies whenever you want them.
- Variations
The best thing about chocolate chip cookies is that they can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Add other types of chocolate chips, such as white or dark chocolate, or mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also swap out some of the flour for oats or add in dried fruit like cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Gift Giving
Chocolate chip cookies make excellent gifts for friends and family. Package them in a festive box or tin and add a personalized note for an extra special touch.
- Sharing with Others
Baking and sharing these delicious treats with others is a great way to spread joy and show kindness. You can bring them to a potluck, share them with coworkers, or offer them as a thoughtful gesture to someone in need of cheering up.
- Healthier Alternatives
For those looking for healthier options, there are many ways to modify chocolate chip cookies. For added health benefits, use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour, swap out white sugar for honey or maple syrup, and use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Baking with Kids
Chocolate chip cookies are a fun and easy recipe to make with kids. Get them involved by having them help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and place the cookie dough on the baking sheet. This is an excellent opportunity to teach them basic cooking skills and spend quality time together in the kitchen.
- Cookie Exchanges
During the holiday season, many people participate in cookie exchanges with friends or coworkers. Chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and can be easily packaged for gifting. Get creative with different packaging options, such as mason jars, gift bags, or decorative tins.
- Versatile Dough
Chocolate chip cookie dough is incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes. Try adding it to brownie batter for a delicious twist on traditional brownies or sandwiching it between two layers of cookie dough for a gooey cookie sandwich. You can also add it to ice cream for a homemade cookie dough ice cream flavor.
- Customizable Additions
While chocolate chips are the standard addition to chocolate chip cookies, don’t be afraid to switch things up and add other ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, and even peanut butter chips can all make tasty additions to your classic recipe.
- Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try substituting some of the traditional ingredients in your recipe with alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour or applesauce instead of oil. You can also try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar. These substitutions may alter the taste slightly, but they can make your cookies healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Options
For those who have gluten sensitivities or allergies, there are many gluten-free options available for cookie recipes. Gluten-free flour blends can be found at most grocery stores and used as a 1:1 replacement for regular flour in your recipe. You can also experiment with alternative flours, such as almond flour or coconut flour, for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegan Cookies
If you follow a vegan diet, don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious cookie recipes that don’t use any animal products. You can substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement. Many recipes also call for non-dairy milk instead of regular milk. Some popular vegan cookies include oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and peanut butter.
When to Serve Your Red Velvet Cookies
These cookies are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Valentine’s Day Treats
The red hue makes them a romantic pick for Valentine’s celebrations. Package them in a cute box for a heartfelt gift.
- Holiday Parties
Add festive sprinkles and serve them at your Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
- Everyday Snack
Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea as an indulgent afternoon treat. They also make a great lunchbox addition for kids.
- Bake Sale Bestseller
The vibrant color and delicious taste will make them stand out at any bake sale or fundraising event.
- Potluck Contribution
Bring these cookies to your next potluck or office party for an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert option.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies
To ensure your red velvet cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use Gel Food Coloring
For a deep, vibrant red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. This will prevent the cookie dough from becoming too wet and affecting the texture of the cookies.
- Chill
Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Measure Accurately
Be sure to measure all ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can result in dry and crumbly cookies, while too little can cause them to spread too much.
- Don’t Overmix
Mix the cookie dough until just combined to avoid overworking it and producing tough cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Why Simple Recipes Like This One Matter
With only three ingredients, this recipe proves that creating something delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone just starting their baking journey, recipes like this one remind us that joy can come from simple, achievable creations.
Final Thoughts on 3 Ingredient Red Velvet Cookies
Life can be complicated, but baking doesn’t have to be. With just three ingredients, you can create soft, chewy red velvet cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this recipe will bring a smile to your face and delight to anyone lucky enough to try it.
Are you ready to bake these cookies and wow your friends and family? Grab your ingredients and start baking today!
