Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft, gooey, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, all while sporting that beautiful red hue that makes red velvet desserts so irresistible. These Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. With their unique blend of cream cheese and chocolate chips, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply when you need a little indulgence, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Top Reasons to Make Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Unique Flavor: The combination of red velvet cake mix and cream cheese creates a cookie that’s unlike any other.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Gooey Texture: The cream cheese ensures these cookies are soft and chewy, with a delightful gooey center.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant red color makes them perfect for special occasions.
- Chocolate Delight: Who can resist semi-sweet chocolate chips in a cookie?
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup of very soft unsalted butter is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Cream Cheese: Use 8 ounces of brick-style full-fat cream cheese. Avoid lite or whipped varieties for the best results.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: One 18.25-ounce box, sifted. Sifting is crucial to avoid lumps that won’t incorporate into the dough.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: One 12-ounce bag for that delicious chocolatey goodness.
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl is needed for combining wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer makes it easy to cream the butter and cream cheese together.
- Baking Sheet: Use a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps ensure even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the very soft unsalted butter and the full-fat cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Gradually add the sifted red velvet cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, drop generous tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread, so give them room.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Less Sweet Option: Reduce the amount of chocolate chips for a less sweet cookie.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your cookies are too flat, your butter may have been too soft. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you find lumps in your cookie dough, it’s likely from not sifting the cake mix. Always sift before adding it to the mixture.
- For thicker cookies, add a bit more flour to the dough until the desired consistency is reached.
- If cookies are too dry, ensure you’re measuring the cake mix correctly and not packing it down.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are great for make-ahead baking. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While red velvet is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a different twist.
What happens if I skip sifting the cake mix?
Skipping the sifting can lead to lumps in your cookie dough, which won’t incorporate well. This can affect the texture of your cookies, resulting in uneven baking.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to these soft cookies. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking.
Reader Favorites
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
That’s a Wrap
These Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to impress with their vibrant color and delicious taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies will be a hit. With their easy preparation and delightful flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any dessert table or cookie jar. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
Red Velvet Gooey Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter very soft
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese brick-style, full-fat
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract pure
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix 18.25 ounces, sifted
- 1 bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 12 ounces
Instructions
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the very soft unsalted butter and the full-fat cream cheese. Beat them together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the sifted red velvet cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop generous tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Scoop
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Use a gluten-free cake mix for gluten-free cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much.
