4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

The 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit of summer celebrations. These cookies are soft, chewy, and feature vibrant red, white, and blue M&M’s, making them a hit at any gathering. Their easy preparation allows you to whip them up quickly, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a picnic, these cookies will stand out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Festive Appeal: The colorful M&M’s make these cookies perfect for celebrating patriotic holidays or any fun occasion.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie is baked to perfection for that ideal soft bite you crave in a cookie.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for sharing at parties or enjoying as an everyday snack.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to mix the dough and add the M&M’s, making it a great baking activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this cookie recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Stand mixer: Using a stand mixer makes it easier to beat the ingredients together quickly and evenly.
• Cookie scoop: This tool ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.

Ingredients

This easy recipe is a favorite among many but it gets a holiday twist with the addition of red, white, and blue M&M’s. They are soft, chewy, and rolled in sugar for an extra sparkly finish!

For the Cookies

• 15.25 oz Red Velvet Cake Mix
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup M&M candies (Red, White & Blue)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

How to Make 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs.
2. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Add M&M’s

1. Gently fold in half of the M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

1. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
2. Roll each portion into balls then roll them in granulated sugar to coat.
3. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 8 to 9 minutes.
2. Keep an eye on them; they should look puffy but slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Cool Down

1. Immediately after taking them out of the oven, press additional M&M’s into the tops of each cookie.
2. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

With these simple steps, you’ll have deliciously festive cookies ready for your next celebration! Enjoy every bite of your homemade 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies!

How to Serve 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

These festive cookies are perfect for a holiday gathering. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors make them a standout treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your 4th of July celebration.

With Milk

• Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing. The creamy texture complements the soft, chewy cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or red velvet ice cream between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Party Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other red, white, and blue desserts for a festive display. Add strawberries and blueberries for added color.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• For a fun twist, top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with additional M&M’s. This makes them more visually appealing and adds an extra sweetness.

Cookie Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons to create adorable party favors. Guests will love taking these home!

How to Perfect 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Achieving the perfect cookie texture is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 60 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the timer! Remove the cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise and texture in your cookies.
• Roll in sugar: Rolling the cookie balls in granulated sugar before baking gives them a sparkly finish and adds sweetness.
• Add more M&M’s: For extra color and flavor, feel free to press additional M&M’s into the tops of the cookies right after baking.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your red velvet cake mix cookies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors wonderfully.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal berries and melon provides a light contrast to the rich cookies.

2. Patriotic Parfait
   Layer yogurt with strawberries and blueberries for a colorful parfait that echoes the holiday theme.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that everyone loves, especially on hot summer days.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding savory notes to your dessert table.

5. Pineapple Salsa
   This zesty salsa brings tropical flavors that pair surprisingly well with sweet treats like these cookies.

6. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer mini cupcakes in different flavors as an alternative treat that guests can enjoy along with their cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies can be delightful, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 60 minutes.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long will result in dry cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
• Skipping sugar coating: Not rolling the dough balls in sugar means missing out on that sparkly finish. Coat each ball generously before baking.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Forgetting to add M&M’s after baking: If you add M&M’s before baking, they can melt completely. Press them into the tops right after taking the cookies out of the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before consuming.

Reheating 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies.

Can I use another type of cake mix?

You can definitely swap red velvet cake mix with chocolate or vanilla cake mix if you prefer different flavors!

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular red velvet cake mix for a gluten-free version.

Can I add nuts to my cookies?

Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts along with the M&M’s for added crunch.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Are these cookies suitable for decorating?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted white chocolate or cream cheese frosting over them for extra decoration and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant colors, they are perfect for holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize with your favorite additions, like nuts or different candies, making them uniquely yours!