4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

These 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect festive treat for your summer celebrations! With their vibrant colors and soft, chewy texture, these cookies will surely impress guests at any occasion. The red, white, and blue M&M’s add a delightful touch and make them an ideal choice for Independence Day festivities or any summer gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe uses a cake mix, making it quick and easy to whip up a batch without any fuss.
• Festive Appearance: The striking red velvet color paired with colorful M&M’s makes these cookies visually appealing for celebrations.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are baked to perfection, ensuring each bite is soft and chewy, delighting cookie lovers of all ages.
• Versatile Treat: While great for the 4th of July, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round for birthdays, picnics, or just because!
• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of red velvet combined with chocolatey M&M’s creates a unique and indulgent flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious cookies with ease, gather the following tools. Having everything ready helps streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium cookie scoop
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy cookie release from the baking sheet without sticking.
• Medium cookie scoop: Helps in portioning out uniform cookie dough balls for even baking.

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

Follow these steps to create your festive cookies easily!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 2: Incorporate M&M’s

1. Fold in half of the M&M’s, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 60 minutes. This helps improve the texture of your cookies.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

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

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes.
2. Remember not to overbake; they should look puffy and slightly underdone when you take them out.

Step 7: Finish Up

1. Press remaining M&M’s into the tops of warm cookies right after they come out of the oven.
2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you have delicious 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies ready to enjoy!

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

These delightful cookies are perfect for any festive gathering. Their vibrant colors and soft texture make them a hit at barbecues, picnics, or family celebrations.

Celebrate with a Cookie Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside other festive treats to create an eye-catching dessert table.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines flavors and textures beautifully.

Add Fresh Berries

• Garnish your serving plate with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavor.

Use as a Cake Alternative

• Stack several cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting in between for a fun twist on traditional cake.

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

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for these cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly puffy and appear underdone when taken out; they will firm up as they cool.
• Use High-Quality M&Ms: Opt for fresh M&Ms to enhance the overall taste and appearance of your cookies. The vibrant colors add visual appeal!
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding nuts or white chocolate chips alongside the M&Ms for extra flavor and crunch.

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

To create a well-rounded dessert experience, pair these cookies with complementary side dishes. Here are some tasty options that work well with your festive treat.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness from grilled corn pairs perfectly with desserts at summer gatherings.
4. Caprese Skewers: These skewers offer a light option made from mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil; they’re refreshing and savory.
5. Potato Salad: A classic picnic staple that can complement any sweet dessert by providing hearty satisfaction.
6. Veggie Platter: Include colorful raw vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip to balance out your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always chill for at least 60 minutes to maintain shape.
• Overbaking: Overbaking can make cookies hard instead of soft and chewy. Keep a close eye on them and remove them while slightly underdone.
• Incorrect measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect texture and flavor. Always measure ingredients accurately for perfect results.
• Using stale M&M’s: Fresh candies ensure bright colors and better taste. Check expiration dates before using your M&M’s.
• Skipping the sugar coating: Not rolling the cookie balls in sugar can result in a less appealing finish. Don’t skip this step for that extra sparkle!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other colors of M&M’s?

Yes! Feel free to customize with any color combination of M&M’s to match your celebration theme.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free cake mix instead of regular red velvet cake mix for a gluten-free version.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Nuts or chocolate chips would be delicious additions. Just fold them in along with the M&M’s.

How long do these cookies last?

They will last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature or up to three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors will impress your guests. Feel free to customize with different candies or toppings based on your preference. Enjoy baking!