Have you ever craved a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Easy Pink Velvet Cookies are the perfect choice when you want to wow your family, friends, or yourself. Soft, chewy, and topped with luxurious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Even better, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love.
Let’s dive into this guide to help you create the most irresistible pink velvet cookies that will not only look stunning on your table but also melt in your mouth.
What Are Pink Velvet Cookies?
Pink velvet cookies are the vibrant, fun cousin of traditional red velvet desserts. These cookies combine the classic elements of a soft, velvety texture with a playful pink hue that’s perfect for any occasion—from Valentine’s Day to baby showers, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up.
They’re made using a simple cake mix as the base, but what makes them unique is the addition of cream cheese frosting and cookie crumbs, giving them a bakery-level look and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Perfect for beginners and pros alike.
- Beautiful Presentation: The pink color and frosting make them Instagram-worthy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A combination of tangy cream cheese and buttery sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for parties, gifting, or indulging yourself.
- Customizable: Change the size, toppings, or even the color for different occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you’ll need for these show-stopping cookies.
Pink Velvet Cookie Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Any brand works. |
| All-purpose flour | ⅔ cup | For extra structure. |
| Eggs | 2 | Room temperature. |
| Butter (melted) | ⅓ cup | Adds richness. |
| Sour cream | 2 tablespoons | For moisture and a slight tang. |
| Pink food coloring | 1-2 drops | Adjust to your desired color. |
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces (softened) | Full fat works best. |
| Butter | ¼ cup (softened) | Unsalted preferred. |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Adds a sweet aroma. |
| Powdered sugar | 3 ½-4 cups | Adjust for sweetness. |
| Milk | 2-3 tablespoons | To achieve the perfect consistency. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Pink Velvet Cookies
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Proper preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Mix Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1-2 drops of pink food coloring
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until you get a thick, smooth dough. The sour cream keeps the cookies soft, while the food coloring gives them their signature pink look.
3. Shape Your Cookies
Use a ¼ cup measuring scoop to portion out the dough. Roll it into balls, then flatten each one into a thick disc. Place them on your lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to prevent spreading.
For smaller cookies, use a medium-sized cookie scoop, which will yield 18-20 cookies.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9-11 minutes. Look for a slightly set center and lightly golden edges. Overbaking can make the cookies dry, so keep a close eye on them!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial to maintain their soft texture.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Cream the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup of softened butter
Beat with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sweetness and Flavor
Mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add 3 ½ to 4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Continue mixing until the frosting becomes thick and pipeable.
3. Adjust the Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk, one spoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth but firm enough to hold its shape when piped.
Assembling Your Pink Velvet Cookies
1. Frost the Cookies
Transfer the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or use a zip-top bag and cut the corner). Pipe the frosting in a circular motion, starting from the outside edge and working your way inward.
2. Add the Finishing Touch
Crumble any leftover baked dough into fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs over the frosting for a professional bakery-style finish.
3. Store Properly
Place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pink Velvet Cookies
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant pink hue without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in dense cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Test for Doneness: The cookies should look set but not browned. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 24g |
FAQs About Easy Pink Velvet Cookies
1. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Yes! Substitute the store-bought mix with your favorite homemade white cake mix recipe.
2. Can I make these cookies without sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, use Greek yogurt as an alternative. It provides the same moisture and tang.
3. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. What other toppings can I use?
You can use sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even edible glitter to customize your cookies.
5. How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and cake mix with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.
6. Can I use a different food coloring?
Yes, you can customize the color to match any theme or occasion.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Easy Pink Velvet Cookies Today!
With their vibrant color, velvety texture, and rich frosting, Easy Pink Velvet Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten anyone’s day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ready to get started? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the baking adventure begin!
Easy Pink Velvet Cookies: A Delightful Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies
Description
Soft, chewy cookies with a velvety texture and a stunning pink hue, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion and incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients. A show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened, unsalted preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and pink food coloring. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until a thick, smooth dough forms. - Shape the Cookies:
Use a 1/4-cup scoop or medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. - Bake:
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. - Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until thick and smooth.
- If needed, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a pipeable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a large round tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off).
- Pipe the frosting in swirls over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle cookie crumbs or other desired toppings over the frosting.
- Serve and Store:
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months.
Notes
- Food Coloring Tip: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant hues without altering the dough texture.
- Chill Dough If Sticky: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Customize Toppings: Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cookies and prepare the frosting separately, then assemble before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
