Description

These easy 3-ingredient base cookies are chewy on the outside, tender on the inside, and feature a gooey cream cheese center. They stay soft for days and require no separate frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz) Red Velvet Cake Mix
8 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened (divided)
1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil
1 large Egg
4 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened (for filling)
2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Gel Food Coloring (optional, if cake mix is pale)

Instructions

Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in white chocolate chips if using. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, remaining 4 oz softened cream cheese, oil, and egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead by hand for 30 seconds until smooth and pliable.
Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours) to prevent spreading.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop and fill: Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten into a disc, place a 1-teaspoon dollop of filling in the center, and seal the dough completely around the filling to form a smooth ball.
Bake: Place cookies on baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use full-fat block cream cheese, not whipped tub cream cheese. Chill the dough to prevent spreading. Underbake slightly for a chewy texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 180
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese filling, easy cookies, 3-ingredient cookies, soft cookies, holiday baking, dessert