Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: A Sweet Southern Delight

Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delicious, festive treat inspired by the classic red velvet cake. These cookies, filled with a rich cream cheese icing, are perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. The combination of the soft red velvet cookies and the creamy, coconut-laced filling is irresistible. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to a cake mix shortcut.

Quick Benefits

• Easy and Quick: With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a total time of 33 minutes, these cookies are perfect for when you’re short on time but want something special.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While great for the holidays, these cookies are delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round.
• Deliciously Sweet: With the sweet combination of cream cheese icing and red velvet flavor, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Customizable: You can adjust the icing, add more toppings, or even play around with flavors to make them your own.

Essential Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

• Red Velvet Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The base of the cookie, providing the red velvet flavor and color.
• Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Helps bind the dough and provides structure to the cookies.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Adds moisture and softness to the cookies.
• Bourbon (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich depth of flavor to the dough (optional).

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): The creamy base of the frosting, providing richness and tang.
• Butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the icing.
• Evaporated Milk (2 teaspoons): Adds creaminess and helps adjust the texture of the icing.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the frosting.
• Flaked Coconut (½ cup): Adds texture and flavor to the icing.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the icing and gives it the right consistency for spreading.
• Chopped Pecans (½ cup): Used to roll the sandwich cookies in for added crunch and flavor.

Preparation Steps

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and bourbon until fully combined.
3. Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls about the size of a walnut and place them 2 inches apart on the ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the tops start to crack. Let the cookies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

1. Make the Icing: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and flaked coconut. Mix until smooth.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the icing is too stiff, add a bit more evaporated milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Sandwich the Cookies: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese icing on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently until the icing comes out to the edges.
2. Roll in Pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a bowl and roll the edges of the sandwich cookies in them to add texture and flavor.
3. Repeat: Continue with the rest of the cookies and enjoy!

Health Benefits

• Rich in Protein: Each cookie provides 2g of protein, thanks to the eggs and the cream cheese icing.
• Source of Healthy Fats: The pecans in the cookies provide heart-healthy fats and add crunch to each bite.
• Calcium: Both the cream cheese and butter provide small amounts of calcium, essential for bone health.
• Satisfies Sweet Cravings: The combination of the red velvet cake mix and the cream cheese icing makes these cookies an indulgent yet satisfying treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a Dessert: These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a treat for family and friends.
• Pair with a Hot Drink: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
• Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a beautiful tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Creative Variations

• Add a Different Topping: Instead of pecans, roll the cookies in crushed almonds, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips for a different flavor and texture.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Swap the Flavor: Change up the flavor by using a different cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create variations of this sandwich cookie.

Storage Tips

• Store in an Airtight Container: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate the Icing: If you have leftover cream cheese icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Pro Tips

• Ensure the Dough is Chilled: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier.
• Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing the icing to avoid lumps.
• Don’t Overbake the Cookies: The cookies should be soft in the center and slightly cracked on top. Overbaking can make them dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cake mix instead of red velvet?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, if you prefer.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze the unfilled cookies and then assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have bourbon?
The bourbon is optional, but it adds a rich depth of flavor. You can substitute it with vanilla extract or just leave it out if you prefer.

Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes, the icing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just bring it back to room temperature before using.

Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for special occasions or just as a sweet snack. With their rich red velvet flavor and creamy filling, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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