Name: Soft Halloween Red Velvet Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; Optional: Halloween sprinkles

Why You’ll Love Soft Halloween Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy, thanks to cake mix as the base. You’ll love their soft, chewy texture and bold appearance, which make them a standout on any Halloween dessert table. They’re great for kids’ parties, classroom treats, or even just cozy October baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

red velvet cake mix
eggs
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
black cocoa powder

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each.
Pour the black cocoa powder into a shallow dish and roll each dough ball in it until completely coated.
Place the coated dough balls onto the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips inside the dough for a surprise bite.
Add orange Halloween sprinkles on top before baking for extra festivity.
Swap black cocoa for regular cocoa if needed, though the color will be lighter.
Make them mini for a bite-sized party platter.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking them. Remove when the edges are just set and let them finish on the pan.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While red velvet adds the best Halloween color, chocolate cake mix works well too.

What is black cocoa powder?

Black cocoa powder is a super-dark, Dutch-processed cocoa that gives the cookies their spooky black finish and mild chocolate flavor.

Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

Yes, but you’ll lose the dark outer appearance. They’ll still be tasty with just the red velvet base.

Do these cookies spread much while baking?

Not much. If you want flatter cookies, press them slightly before baking.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Vegetable oil gives the best texture, but melted butter can work. Expect a slightly different consistency.

Are these cookies good for kids’ parties?

Absolutely — they’re festive, soft, and eye-catching for Halloween-themed events.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling works great for big batches. Just be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.

How do I freeze the dough?

Roll dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Soft Halloween Red Velvet Cookies are the perfect mix of spooky and sweet. Their bold red centers, dramatic black coating, and pillowy soft texture make them a must-try for Halloween season. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just treating yourself, this simple recipe brings festive fun with every bite.