Red Velvet Cookies Topped with Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting

These easy red velvet cookies are irresistible on their own, but when sandwiched with a Nutella-infused cream cheese frosting they become something truly special. Made from a cake mix for a speedy shortcut, they bake up tender, slightly chewy, and vividly red—perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you want a bite-sized indulgence.

Red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting are a time-honored pairing. For this recipe, I turned that beloved combination into a tiny sandwich cookie and added a generous spoonful of Nutella to the frosting for a rich, nutty chocolate flavor.

But first, a little history…

It’s interesting to note that both Nutella and red velvet gained popularity in the mid-20th century under similar circumstances—limited ingredients and creative substitutions during wartime. The stories behind these treats add a bit of nostalgia to every bite.

The History of Nutella

Nutella was developed in Italy in the 1940s by Pietro Ferrero as an economical way to enjoy chocolate when cocoa was scarce. Hazelnuts were plentiful in the region, and combining them with a small amount of cocoa produced a spreadable chocolate-hazelnut cream that became hugely popular. The name Nutella blends the English word “nut” with the Italian suffix “-ella,” implying something sweet and nutty.

Red Velvet: Origins and Color

The exact origin of red velvet cake is debated. Some attribute it to the Adams Extract Company in the 1920s, while others point to the Waldorf Astoria. Velvet cakes in various forms predate both claims. Historically, the reddish hue came from a natural chemical reaction between acidic cocoa and buttermilk. In times when food supplies were limited, bakers sometimes used beet juice to boost color and moisture. Today, most recipes rely on added food coloring for that signature red tone.

Cake Mix Cookies: A Helpful Shortcut

Cake mix cookies are one of my favorite baking shortcuts because they’re simple, consistent, and quick. If you haven’t tried them before, here’s the basic formula:

• One 15-ounce cake mix (some mixes are 16 ounces depending on brand)
• ⅓ cup oil (vegetable oil, canola, or light olive oil)
• 2 large eggs

Mix those three ingredients until smooth and you have a pliable dough. From there you can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, or leave the dough plain for a classic texture and flavor. Bake at 350°F for 7–12 minutes depending on cookie size.

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

For these red velvet cookies, we keep things small—about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie—so they bake quickly (7–8 minutes). We aren’t adding mix-ins because the bright red cookie paired with the Nutella cream cheese frosting is the star.

To create cookie sandwiches, pair two cooled cookies with a generous dollop of the Nutella cream cheese frosting between them. The contrast of the tangy cream cheese and the hazelnut chocolate is what makes these irresistible.

Assembling Your Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches

Assemble these cookie sandwiches once the cookies have completely cooled. Fill a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the Nutella cream cheese frosting and pipe a round dollop onto the bottom of one cookie. Top with a second cookie and press gently to spread the frosting. Repeat until all cookies are paired.

Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you want an extra finishing touch, melt ¼ cup chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening. The added fat helps the chocolate melt smoothly and keeps a glossy finish once it cools. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the assembled sandwiches with a spoon and chill briefly to set.

These cookies pair beautifully with milk, coffee, or a cup of tea. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm, or at room temperature for up to a couple of days.

Enjoy!

Alyssa

If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy some of our other cookie favorites:

• Better-than-Swig Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
• Caramel Apple Crumble Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
• Blueberry Coconut Pecan Cookies

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and to share any photos if you make it—I’d love to see how yours turn out!

Originally published February 5, 2019