Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Soft red velvet cookies filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing and finished with a nutty coconut-pecan coating make for a perfect treat any time of year.

Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, lightly beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and bourbon. Mix until well blended.
- Step 3: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Step 4: Bake the cookies until the tops begin to crack, about 8 minutes. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 5: To make the icing, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and flaked coconut in a large bowl.
- Step 6: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the icing is too stiff, add a little more evaporated milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Step 7: Place the chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Spread a generous amount of icing on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to push the icing out to the edges.
- Step 8: Roll the edges of the sandwich cookies in the chopped pecans to coat. Repeat with the remaining cookies and icing.
Tips & Variations
- Omit bourbon for a kid-friendly version or replace it with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer, skip the coconut and pecans in the icing for a smoother, nut-free filling.
- Chilling the dough briefly can make it easier to roll and help prevent spreading during baking.
- Use a cookie scoop or melon baller for uniformly sized cookies.
- Try rolling the icing edges in festive sprinkles instead of nuts for holiday variations.
Storage
Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Extra cream cheese icing can be kept covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without bourbon?
Yes, you can simply leave out the bourbon or substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or water for a non-alcoholic option.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Try chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking, and make sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
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Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
Description
Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat combining soft red velvet cake mix cookies with a creamy, rich cream cheese icing filling. These sandwich cookies are enhanced with a touch of bourbon in the dough and a luscious filling made with cream cheese, butter, coconut, and pecans for added texture and flavor. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a decadent sweet sandwich cookie, they are simple to prepare and bake in about 8 minutes, with a nice crackled top and tender crumb inside.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to ensure it is hot enough for the cookies to bake properly and develop a nice texture.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and bourbon until fully combined and smooth. The dough should be sticky but manageable.
- Form the cookies: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, until the tops begin to crack. This short baking time keeps them tender with a slight crisp on top.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool in the pans for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential before assembling the sandwich.
- Make the icing: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and flaked coconut. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly each time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more evaporated milk if the icing is too stiff.
- Assemble the sandwich cookies: Place chopped pecans in a shallow bowl. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese icing on the bottom of one cookie, then top with another cookie, pressing gently so the icing spreads to the edge. Roll the edges of the icing in the chopped pecans to coat. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Notes
- Extra cream cheese icing can be stored covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it briefly before shaping to make handling easier.
- You can omit bourbon if preferred; it does not significantly affect the texture but adds flavor.
- Optional: Leave out coconut and pecans for a simpler filling or roll edges in festive sprinkles for holiday versions.
- Cookies taste best if brought to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cookies, sandwich cookies, cream cheese icing, holiday cookies, easy dessert, red velvet cake mix

