Velvet Heart Cookie Pie

Indulge in a Valentine’s Day Delight: The Ultimate Red Velvet Cookie Pizza with Nutella Swirls

Are you searching for the perfect dessert to captivate hearts this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than this enchanting Valentine Red Velvet Party Blast Cookie Pizza! This delightful dessert effortlessly combines the rich, classic flavor of red velvet with a playful cookie form, elevated by luscious chocolate hazelnut (Nutella) swirls and a vibrant strawberry buttercream frosting. It’s not just a treat; it’s a statement piece, guaranteed to be the star of any party or a romantic evening in.

Crafted for ease and maximum enjoyment, this cookie pizza utilizes a simple red velvet cake mix, transforming what could be a complex baking endeavor into an accessible and fun kitchen project. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy red velvet cookie base, punctuated by pockets of warm, gooey Nutella, all crowned with a delicate, fruity strawberry buttercream. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it truly drool-worthy and utterly unforgettable.

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can lead to extraordinary results. The fudgy Nutella swirls are not only a treat for the palate but also add an impressive visual flair, making your cookie pizza look as gorgeous as it tastes. For those who adore creative cookie recipes, this Red Velvet Cookie Pizza stands alongside other fan favorites such as Pink Velvet Lofthouse Swig Cookies, the Ultimate Reese’s Marshmallow Cookie Pizza, and the Marvelous Chocolate Chip Party Cookie Cake. Prepare to impress with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Adore This Red Velvet Cookie Pizza

• Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to a brilliant cake mix shortcut, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The classic red velvet flavor, combined with rich Nutella and sweet strawberry buttercream, creates a harmonious taste sensation.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red hue, elegant Nutella swirls, and festive candy decorations make this dessert a true showstopper.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of sweetness and charm.
• Customizable Fun: Easily adaptable with various toppings and frosting flavors, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This unique cookie-pie format is always a hit, offering a fun twist on traditional desserts.

Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Cookie Pizza

Creating this festive cookie pizza requires a blend of pantry staples and a few special additions that truly make it shine. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, largely thanks to the convenient use of a red velvet cake mix, which provides a shortcut to perfect flavor and texture every time.

• 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is our secret weapon! It provides the iconic red velvet flavor and a moist, tender cookie base without the fuss of measuring multiple dry ingredients. Any standard 15.25 oz box will work beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, butter is crucial for the chewy texture of the cookie dough and the creamy consistency of the buttercream. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your dessert.
• Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients, add richness, and contribute to the pie’s structure and rise.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to both the cookie and the frosting.
• Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread): The star of our swirls! Nutella provides a rich, creamy, and undeniably decadent chocolate hazelnut flavor that perfectly complements the red velvet. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture adds an extra layer of indulgence.

For the Luscious Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

This homemade strawberry buttercream is the perfect crown for your cookie pizza, adding a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich red velvet and Nutella. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor.

• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: The foundation of our strawberry flavor. Using good quality jam will make a significant difference in taste. We’ll reduce it slightly to concentrate the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for a rich, smooth buttercream. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal whipping.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Provides the necessary sweetness and structure for a fluffy buttercream. Sift it for the smoothest frosting.
• Optional: Red Food Coloring: For a more intensely pink or red frosting, a drop or two of food coloring can be added. We’ll show you how to get a beautiful pale pink naturally from the jam if you prefer.

Festive Assorted Valentine Candies

No party pie is complete without a festive sprinkle of candy! These toppings not only add extra flavor and texture but also make your cookie pizza visually irresistible for Valentine’s Day.

• Variety is Key: Think about textures and colors. Cherry Sours offer a tangy kick, while classic Valentine Hearts add a sweet message. Pink and red M&Ms (or Strawberry M&Ms for extra fruitiness) provide a delightful crunch and burst of color. And for chocolate lovers, a scattering of Dark Chocolate Chips never hurts!

How to Create Your Red Velvet Cookie Cake Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to bake a flawless and delicious Red Velvet Cookie Pizza that will steal the show at any Valentine’s Day gathering.

Crafting the Perfect Cookie Pizza Base

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Select an 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan or a similar round baking pan. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect “pizza slice” presentation. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract (or maple syrup if you prefer a subtle hint of maple). Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cookie. The resulting dough will be notably thick and sticky, which is exactly the consistency we’re looking for.
3. Press into the Pan: Transfer the sticky cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. To spread it evenly and avoid sticky hands, a clever trick is to place a sheet of parchment paper over the dough and press down with your hands, working outwards from the center. This helps to level out the dough and create a uniform base for your cookie pizza.
4. Prepare the Nutella Swirls: For effortless swirling, microwave your Nutella for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway through, until it becomes wonderfully melted and pourable. Once melted, dollop 5-6 generous globs of Nutella onto the surface of your red velvet cookie dough, spacing them out evenly.
5. Create Beautiful Swirls: Grab a knife, a skewer, or even a toothpick. Gently drag it through the Nutella globs and into the red velvet dough, creating elegant swirls and patterns. Don’t overdo it; a few confident swirls are all you need to achieve a stunning marbled effect. This step not only looks good but ensures every slice has that delightful chocolate hazelnut surprise.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact pan size, so keep an eye on it. The key is to avoid overbaking; the edges should be set, and the center might still look slightly soft – it will continue to cook and set as it cools, resulting in a perfectly chewy cookie pie.

Whipping Up the Dreamy Strawberry Buttercream

While your cookie pizza bakes and begins to cool, prepare the vibrant and fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting.

1. Reduce the Strawberry Jam: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ¼ cup of strawberry jam or preserves for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute, until it comes to a gentle boil and visibly reduces and thickens. This concentrates the strawberry flavor beautifully. Allow the reduced syrup to cool completely before proceeding. (You can also do this in a small saucepan on the stove).
2. Beat the Butter: In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter (½ cup + 2 tablespoons) on medium-high speed until it becomes very light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, making your buttercream incredibly smooth.
3. Combine and Flavor: Gradually add the cooled strawberry syrup, powdered sugar (1 ½ cups), and salt (¼ teaspoon) to the beaten butter. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If you desire a more vibrant pink color, add a drop or two of red food coloring. For this recipe, a pale, natural pink from the strawberries is often preferred.
4. Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk (about a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches the desired spreadable or pipeable consistency. If it’s too thin, incrementally add more powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) until it thickens up.
5. Frost the Cookie Pizza: Once the cookie pizza has completely cooled, transfer the strawberry buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative tip (or simply use a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off). Pipe a beautiful border around the edge of the cookie pizza. Alternatively, you can use an offset spatula to spread a thin, even layer over the entire surface.
6. Decorate with Candies: Now for the fun part! Artfully arrange your chosen Valentine’s Day candies – Cherry Sours, Valentine Hearts, pink/red M&Ms, Dark Chocolate Chips, or any other festive sprinkles – on top of the frosting. Let your creativity shine!

Tips for a Perfectly Party-Worthy Cookie Pie

To ensure your Red Velvet Cookie Pizza turns out flawless every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the cookie dough, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, resulting in a more uniform dough and better texture. The same applies to buttercream butter for maximum fluffiness.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix, eggs, butter, and vanilla, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour (even in a cake mix), leading to a tougher cookie.
• The Parchment Paper Trick: Spreading sticky cookie dough can be tricky. As suggested in the instructions, pressing it down with a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap is a game-changer for an even base.
• Melted Nutella for Swirls: A quick microwave session makes Nutella much easier to swirl and ensures those beautiful, distinct patterns without dragging the dough.
• Do Not Overbake: Red velvet cookies are best when they are soft and slightly chewy. Remove the cookie pie from the oven when the edges are set and the center still looks a tiny bit soft. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Overbaking leads to a dry cookie.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is non-negotiable! If the cookie pizza is even slightly warm, your beautiful strawberry buttercream will melt and slide off. Patience is key for a pristine presentation.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest, lump-free buttercream, always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter mixture.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

This Red Velvet Cookie Pizza is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it your own!

Frosting & Topping Alternatives:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more traditional red velvet pairing, a classic cream cheese frosting would be divine. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the rich red velvet.
• Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of dark or white chocolate ganache could replace or accompany the buttercream for an extra layer of decadence.
• Canned Frosting: In a pinch, a good quality canned cream cheese or vanilla frosting can save time. You can even add a tablespoon of strawberry jam (microwaved and cooled) to plain vanilla frosting for a quick strawberry flavor boost.
• Alternative Candies: Beyond the suggested Valentine’s candies, consider mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even fresh berries (like sliced strawberries or raspberries) for garnish.

Cookie Base Variations:

• Add-ins to the Dough: Fold in white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the red velvet cookie dough before spreading it into the pan.
• Different Swirls: Instead of Nutella, try swirling in melted white chocolate, cream cheese frosting, or even a caramel sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Mini Cookie Pizzas: For individual servings, bake the dough in muffin tins (adjusting baking time) and decorate each one separately.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Valentine Red Velvet Party Blast Cookie Pie is truly a sweet deal that promises to delight your party friends. To serve, cut into wedges, just like a traditional pizza or pie. It’s best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.

• Pairing: Serve slices with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookie pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you’ve added fresh fruit toppings, it’s best to refrigerate. When refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cookie base a day in advance. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Prepare the frosting and decorate just before serving for the freshest look.

Wait until your loved ones taste this! It’s incredibly easy to make, and the combination of flavors is sure to impress without any complaints.

A World of Red Velvet Delights Awaits!

If you’re a true red velvet enthusiast, the journey doesn’t have to end with this cookie pizza. Red velvet is a beloved classic for a reason, offering a unique blend of subtle cocoa, vanilla, and that signature vibrant red hue. It’s especially popular around Valentine’s Day and other festive occasions, symbolizing love and warmth. Explore these other fantastic red velvet recipes to satisfy all your cravings:

• Red Velvet Luv Truffles: Bite-sized balls of rich red velvet cake mixed with cream cheese frosting, coated in chocolate – perfect for sharing!
• “American Beauty” Retro Red Velvet Cake: A stunning, classic layer cake with velvety smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for special occasions.
• Red Velvet 7 Layer {White & Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut} Bars: A decadent bar cookie with layers of red velvet, chocolate, almond, and coconut.
• ‘Kiss Me’ Red Velvet Brownies: Fudgy, rich, and intensely chocolatey red velvet brownies, a delightful twist on a classic.
• Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting: Start your day with a touch of luxury! These baked donuts are moist and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Easy Dreamy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Poke Cake: A super moist cake infused with a creamy filling and topped with luscious frosting.
• Red Velvet Cookie Bars: Chewy, delightful cookie bars perfect for a crowd, always a hit!
• Red Velvet Tuxedo Brownies: A sophisticated dessert featuring layers of red velvet and contrasting white and dark chocolate.

This Valentine Red Velvet Party Blast Cookie Pizza offers a unique and satisfying way to celebrate. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or gathering with friends, this easy-to-make dessert promises joy and deliciousness in every slice. Happy Partying and Happy Valentine’s Day!