Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the red velvet cake mix. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or an electric mixer, combine these ingredients thoroughly until a smooth and soft cookie dough forms.
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. If you choose to include them, add in the chopped pecans at this stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave around 2 inches of space between each dollop of dough to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they’re done when the edges are set and appear slightly cracked on top.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After this short cooling period, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are fully cooled, take a fine mesh sieve and sift powdered sugar over the tops of the cookies. This adds a delightful sweetness and an elegant touch to the finished treats.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, consider adding fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side.