Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough

Y’all, I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just crave that red velvet flavor. That slight tang, the rich cocoa notes… it’s pure comfort food. And let’s be honest, sometimes I want it now. That’s where this Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough comes in! I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, especially when my kiddos need a little pick-me-up after school. I promise you, this is the easiest, most satisfying way to get your red velvet fix – no baking required! This recipe will give you that nostalgic cookie dough taste without any of the worry.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom in Texas, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and reliable. This edible red velvet cookie dough checks all the boxes! Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Safe to Eat: No raw eggs or unbaked flour here! We heat-treat the flour to make it perfectly safe to enjoy.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely adore this stuff. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring (gel is best)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes

A few things to keep in mind about the ingredients:

• Flour: Heating the flour is crucial for making it safe to eat. This removes any harmful bacteria. Don’t skip this step!
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed will give it a deeper, richer taste, but regular cocoa powder works too.
• Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring will give you the most vibrant red color. Liquid food coloring works, but you may need to use a little more.
• White Chocolate Chips: These add a touch of sweetness and creaminess. Feel free to substitute with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect edible red velvet cookie dough every time:

1. Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour. Spread the flour in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely. This step is important to kill any bacteria in the flour.
2. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. You want it nice and airy!
3. Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients. Beat in the cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined. The mixture will be a beautiful red color. Don’t worry if it looks a little separated at first, it will come together.
4. Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet. Gradually add the cooled, heat-treated flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Chill (Optional). For a firmer cookie dough, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This also helps the flavors meld together. Though, I usually can’t wait that long!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned from making this recipe over and over again:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough, less tender cookie dough. Mix until just combined.
• Taste as You Go: Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired color.
• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help it cream together properly with the sugars.
• Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped Oreos, sprinkles, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.
• Make it Kid-Friendly: Let the kids help with measuring and stirring. It’s a fun activity to do together!
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie dough, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly.
• Storage Tip: Store the cookie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Storage & Meal Prep

Here’s how to store your edible red velvet cookie dough and how to make it ahead:

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great option if you’re short on time.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free white chocolate chips.
• Chocolate Chip Variety: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Dough: Add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese to the butter and sugars for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
• Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. I haven’t tested other flours like almond or coconut flour with this recipe.

How do I know when the flour is heat-treated properly?

The flour needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check. If you don’t have a thermometer, bake for the recommended time and make sure the flour is evenly heated through.

Can I leave out the red food coloring?

Yes, you can! The cookie dough will still taste delicious, it just won’t have that signature red velvet color. It will be more of a chocolatey color instead.

Is it safe to eat raw cocoa powder?

Yes, it is! Cocoa powder is already processed and safe to consume without cooking.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would be a delicious addition.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways to enjoy your edible red velvet cookie dough:

• Straight from the Bowl: My personal favorite! Grab a spoon and dig in.
• With Ice Cream: Crumble the cookie dough over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Cookie Dough Bites: Roll the cookie dough into small balls and chill for a firmer treat.
• Red Velvet Cookie Dough Dip: Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit for dipping.

This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough is more than just a recipe; it’s a little bit of happiness in a bowl. It’s a taste of home, a sweet treat that brings the whole family together. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what y’all think! And be sure to share your creations with me – I love seeing your photos! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more easy and delicious family recipes. Happy cooking!

Print