If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for classic flavors with a twist, you are going to adore this Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of rich cocoa, creamy butter, and the unmistakable, vibrant red velvet charm, all safe to enjoy raw. Not only does this recipe satisfy your cravings for cookie dough without any baking needed, but it also adds a fun and colorful touch to your dessert cravings, making it a showstopper every time. Trust me, once you try this homemade delight, it will become your go-to treat for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe are simple pantry staples, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and that signature red hue. From the buttery richness to the slight tang of cocoa and the lovely pop of red food coloring, every component contributes to a balanced and irresistible cookie dough experience.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the dough its structure and chewiness, make sure it’s heat-treated for safety if eating raw.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that bittersweet chocolate flavor essential to red velvet’s unique taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch, balancing the cocoa’s richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and depth with its molasses notes, making the dough delectably soft.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy fat that binds everything and gives luscious mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds just enough moisture to blend the dough smoothly without being too runny.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet, aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives the dough that iconic red velvet look that’s as delightful visually as it is in flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A subtle leavening agent that tones down acidity and rounds out flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For a melty, chocolaty surprise in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and texture, to suit your personal taste.
How to Make Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures they blend evenly and avoid clumps later on, setting you up for that perfectly smooth dough texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your dough a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth feel instead of being dense.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Color
Next, pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until all the liquid ingredients combine fully, transforming the mixture into that signature red velvet color and infusing it with rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three smaller portions, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation prevents flour lumps and ensures your cookie dough comes together seamlessly, yielding a uniform, tender dough.
Step 5: Fold in Optional Mix-ins
If you want to take things up a notch, fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts at this point. These add delightful bursts of flavor and texture that contrast wonderfully with the creamy dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Portion and Enjoy
Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1 to 2 tablespoon-sized balls. You can enjoy these as is or roll them in granulated sugar for a little extra sparkle and texture. This simple step transforms your cookie dough into cute, bite-sized treats perfect for snacking!
How to Serve Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your edible red velvet cookie dough can elevate it instantly. Try drizzling a bit of cream cheese frosting or chocolate syrup on top for a luscious finish. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts adds a lovely texture contrast and looks just as enticing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cookie dough pairs wonderfully as a companion to vanilla ice cream or a scoop of light whipped cream. The cool creaminess of these sides balances the rich, sweet dough perfectly and makes the entire dessert feel indulgent without overpowering the delicate red velvet flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or a fun treat, serve your cookie dough in small glass jars or mini cups layered with alternating dollops of cream cheese frosting or ice cream. You can also create a cookie dough bar where friends mix and match toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or nuts. Using this Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe as a cupcake filling or brownie topping is another wonderful way to surprise and delight your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store the cookie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, your dough will stay fresh for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy again or add a fun twist to other desserts during the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cookie dough to save for later. Just portion it into balls or a compact block, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen dough lasts up to two months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dough is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. If the dough becomes too hard after chilling or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften before enjoying.
FAQs
Is this cookie dough really safe to eat raw?
Yes! This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe uses heat-treated flour and no eggs, making it perfectly safe to enjoy raw without any worry of harmful bacteria.
Can I use a natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?
Absolutely! Natural alternatives like beet juice or powder can work well, though the color might be a bit less vibrant than traditional red food coloring.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder on hand?
Cocoa powder is key for that signature red velvet flavor, but you could try substituting with melted dark chocolate, adjusting the flour accordingly. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change somewhat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure your vegan substitutes are softened for the best mixing results.
How should I serve this cookie dough at a party?
Create a fun DIY setup with bowls of various toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, and frosting. Guests can scoop their own portions, roll them up, and customize their treats for a crowd-pleasing dessert station.
Final Thoughts
This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves the nostalgic taste of cookie dough but wants to skip the oven. Its creamy texture, vibrant color, and perfect balance of flavors make it an irresistible treat for getting creative in the kitchen or simply indulging in a sweet moment. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share and savor!
Print
Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough is a safe, delicious treat that you can enjoy raw without baking. Made with classic red velvet flavors like cocoa powder, vanilla, and a vibrant red food coloring, it’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Enhanced with optional chocolate chips and nuts, this cookie dough can be eaten on its own, served with ice cream, or used as a fun filling or topping for other desserts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes, incorporating air for texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth and vibrant red batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture in three additions, mixing thoroughly after each to avoid lumps and achieve a uniform dough texture.
- Fold in Add-ins: If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding texture and extra flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough into an airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.
- Portion the Dough: After chilling, scoop out the dough into small balls about 1-2 tablespoons each. You can eat them as is or roll them in granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Serve or Use Creatively: For a special presentation, serve the dough balls in a bowl with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup or cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, use the dough as a cupcake filling, brownie topping, or create a festive cookie dough bar with various toppings like sprinkles and crushed cookies.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover cookie dough into an airtight container, pressing down to remove air pockets before sealing. Refrigerate and consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Notes
- The flour is raw, so baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes before using is recommended to make it safe for raw consumption if preferred.
- Refrigeration helps enhance flavor and texture, but do not leave the dough at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.
- Red food coloring can be omitted or substituted with natural colorings like beet juice if desired.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds.
- Serving with ice cream or frosting adds a decadent touch but increases calories.
- Feel free to customize add-ins such as white chocolate chips, dried fruit, or candy pieces to personalize your dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
