If you have a sweet tooth and a hankering for something irresistibly rich and creamy without turning on the oven, you are going to absolutely adore The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe. This luscious treat combines the iconic flavors of red velvet cake with the smooth, buttery texture of cookie dough that’s perfectly safe to eat raw. It’s rich, lightly chocolatey, and has that stunning red hue that just brightens up your snack time or dessert plate. Whether you’re looking for a quick homemade indulgence or a fun treat to share, this recipe ticks all the boxes with flair and absolutely no guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe couldn’t be simpler. Each one plays a vital role, from the silky butter that gives it creaminess to the perfect pinch of cocoa powder that deepens the flavor. Let’s break down these essentials so you know exactly why they matter.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups, heat-treated): Heat-treating is key here to make it safe to eat raw, while providing the perfect structure to the dough.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds that subtle chocolate note intrinsic to red velvet.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the dough its creamy, rich base and helps blend the sugars smoothly.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and adds that slight crunch texture you want in cookie dough.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to balance sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being cloying.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the red velvet flavor with its warm, aromatic touch.
- Red gel food coloring (1/4 teaspoon): Gives that signature bright red color without altering texture.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts the consistency to silky smooth, so the dough isn’t too stiff or sticky.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds little bursts of melty chocolate for extra indulgence and texture.
How to Make The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour
To keep this dough safe for raw consumption, it’s crucial to heat-treat the flour first. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet, and bake it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool completely before the next step — this eliminates any potential bacteria and makes your dough completely safe to enjoy!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
While your flour cools off, sift together the heat-treated flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step makes sure everything is evenly combined and there are no lumps, giving your cookie dough its delicate texture and the perfect base flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You want it light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy—a crucial step that sets the stage for that luscious mouthfeel we all crave.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Mix in the vanilla extract and that vibrant red gel food coloring into the fluffy butter and sugars. Stir thoroughly until the color is fully incorporated and the dough looks that distinctive beautiful shade of red velvet, which is half the fun of making this recipe.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. As you mix, slowly add milk one tablespoon at a time to get your dough to the perfect consistency — it should be soft, silky, and scoopable without being too sticky or runny.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, now’s the time to fold in those mini chocolate chips. They add little pockets of melted chocolate pleasure in every bite and contrast beautifully with the creamy dough.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Your cookie dough is ready to enjoy immediately! You can dig in right away or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week, so you have a delicious treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.
How to Serve The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of white chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty contrast that complements the festive red color. Crushed nuts or festive sprinkles can also add a delightful crunch and visual pop, making each serving feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This cookie dough pairs gloriously with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a boozy twist, serve alongside a glass of cold milk or even a red velvet latte to turn it into a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or just to impress friends, serve The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe in small mini jars or shot glasses topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also layer it with cream cheese frosting and cake crumbs to create an edible red velvet cookie dough parfait that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cookie dough, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and ready to enjoy for up to a week — making it perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert fixes.
Freezing
Want to keep your cookie dough even longer? Freeze it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped ball in plastic wrap. When stored this way, it can last for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
This cookie dough is best eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want it softer, let it sit out for a few minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture and melt the chocolate chips unevenly.
FAQs
Is this cookie dough really safe to eat raw?
Absolutely! The key is heat-treating the flour, which eliminates harmful bacteria, making it completely safe and delicious to eat raw as in The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe.
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring provides a more intense color without adding extra liquid, which helps maintain the dough’s perfect consistency. Regular liquid coloring can work but might make the dough a little runnier, so adjust milk accordingly.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop regular chocolate chips into smaller pieces or omit them entirely. The dough is fantastic on its own, with creamy texture and rich flavor.
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk. Make sure to use heat-treated flour as usual, and you’ll get a delicious dairy-free version of The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe.
How can I make this dough fluffier or thicker?
Add a bit more softened butter or reduce the milk slightly to make a thicker dough. For fluffier texture, beat the butter and sugars a bit longer to incorporate more air.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe a try the very next time you want a sweet treat without hassle or heat. It’s quick, safe, and absolutely bursting with that nostalgic red velvet flavor everyone loves. Once you taste it, I promise it will become one of your new favorite desserts to enjoy solo or share with friends. Happy snacking!
Print
The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough recipe offers a safe-to-eat, indulgent treat with rich cocoa flavor, vibrant red color, and optional mini chocolate chips. Perfect for enjoying raw or as a sweet snack, this dough is made with heat-treated flour to ensure safety without baking the dough into cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Optional
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat-treat the flour: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria. Let the flour cool completely before using.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cooled, heat-treated flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure an even mixture and to remove lumps.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a smooth dough texture.
- Add flavor and color: Mix in the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring thoroughly until the dough is evenly colored and aromatic.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches your preferred consistency—soft but scoopable.
- Fold in chocolate chips: If desired, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolate throughout the dough.
- Serve or refrigerate: Enjoy the edible red velvet cookie dough immediately as a sweet treat, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Heat-treating the flour is essential to make the dough safe for raw consumption.
- Adjust milk quantity based on desired dough consistency; add more for a softer dough.
- Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without altering texture.
- Store leftover dough refrigerated and consume within one week for best quality.
- Optional mini chocolate chips add texture and extra chocolate flavor.

