Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake and the soft, chewy goodness of homemade cookies. With a vibrant red hue, hints of cocoa, and melty chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies are both eye-catching and delicious. When I want to bake something that stands out and tastes amazing, these are always a top pick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these cookies are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges — the texture is perfect. The subtle cocoa flavor pairs so well with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. And of course, the bold red color makes them fun for holidays, gifts, or whenever I want a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. They’re super simple to make, but they feel like something special.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Egg
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Vanilla extract
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Red food coloring
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All-purpose flour
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Directions
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I start by creaming together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Then I beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
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I scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
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I bake them until the edges are set and the centers are still soft, then let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 cookies. It usually takes me around 15 minutes to prep the dough, 10 minutes to bake, and another 10 minutes to cool. From start to finish, I can have them ready in about 35 minutes.
Variations
When I want to change things up, I use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a creamier twist. Sometimes I add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. I’ve also made mini cookie sandwiches by filling two of these cookies with cream cheese frosting — they taste just like red velvet cake in cookie form.
storage/reheating
I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I freeze the baked cookies and thaw them whenever I want a quick treat. To enjoy them warm, I pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds and it tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. It actually helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope — the red coloring is just for looks. If I skip it, I still get delicious cookies with a deep cocoa flavor.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
I like semisweet or dark chocolate chips for balance, but white chocolate chips give it a red velvet cake-like taste. I sometimes mix both.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
I make sure not to overbake them. I pull them out when the centers look slightly underdone — they finish setting up as they cool.
Can I freeze the dough?
Definitely. I scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want cookies, I bake them straight from the freezer with just a minute or two of extra time.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies are my go-to when I want something easy yet impressive. With their soft texture, chocolatey flavor, and vibrant color, they’re perfect for everything from holidays to everyday cravings. I love how they look beautiful on a plate and taste even better than they look.
Print
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a rich cocoa flavor, vibrant red color, and melty chocolate chips in every bite. They’re easy to make and perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you want a stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use white chocolate chips for a red velvet cake-like twist.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor.
- Chill dough before baking to help cookies keep their shape.
- Freeze cookie dough balls and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Microwave baked cookies for 10 seconds to enjoy warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
