If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the nostalgic goodness of cookie dough with the rich, velvety charm of red velvet cake, then you’re in for a treat. This is truly The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe you’ll ever taste—silky, sweet, and dangerously easy to make. Whether you’re scooping it straight from the bowl or serving it up for a crowd, this recipe brings together that classic red velvet flavor with a safe-to-eat dough you can indulge in without baking. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any sweet tooth craving, and I can’t wait to share every loving detail with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about embracing simplicity and quality. The ingredients are straightforward, each bringing something special—like that vibrant red gel food coloring for signature color, or the heat-treated flour which makes this treat safe to eat raw while keeping the texture perfectly tender and luscious.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated): Essential for safety and provides the base structure for the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate depth that’s true to red velvet.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, creamy texture that every bite needs.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the cocoa and enhances the dough’s tenderness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates and balances all the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring: The iconic red hue that makes this cookie dough pop and feel festive.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Used to tweak the dough thickness to your preferred softness.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For extra bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe
Step 1: Heat-treat the Flour
Safety first! Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This eliminates any bacteria, making it perfectly safe to eat raw. Allow the flour to cool completely before using it in your dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together your heat-treated flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting ensures these dry ingredients are well combined while adding an airy lightness that will keep your dough from becoming dense or clumpy.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Use a large mixing bowl to beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is the secret to a pillowy-soft cookie dough texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Mix in the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring thoroughly to ensure that vibrant red color is consistent throughout, making your dough as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar blend. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust the dough’s consistency—aim for soft, scoopable, and just a little sticky. This personalized touch is key to making The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe your very own.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. They provide delightful pockets of chocolate that contrast the smoothness of the dough, making each bite uniquely satisfying.
Step 7: Serve or Chill
At this point, you’re ready to dive straight in or refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to a week. Chilling tightens the flavors and texture, making it great for day-after enjoyment or entertaining guests on short notice.
How to Serve The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle a few mini white chocolate chips or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the red velvet color and flavor. Even a light dusting of cocoa powder can add a sophisticated flair to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This cookie dough pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream to create an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side can elevate your serving to a whole new level of yum.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, roll spoonfuls of this cookie dough into balls and serve them atop small dessert spoons or in mini cupcake liners as bite-sized treats. You can also layer it with whipped cream and cake crumbs to build a luscious red velvet parfait that’s sure to wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to one week, perfect for those moments when you want a quick sweet fix without the fuss of mixing anew.
Freezing
Want to keep this treat longer? Freeze your dough in portions either as dough balls or a block wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Since this is edible cookie dough, there’s no need to bake it again. If the dough becomes too firm after refrigeration or freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or gently warm it in short bursts in the microwave to soften back to that perfect scoopable texture.
FAQs
Is this cookie dough really safe to eat raw?
Absolutely! The flour is heat-treated through baking to eliminate any harmful bacteria, and no eggs are used in this recipe, making it safe and delicious to enjoy raw without worry.
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid that might affect the dough’s consistency.
What can I use if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Chop up regular chocolate chips or chocolate bars into small pieces. White chocolate or even candy-coated chocolates can be fun alternatives too!
How do I adjust the dough if it’s too thick or dry?
Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired soft and slightly sticky consistency. It’s easier to add liquid gradually than to fix a dough that’s too wet.
Can this dough be baked into cookies?
While this recipe is designed as edible raw dough, you can try baking small scoops at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. The texture will be different, but it can still yield tasty, soft cookies with that lovely red velvet flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never had edible red velvet cookie dough before, prepare to become obsessed. This recipe is the kind of treat that makes you want to stop everything and savor each spoonful slowly, or share it with loved ones for pure joy. I promise once you try The Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert, bringing warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough is a safe-to-eat, no-bake treat featuring heat-treated flour, rich cocoa powder, and a vibrant red hue from gel food coloring. Creamy butter and sugars create a light, fluffy texture, with optional mini chocolate chips adding bursts of chocolate delight. Perfect for indulging in cookie dough cravings without the need for baking.
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 Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Heat-treat the flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the all-purpose flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Allow the flour to cool completely before using.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cooled, heat-treated flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and smooth incorporation.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for the cookie dough.
- Add flavor and color: Mix in the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring thoroughly until the dough achieves a vibrant red color and the flavors are well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to attain your desired dough consistency, which should be soft but holdable.
- Fold in chocolate chips: If desired, gently fold in mini chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolate flavor throughout your cookie dough.
- Serve or refrigerate: Enjoy the edible cookie dough immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure you heat-treat the flour properly to make the dough safe for raw consumption.
- Adjust the milk quantity to get your preferred dough consistency.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.
- Store leftover dough refrigerated and consume within one week for best taste and safety.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for added flavor and texture.

