Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy cookie that combines the rich, velvety taste of red velvet cake with the melty goodness of chocolate chips. These Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver a stunning crimson hue with a subtle cocoa flavor that perfectly complements the sweet chocolate morsels scattered throughout. The slight tanginess from cream cheese balances the sweetness, creating an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect red velvet flavor, create cookies with the ideal texture, and master the balance between cocoa and vanilla that makes these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies absolutely unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the best of two beloved desserts in one irresistible package. Their striking red color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or anytime you need a visually impressive treat that tastes as good as it looks.

What makes these cookies special is their incredible texture contrast – crispy edges that give way to soft, chewy centers that practically melt in your mouth. The subtle chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder creates the perfect canvas for semi-sweet chocolate chips that remain slightly melty even after cooling.

Beyond their incredible taste and appearance, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. The dough comes together in minutes, requires no special equipment beyond a mixer, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results with this foolproof recipe for Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For perfect Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need:

• 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat works best)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
• 1½ cups (265g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips (optional for contrast)

The combination of cream cheese and butter creates the distinctive tender texture that makes these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies so addictive, while the touch of buttermilk adds authentic red velvet tanginess.

Pro Tips

Creating truly exceptional Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies comes down to mastering a few key techniques:

First, don’t rush the creaming process. Beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugars until genuinely light and fluffy—this takes about 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies with better texture and preventing them from becoming too dense.

Second, chill the dough for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together, producing cookies with deeper flavor. Chilled dough also spreads less during baking, ensuring thicker, chewier Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies rather than thin, crispy ones.

Finally, master the baking time. For perfect cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. For standard-sized cookies, this is usually 10-12 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. This technique guarantees that signature soft center that defines exceptional Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Instructions

Step 1

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents cocoa clumps in your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 4-5 minutes until notably lighter in color and fluffy. This extended creaming process incorporates air into the dough, creating lighter textured cookies with better structure.

Step 3

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. For the iconic red color in your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, add food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade—remember the color will darken slightly during baking.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined—overmixing will develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5

Cover the dough with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor development—this is crucial for perfect Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop chilled dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, placing cookies about 2 inches apart. For extra appeal, press a few additional chocolate chips on top of each dough ball.

Step 7

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This careful timing creates the perfect texture contrast that makes Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies so irresistible.

Variations

The versatility of Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies makes them perfect for creative adaptations. For a deluxe version, try cream cheese stuffed red velvet cookies—simply flatten a ball of dough, place a teaspoon of cold cream cheese filling in the center, then fold and seal the dough around it before baking. The result is a delightful surprise center that enhances the red velvet experience.

For holiday celebrations, transform these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting between two fully cooled cookies. The striking red color paired with white frosting creates a festive presentation perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies with a few modifications. Create a gluten-free version by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. For dairy-free cookies, use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free chocolate chips—these substitutions maintain the distinctive red velvet flavor while accommodating special dietary needs.

Storage and Serving

To maintain the perfect texture of your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. You can also freeze portioned cookie dough balls for up to 2 months; when the craving strikes, bake them directly from frozen, adding just 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

These cookies make a stunning addition to dessert platters when served alongside a glass of cold milk. For an elegant dessert, use them as the base for ice cream sandwiches—vanilla bean or cream cheese ice cream complements the red velvet flavor perfectly. To really impress guests, serve warm Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies with a scoop of quality vanilla ice cream drizzled with a simple white chocolate sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy dessert that showcases their beautiful red color and rich flavor.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies spread excessively, your butter was likely too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Always chill dough for at least 2 hours and make sure your baking sheets aren’t warm from previous batches.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes! While they won’t have the signature red color of traditional Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, the flavor will still be delicious. They’ll appear as chocolate cookies with a slight reddish-brown tint from the cocoa powder.

What makes these cookies “red velvet” instead of just chocolate?
Red velvet has a specific flavor profile that includes a hint of cocoa (not full chocolate flavor), slight tanginess (from buttermilk or vinegar), and vanilla notes. These elements, plus the red color, distinguish Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies from regular chocolate cookies.

Can I substitute liquid food coloring for gel food coloring?
Yes, but you’ll need more liquid coloring to achieve the same vibrant red, which may affect the dough consistency. Start with 1½ to 2 tablespoons of liquid food coloring for these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Why add cream cheese to cookie dough?
Cream cheese adds tanginess, richness, and contributes to the tender, slightly cakey texture characteristic of red velvet desserts. It’s what makes these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely soft and gives them that distinctive flavor profile that’s different from standard chocolate chip cookies.

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