Red velvet chocolate chip cookies combine the classic flavors of tangy red velvet with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, resulting in a unique and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their vibrant red hue, but they are also incredibly soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making the perfect red velvet chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Whether you’re a baking pro or a novice, this recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these mouth-watering cookies!
What Are Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies?
At their core, red velvet chocolate chip cookies are a combination of two beloved desserts: the bold, tangy flavor of red velvet and the indulgent sweetness of chocolate chip cookies. Red velvet, known for its subtle cocoa flavor and striking red color, pairs beautifully with the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a balanced and delicious cookie that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because.
Here are a few reasons why red velvet chocolate chip cookies are so popular:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The red color makes these cookies stand out, perfect for festive events like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and birthdays.
- Unique Flavor: The slight tang from buttermilk or vinegar, combined with the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creates a flavor that is both rich and balanced.
- Versatile Texture: Soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges, these cookies have the perfect texture for cookie lovers.
Now that we know what makes red velvet chocolate chip cookies so special, let’s move on to the recipe!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make red velvet chocolate chip cookies that are both delicious and visually appealing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure to the cookies, giving them their soft, chewy texture.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Adds a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the signature red velvet taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures the cookies are tender and moist.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, which complements the chocolate.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives the cookies their iconic red color. Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant result.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the cocoa powder to intensify the red color and adds a slight tang to the dough.
Add-ins:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the cookies! You can also use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin, measure and prepare all of your ingredients. This ensures that the baking process goes smoothly and that you don’t miss any important steps.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these ingredients ensures that the cocoa powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the dough, preventing any clumps or uneven rising.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender cookie, as the creaming process incorporates air into the dough.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugars are creamed, add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Beat on medium speed until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. The dough should be a uniform red color at this point.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and evenly colored.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate chips should be spread throughout the entire batch so that each cookie is packed with chocolatey goodness.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
For best results, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances their flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but keep in mind that the cookies may spread more in the oven.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 9: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven. This will give you perfectly soft and chewy cookies with just the right amount of crispiness on the edges.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked red velvet chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or on their own!
Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Use the Right Cocoa Powder
The type of cocoa powder you use can significantly affect the flavor and color of your cookies. For red velvet, natural unsweetened cocoa powder is the best choice. It provides a mild chocolate flavor without overpowering the tanginess of the red velvet and helps maintain the bright red color.
2. Don’t Overbake
Overbaking is one of the most common mistakes when making cookies. To achieve soft, chewy red velvet chocolate chip cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake on the baking sheet as they cool, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is a crucial step in achieving thick, chewy cookies that don’t spread too much during baking. It allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld together. If you have the time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Experiment with Chocolate Chips
While semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, you can also experiment with other types of chocolate. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy red velvet, while dark chocolate chips provide a more intense chocolate flavor. Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate to create your perfect cookie!
5. Add a Cream Cheese Frosting
If you love the combination of red velvet and cream cheese, consider adding a cream cheese frosting to your cookies. You can drizzle the frosting on top of the cooled cookies or sandwich it between two cookies to make a decadent red velvet cookie sandwich. This extra touch will make your cookies even more indulgent and delicious.
Customizing Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are countless ways to customize your red velvet chocolate chip cookies to make them your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
1. Add Nuts for Crunch
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate chips and the tangy red velvet base. Simply fold the nuts into the dough along with the chocolate chips for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
2. Stuff the Cookies
Take your cookies to the next level by stuffing them with a surprise filling. Cream cheese, Nutella, or even a small piece of caramel can be hidden inside the cookie dough before baking. To stuff the cookies, flatten a ball of dough, place a small amount of filling in the center, and wrap the dough around the filling to seal it in.
3. Make Cookie Sandwiches
Transform your red velvet chocolate chip cookies into sandwich cookies by adding a layer of frosting or cream filling between two cookies. A cream cheese frosting or buttercream filling works perfectly with the tangy red velvet flavor, creating an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for parties or special occasions.
4. Add Sprinkles for a Festive Touch
For a fun and festive twist, roll the cookie dough balls in sprinkles before baking. This is a great way to make your cookies stand out at holiday parties or celebrations. You can use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pink and red sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, or rainbow sprinkles for a birthday celebration.
5. Use White Chocolate Chips
For a sweeter variation of the classic recipe, try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate contrasts beautifully with the tangy red velvet base, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.
FAQs About Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
How do I keep red velvet chocolate chip cookies soft?
To keep your red velvet chocolate chip cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. Additionally, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their moisture.
Can I freeze red velvet cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze red velvet cookie dough by scooping the dough into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once the dough balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I use natural food coloring for red velvet cookies?
If you prefer not to use artificial food coloring, you can try using natural alternatives like beetroot powder or pomegranate juice. Keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant as with traditional food coloring, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough or increasing the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Chilling the dough before baking also helps create a chewier texture by allowing the butter to solidify.
Conclusion
Red velvet chocolate chip cookies are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The vibrant red color, paired with the sweetness of the chocolate chips, makes these cookies stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
By following this step-by-step guide and experimenting with customizations like white chocolate chips, nuts, or cream cheese frosting, you can create the perfect batch of red velvet chocolate chip cookies. Happy baking!