Name: Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tbsp unsalted butter (140g); ½ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed (100g); ⅓ cup white sugar (65g); 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste; ½ tsp vinegar; ½ tbsp gel red food color; 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour (160g); 2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (12g); ¾ tsp salt (can reduce to ½ tsp for less salty cookies); ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; 8 oz or 225g chopped chocolate - mix of white, milk, and dark (3 oz white, 2.5 oz dark, 2.5 oz milk preferred); Optional: flakey sea salt to sprinkle on top

If comfort food had a superstar, it would definitely be these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into soft, gooey cookies with that perfect red velvet flavor swirled with melty chocolate chunks—a total game changer for your cookie jar!

The image shows a close-up of several vibrant red cookies arranged on a metal cooling rack over a wood surface. Each cookie has a slightly cracked texture with chunks of smooth milk chocolate and white pieces, likely white chocolate or nuts, scattered unevenly on top. The rich red color of the cookie base contrasts with the lighter cream and caramel tones of the chocolate chunks. The cookies look soft and thick, with a slightly rough surface and irregular edges, creating a homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these cookies. Every time I make them, the vibrant red dough and trio of chocolate chunks start a kitchen party that echoes in every bite. They’re not just cookies; they’re a red velvet lover's dream come true.

Ridiculously Soft and Gooey: Thanks to brown butter and a balanced mix of sugars, these cookies stay tender and chewy.
Rich, Layered Flavor: A touch of vinegar and Dutch-process cocoa powder deepen that classic red velvet taste.
Chocolate Trio Magic: Combining white, milk, and dark chocolate creates irresistible flavor complexity in every bite.
Beautifully Vibrant: Gel red food coloring ensures a bold red hue that won’t fade during baking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, a quick tip: quality ingredients make a huge difference here, from fresh butter to the right cocoa powder. Grab good chocolate you love—since it’s the star alongside the red velvet base. Here's a quick lowdown on what goes into these cookies and why.

Flat lay of a small slab of unsalted butter, a few tablespoons of light and dark brown sugar in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with white sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, one large egg yolk (separated and placed in a small white bowl), a small white bowl with vanilla bean paste, a small white bowl holding clear vinegar, a small white bowl containing vibrant gel red food color, a mound of all purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of Dutch processed cocoa powder, a small pinch of fine salt in a white bowl, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl with baking soda, a white ceramic plate displaying a variety of chopped chocolate pieces — white, milk, and dark chocolate chunks — arranged in an even mix, and a small pile of flaky sea salt crystals on a white plate, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Browning this gives a nutty, caramel aroma that boosts flavor beyond ordinary cookie butter.
Brown and White Sugars: The combo creates perfect moisture and chew, while the brown sugar adds depth.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft and tender.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Real vanilla flavor punches up every bite without overpowering.
Vinegar: Just a hint enhances the red velvet’s signature tang and helps intensify the color.
Gel Red Food Color: Provides vibrant color without thinning your dough.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for structure, balanced just right to keep these soft yet sturdy.
Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder: Adds mellow chocolate flavor and contributes to the red velvet’s iconic taste.
Salt, Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Salt balances sweetness, while the leaveners ensure perfect rise and texture.
Mixed Chopped Chocolate: White, milk, and dark chocolates each add their unique twist, creating a complex, luxurious melt.
Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): A sprinkle on top adds irresistible contrast and caramel-like highlights.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your own tastes and occasions. Whether you like things a bit richer, lighter, or even allergy-friendly, there's a way to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Chocolate Mix Variation: I love customizing the chocolate blend. Sometimes I swap out the milk chocolate for more dark chocolate to add a deeper, slightly bitter contrast against the sweet red velvet dough. It balances beautifully!
Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free twist, I replace the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays soft, and the flavor doesn’t disappoint.
Salt-Free Option: If you’re sensitive to salt, reducing the salt from ¾ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon works perfectly without losing that subtle flavor pop.
Festive Flair: Around holidays, I sprinkle extra white chocolate chunks and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy seasonal spin.
Vegan Adaptation: Although not detailed here, swapping butter for vegan margarine and eggs for a flax egg can create a lovely vegan-friendly version—just keep an eye on chilling times and textures.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A stack of three red cookies with visible white and milk chocolate chunks inside and on top, showing a soft and moist texture with melted milk chocolate spreading through the middle layers. The cookies are placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface, with more similar cookies blurred in the background. The red color is bright, and the texture looks rich and slightly crumbly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Deep Flavor

Start by melting 10 tablespoons (140g) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a non-stick pan. Stir continuously for a few minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and releases a caramel-y, nutty aroma—this is key for that rich depth that elevates these cookies. Be patient and watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 2: Sweeten Gently with Sugar

Lower the heat to the absolute minimum, then whisk in ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) and ⅓ cup white sugar. Whisk gently for exactly 1 minute to help dissolve the sugar crystals without melting or caramelizing them. You might notice the mixture looks a bit grainy—don't worry, that’s perfectly normal. Then, remove the pan from heat.

Step 3: Cool Before Adding Wet Ingredients

Let this butter-sugar mixture cool for about 5 minutes until it's warm but not hot to the touch. This step is essential so your eggs don’t scramble later. Once cooled, add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, ½ teaspoon vinegar, and ½ tablespoon gel red food coloring. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mix is smooth and creamy with that vibrant red hue.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Mix and Combine

Sift together 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons Dutch processed cocoa powder, ¾ teaspoon salt (or ½ teaspoon if you prefer less salty), ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Make sure your wet mixture isn’t hot, then gently fold the dry ingredients in using a rubber spatula. Fold just until combined to keep the dough tender—overmixing can toughen the cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Shape

Now for the best part: fold in 8 oz (225g) of chopped chocolate chunks—a mix of white (3 oz), dark (2.5 oz), and milk (2.5 oz) chocolate for that perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into 10 balls. If the dough feels too loose to shape, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before scooping. Remember, gently pull the dough together rather than pressing it tightly.

Step 6: Chill for Flavor and Texture

Place your cookie balls on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet, and if you'd like, press some extra chocolate chunks on top. Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better if you have the time. This chilling lets flavors meld and helps develop that soft yet gooey texture everyone loves.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper. Space the chilled cookie dough balls at least 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12 minutes for that perfect soft center—if you’re unsure, bake a test cookie first and adjust timing to your desired gooeyness. Right after baking, sprinkle with a pinch of flakey sea salt if you wish for a little salty contrast.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This helps them set to just the right consistency. For best flavor and texture, enjoy while warm—trust me, that melty chocolate center is pure bliss!

Top Tip

Getting these Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies just right is all about paying attention to the little details. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures and will help you nail that perfect balance of soft, gooey, and richly flavored cookies every time.

Brown Butter Magic: Browning the butter slowly on medium-low heat releases those deep nutty aromas that really give these cookies their signature flavor. Don’t rush this step—even a slight under-browning changes the flavor profile.
Gentle Folding: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently with a rubber spatula just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, and you want them tender and soft.
Chill Patience: Refrigerating the cookie dough balls for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) makes a huge difference in texture and flavor depth. It’s worth the wait!
Test Bake: Always bake a test cookie first. Oven temps and cookie thickness vary, so this helps you decide if you want to add or subtract a minute or two for your perfect soft and gooey center.

How to Serve Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A wooden bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, deep red batter. On top of the batter, there is a mix of chopped dark and white chocolate pieces scattered across the center. A red spatula rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the red batter, leaning against the side. The mix of colors shows strong contrast between the dark red, dark brown, and creamy white, with a slightly messy but inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking to elevate the rich chocolate chunks and smoky cocoa undertone. For a festive touch, dust with a little powdered sugar or add a small dollop of whipped cream alongside each cookie. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, complement the red velvet color beautifully and add a refreshing burst.

Side Dishes

Pair these velvety treats with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a classic combo. If you want something a bit more special, serve them alongside vanilla or cream cheese ice cream to complement the red velvet flavor. For an adult twist, a shot of espresso or a ruby port wine works wonders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful, but if they begin to feel a bit firm, a quick warm-up will bring them right back.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls in a sealed airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on the baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time. No need to thaw beforehand!

Reheating

To warm your cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to revive that perfect gooey texture. You can also pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes if you prefer a slight crisp on the edges without losing softness inside.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed?

While Dutch processed cocoa powder has a smoother, less acidic flavor that better suits the Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, regular cocoa powder can be used as a substitute. Just expect a slightly different, more intense chocolate taste as regular cocoa is more acidic.

Why add vinegar to the cookie dough?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to enhance the classic red velvet tang and helps maintain the bright red color. It also subtly balances the sweetness, enriching the overall flavor.

How long should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the cookie dough for at least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight gives the best flavor and texture development. If short on time, 10 minutes of refrigeration helps firm up soft dough so it’s easier to scoop.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter, egg, and egg yolk for richness and texture, so making it vegan requires substitutions. You can try melting plant-based butter and use flax or chia “eggs,” but results may vary. For the best fudgy texture, stick to the original ingredients or try a dedicated vegan red velvet cookie recipe.

Final Thoughts

Making the Ultimate Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is such a rewarding experience — from the warm aroma of browned butter to the first bite of those soft, gooey centers studded with melty chocolate chunks. These cookies bring a festive flair and heartfelt sweetness to any occasion or cozy day at home. Thanks for baking along with me, and I hope these tips and insights inspire you to enjoy every delicious moment!