Kickstart your dessert game with this irresistible edible red velvet cookie dough recipe. Perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet, safe to eat raw, and utterly delicious. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free indulgence!
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses heat-treated flour to ensure safety without baking.
- Incorporates cream cheese for that authentic red velvet tang.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa for a rich flavor.
- No eggs mean it’s safe to eat straight from the bowl.
- Vibrant red color makes it as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (for heat-treating flour)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat-Treat Your Flour
Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This kills any potential bacteria, making the flour safe to eat raw. Let it cool completely before using. Tip: Stir the flour halfway through to ensure even heat treatment.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and creamy, a sign that it’s perfectly creamed.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Vanilla
Mix in the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until well combined. The cream cheese adds a slight tanginess that mimics traditional red velvet flavor. Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the heat-treated flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Then, stir in the red food coloring until the dough reaches your desired shade of red. Fold in the white chocolate chips last for a sweet crunch.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best texture, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle. Tip: If you’re impatient, you can enjoy it immediately, but chilling is worth the wait.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra smooth dough, sift the heat-treated flour and cocoa powder before adding them to the wet ingredients. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, try dark or milk chocolate chips instead. For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of food coloring. Remember, the dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead treat. If you find the dough too sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two. Always use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid to the dough.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Mix in crushed oreos for a cookies and cream twist.
- Swap white chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of sprinkles for a funfetti version.
- Use beet powder instead of food coloring for a natural red hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Although designed to be eaten raw, you can bake the dough at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for traditional cookies. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I store the dough?
Store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just remember to heat-treat it as directed to ensure it’s safe to eat raw.
Summary
This edible red velvet cookie dough is a safe, delicious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the need for baking. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color, it’s perfect for any occasion or just because.