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Close-up of thick, deep red velvet cookies resting on a piece of crinkled parchment paper on a light neutral countertop.

Thick and Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Cookies

Achieve bakery-level perfection with these thick, soft-baked Red Velvet Cake Cookies. Featuring a vibrant crimson red color, perfectly cracked tops, and a dense, fudgy, moist interior crumb.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 14 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2.25 cup All-Purpose Flour 280g, spooned and leveled
  • 0.25 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 25g, natural (not Dutch-processed)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda 6g
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Powder 2g
  • 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt 3g
Wet Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter 113g, melted and slightly cooled
  • 0.75 cup Light Brown Sugar 150g, packed
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar 100g
  • 1 large Egg Room temperature
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Red Gel Food Coloring 15g
  • 1 tsp White Vinegar 5ml
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract 10ml

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer A hand mixer can also be used.
  • 2 Heavy-Duty Baking Sheets Light-colored aluminum prevents burnt bottoms.
  • 1 Large Cookie Scoop 3-tablespoon capacity for thick cookies.

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until fully combined with no cocoa clumps.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the melted, slightly cooled butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the whole egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat for another 2 minutes until pale and ribbon-like.
  3. Add the red gel food coloring and white vinegar. Mix on low speed until a vibrant crimson red color is fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on the lowest speed just until the flour streaks disappear to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading during baking.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into tall mounds. Space them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are set and the tops show a slightly cracked, crinkled surface with a fudgy center.
  4. Allow the cookies to cool directly on the hot baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tip 1: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid dye for the most vibrant crimson color without altering the dough consistency.
Tip 2: Do not skip chilling the dough, as this guarantees thick, soft-baked cookies instead of flat puddles.