This no-bake Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough recipe takes your love for red velvet to new heights with a sweet surprise—a gooey caramel second layer that melts in your mouth. Inspired by the original recipe from Lifestyle of a Foodie, this treat is safe to eat, incredibly simple to make, and ideal for red velvet fans who love indulging straight from the bowl.
Whether you’re prepping a Valentine’s dessert, a holiday treat, or just craving something sweet for movie night—this rich, chocolatey, and smooth cookie dough with caramel tucked inside will hit the spot. Don’t miss our guide on red velvet cheesecake bites for more red velvet bliss!
What Is Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough?
What Makes It “Edible” Cookie Dough?
Unlike traditional cookie dough, edible versions skip the raw eggs and heat-treat the flour to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
The Red Velvet Difference
Red velvet brings a light cocoa flavor with a beautiful red hue. When turned into cookie dough, it’s rich, sweet, and slightly tangy—especially when combined with buttermilk or vinegar.
Why You’ll Love This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough with Caramel
Flavor and Texture Profile
This recipe layers velvety red cocoa dough with soft, buttery caramel in the center. The result? A rich, creamy texture with every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Ideal for birthdays, romantic dinners, or whenever that sweet tooth calls. It also makes a show-stopping addition to dessert boards.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Red Velvet Cookie Dough Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (or buttermilk for depth)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp red food coloring
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Caramel Layer (2nd Layer)
- 6 soft caramel candies or ⅓ cup homemade caramel
- 1 tbsp milk or cream to thin
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Looking for inspiration? Try our caramel-laced pumpkin pie.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Dough with Caramel
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour
Bake flour at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave in 15-second intervals until it hits 165°F. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla, milk, and food coloring. Mix in dry ingredients until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
Melt caramels with milk until smooth. Let cool slightly to thicken.
Step 4: Layer It
Press half the dough into a container, pour in the caramel layer, and top with the remaining dough. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve It Straight Up
Scoop into bowls, drizzle with chocolate or caramel, or eat straight from the spoon.
Other Ideas
Roll into balls and coat with chocolate. Make cookie dough truffles. Add into ice cream like in our raspberry tiramisu.
How to Store Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough
In the Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Let it soften at room temp before eating.
In the Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter.
Tips for Perfect Results
Use Quality Ingredients
Use high-quality butter and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness
Reduce sugar if desired. You can also mix in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut for texture.
Make It Gluten-Free or Vegan
Gluten-Free Option
Swap with 1:1 GF flour like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk. Also, use vegan chocolate chips.
Check out this vegan twist with lemon lentils.
Fun Variations
Red Velvet Cookie Dough Cups
Press dough into mini muffin liners, top with caramel and chocolate ganache.
Ice Cream Add-In
Roll into chunks and fold into cherry ice cream or vanilla bean.
Conclusion
This Edible Red Velvet Cookie Dough with Caramel Layer is your next go-to sweet fix. Safe, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—it’s dessert joy in every spoonful. Want more red velvet goodness? Don’t miss our heart-shaped red velvet cake.
Now go ahead, treat yourself to spoonfuls of indulgence!