Welcome to Eminent Recipes, where comfort food is made simple and inclusive. These Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies reflect my love for creating family-friendly recipes that feel special without being complicated. Designed for busy schedules and everyday joy, this recipe proves that Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies can be soft, rich, and full of classic flavor. With easy ingredients and flexible options, this dessert fits perfectly into real-life cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies are the kind of dessert that fit effortlessly into real life. This recipe is quick, easy, and designed for busy schedules, making it perfect for weeknight baking or last-minute treats for guests. Using oil instead of butter keeps the cookies soft and chewy while ensuring they stay completely dairy free and vegan-friendly. If you love red velvet cookies without butter, this recipe delivers classic flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
These cookies are highly customizable, whether you’re looking for dye free red velvet cookies using beets, vegan red velvet crinkle cookies, or even gluten free red velvet cookies with a simple flour swap. The subtle cocoa powder flavor gives that signature red velvet taste without overpowering sweetness. Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies also pair beautifully with vegan cream cheese frosting for special occasions, holidays, or family celebrations.
This recipe reflects a love for comfortable, family-friendly dishes that don’t feel complicated. From dairy free red velvet cookies with cocoa powder to oil-based red velvet cookies, every bite proves that inclusive baking can still feel indulgent, balanced, and memorable.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies rely on simple, carefully chosen ingredients that create a soft texture and classic red velvet flavor without using butter or dairy. All-purpose flour provides structure, while cocoa powder adds the subtle chocolate notes that define red velvet cookies. Baking soda works with apple cider vinegar to give the cookies a light, tender crumb. A blend of granulated and brown sugar creates balanced sweetness and chewiness. Neutral oil replaces butter, keeping these Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies moist and rich. Dairy-free milk ensures smooth mixing, while vanilla enhances overall flavor. Red food coloring or beet powder delivers the signature red velvet appearance, with optional dairy-free chocolate chips adding extra indulgence.
Ingredients for This Recipe
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~18–20 cookies)
For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring or beet powder for a dye-free option
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or dairy-free white chocolate chips
How to Make This Recipe
Making Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies is simple and rewarding, combining everyday pantry ingredients into a soft, chewy, and visually stunning treat. The all-purpose flour and cocoa powder create the perfect base, while the neutral oil ensures these Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies stay moist without butter. Apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda to give a tender crumb, and dairy-free milk makes the dough smooth and easy to work with. Red food coloring or beet powder intensifies the classic red velvet look, and optional dairy-free chocolate chips add bursts of flavor in every bite. These steps are designed to make baking these Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies quick, easy, and family-friendly while keeping the signature red velvet taste intact.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup neutral oil, ¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring or beet powder until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Stir in ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips if desired.
Step 5: Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
These Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies are now ready to enjoy with family, friends, or as a special treat anytime.
Expert Cooking Tips
To make perfect Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies every time, understanding how each ingredient works is key. The all-purpose flour and cocoa powder form the base, while neutral oil keeps these Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies soft and chewy without butter. Baking soda reacts with apple cider vinegar to create a tender texture, and dairy-free milk ensures smooth, easy-to-mix dough. Red food coloring or beet powder intensifies the signature red hue, and optional dairy-free chocolate chips enhance flavor. Following these expert tips will help you bake bakery-style Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies at home with consistent results.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Use room-temperature dairy-free milk and oil to help the dough mix evenly for soft Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies.
- Sift cocoa powder with flour to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even dough.
- Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if you want thicker, chewier Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies.
- For dye-free red velvet cookies, use beet powder or beet purée to intensify the red color naturally.
- Don’t overbake; remove cookies when edges are set and centers are slightly soft for perfect chewy texture.
- Add optional dairy-free chocolate chips for extra flavor and a soft, gooey bite.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft.
FAQs
Can I make Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies without butter?
Yes! These Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies are designed to be made with neutral oil instead of butter, keeping them soft, chewy, and completely dairy-free while still delivering classic red velvet flavor.
How can I make dye-free Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies?
You can use beet powder or beet purée instead of red food coloring to create natural red hues. This method works perfectly for vegan or dye-free red velvet cookies while keeping them moist and flavorful.
Can I make gluten-free Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies will maintain their soft texture and rich cocoa flavor, perfect for anyone needing a gluten-free dessert.
What frosting pairs best with Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies?
Vegan or dairy-free cream cheese frosting complements these Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies beautifully. It adds creamy richness and a classic red velvet finish for holidays, family gatherings, or special occasions.
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Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies prove that you don’t need butter or dairy to enjoy a soft, chewy, and flavorful dessert. With simple pantry ingredients, a touch of cocoa powder, and either red food coloring or beet powder, these cookies capture the classic red velvet taste in a vegan-friendly, dairy-free version. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions, Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies are customizable, easy to bake, and a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.
Print
Dairy-Free Red Velvet Cookies
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft, chewy, and beautifully red, these dairy-free red velvet cookies have a subtle cocoa flavor and a tender texture—all without butter or milk. Made with oil instead of butter, they’re perfect for anyone looking for vegan-friendly, dairy-free, or easily adaptable gluten-free cookies. Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~18–20 cookies)
For the Cookies:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (or beet powder for dye-free option)
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, dairy-free milk, vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Allow cookies to cool completely. They will firm up slightly while staying soft inside.
Notes
• No Butter Needed: Oil keeps these cookies moist and tender.
• Dye-Free Option: Use beet powder or beet purée for natural color.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Frosted Version: Sandwich cookies with dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a classic red velvet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American