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