Creating the Red Velvet Cookie Cake is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Food Coloring: Carefully mix in the red food coloring until the batter is evenly colored.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you are adding chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter for extra texture and sweetness.
8. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
11. Frost the Cakes: Once completely cool, spread cream cheese frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.