Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic red velvet flavor in a chewy and delicious format. With a soft, cake-like texture and a rich cream cheese frosting, these cookie bars are perfect for any occasion. Get ready to bake a batch and enjoy a sweet moment that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 bars

Ingredients List for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the full egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel, feel free to use less)
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not starting to melt)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (be sure to use brick style)
• 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream, if needed)

How To Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookie bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 8 ounces of brick-style cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing until creamy. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cookie Bars:

1. Easy to Make: This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special baking skills.

2. Delicious Flavor: The classic red velvet taste combined with a rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or a simple family gathering, these bars fit right in.

4. Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie bars are moist and chewy, giving a satisfying bite every time.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated to ensure a light texture.

3. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely before spreading the frosting to prevent it from melting.

4. Color Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring for a deeper or lighter red.

5. Decadent Toppings: Add sprinkles on top for extra flair if you’re serving for a special occasion.

Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Serve these delightful red velvet cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. You can also decorate them with festive sprinkles for birthdays or holidays.

How To Storage Red Velvet Cookie Bars

1. Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

2. Refrigeration: If you need them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Serve Chilled: These bars are delicious served chilled, especially during warm weather.

5. Thaw Gradually: If frozen, let the bars thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips For Success

1. Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure.

2. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and cream cheese will elevate the flavor of your frosting.

3. Don’t Skimp on Mixing: Make sure to beat the frosting until it is fluffy for a great texture.

4. Adjust Sugar to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with less powdered sugar and gradually add more.

Flavor Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.

2. Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

3. Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a unique taste.

4. Berry Swirl: Incorporate a swirl of raspberry or strawberry jam on top before adding the frosting.

FAQs About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

1. Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

2. How long do they last? Stored properly, these cookie bars can last up to a week in the fridge.

3. Can I omit the food coloring? Yes, you can skip the food coloring, but they won’t have the classic red hue.

4. What if I don’t like cream cheese frosting? You can replace it with a buttercream frosting for a different flavor.

Closing Notes

Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a joyful experience that brings people together. With their rich flavor and comforting texture, they make any occasion feel special. The sweetness of the cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the deep, cocoa-infused cookie bar. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that will surely become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Emily Adams

Soft and chewy red velvet cookie bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the full egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel) Feel free to use less.
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not starting to melt)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style) Be sure to use brick style.
• 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream) If needed.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Baking and Frosting

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• While the cookie bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until creamy. If needed, add cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Don't overmix, and let the bars cool completely before frosting. Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring for a deeper or lighter red.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 200mgSugar: 25g

Keyword Baking Recipes, Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, red velvet

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