Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cake, combining rich cocoa and vibrant red color in a chewy, bar form. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for parties or an indulgent treat any day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2.5 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
6. Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until set.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup butter until creamy.
9. Step 9: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until fluffy.
10. Step 10: Frost the cooled bars and top with red velvet crumbs if desired. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense red color, add a bit more gel food coloring carefully until you reach your preferred shade.
• To add texture, fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking.
• Make the frosting ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before spreading for easier application.
• If cream cheese isn’t available, substitute with mascarpone for a richer frosting.

Storage

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring, but the bars will have a more classic chocolate cookie flavor and appearance rather than the traditional red velvet look.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or use a simple buttercream frosting made with butter and powdered sugar for a different but delicious topping.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 69 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy, fudgy texture of cookie bars. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps achieve a tender texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring thoroughly until well combined for that signature red velvet color and flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick, consistent dough forms.
6. Spread Dough and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until the bars are set but still soft in the center.
7. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting will not melt when applied.
8. Prepare Frosting: Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
9. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Do not overbake the bars; they should be set but still soft in the center for a chewy texture.
• Red gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering the dough consistency compared to liquid food coloring.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
• Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert recipe, baked bars, red velvet dessert