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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick, consistent dough forms.
- 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.
- Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting will not melt when applied.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- 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
