Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookies. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

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 unsweetened cocoa powder, 2.5 cups all-purpose 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 unsalted 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

• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for easier frosting preparation.
• For a more intense red color, increase the red gel food coloring slightly.
• Add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
• Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage

Store the frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the bars come to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without food coloring?

Yes, but the classic red velvet color won’t be achieved. You can make a chocolate cookie bar instead by skipping the food coloring.

Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic red velvet cake, offering a chewy, rich texture combined with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet treat at any occasion, they blend the subtle cocoa flavor with vibrant red coloring to create an irresistible dessert bar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 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

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 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 ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air to help produce a tender texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
5. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Shape and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling ensures the frosting adheres properly and the bars slice cleanly.
8. Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth.
9. Finish Frosting: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk to the cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
• Red gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning the batter; adjust amount for preferred intensity.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Baked Goods, Sweet Treat