Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy delight of a cookie bar. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt.
- Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
- Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until set.
- Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Step 8: To make the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy.
- Step 9: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until fluffy.
- 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, increase the red gel food coloring slightly but avoid adding too much to prevent a bitter taste.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture.
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid, which helps maintain the dough’s consistency.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a simple buttercream frosting, though it will change the flavor and texture slightly.
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
Description
Delight in the rich, moist texture and iconic flavor of these Red Velvet Cookie Bars, perfectly topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the classic red velvet taste with the ease of cookie bars, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- 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 the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is well combined and smooth, ensuring the vibrant red color is evenly distributed.
- 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, making sure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick, uniform dough forms, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface, then bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs on top for decoration. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid that could affect dough consistency.
- For an extra moist texture, you can add 1 tablespoon of buttermilk to the frosting if desired.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe can be doubled to fit a larger baking pan if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cookie bars, red velvet dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, chocolate cookie bars
