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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 ensure easy removal of the bars.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Finish Frosting: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk to the cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
- 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
