Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookies, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they are sure to impress friends and family.
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 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 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 by a teaspoon.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure a smooth frosting texture.
- Try adding white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet surprise.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
Storage
Store the frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars without frosting for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing. Reheat briefly at room temperature before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring gives a richer color without thinning the dough. If using liquid food coloring, add it gradually to avoid altering the dough consistency.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Baking time may vary slightly.
PrintRed Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Cookie Bars with a smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for dessert or a special treat. These bars combine classic red velvet flavors with the convenience of cookie bars, baked to perfection and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars don’t stick and are easy to remove after 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, providing a soft texture for the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is well combined, giving the dough its signature red velvet color and flavor.
- Mix 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.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms, ensuring even texture throughout.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes or until the cookie bars are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the frosting.
- Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 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 texture and visual appeal. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without adding extra moisture.
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to the dough to enhance the red velvet taste.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Keywords: Red Velvet, Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert, Baked Goods, Sweet Treat
