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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 536 reviews

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet with the soft, chewy texture of cookie bars, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.

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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
  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, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the ingredients are well combined and the batter is vibrant red.
  4. 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 ensuring even distribution of leavening and flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms, careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
  6. Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
  7. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting does not melt when applied.
  8. Prepare Frosting: To make the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth for a rich texture.
  9. Add Sweeteners and Milk: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and Serve: Frost the completely cooled bars. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • You can add red velvet crumbs from excess baked edges for a decorative topping.
  • Use gel food coloring for a more vivid red color without adding extra liquid.
  • Store leftover bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.

Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, easy bake, homemade, sweet treat

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-recipe-2/