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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

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.

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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms, ensuring even texture throughout.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
  7. 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.
  8. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
  9. Make Frosting: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the frosting.
  10. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  11. 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

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