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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert lovers craving the classic red velvet flavor in a convenient bar form, these cookie bars combine cocoa, red food coloring, and a buttery dough base baked to perfection and finished with a smooth, sweet 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 prevent sticking and make removal easy.
  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 is light and fluffy. This will incorporate air for a tender texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until well combined, giving the dough its signature red hue.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: 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 to ensure even distribution.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms, ensuring not to overmix to maintain texture.
  6. Spread Dough and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature, preventing the frosting from melting.
  8. Make Frosting: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the frosting.
  9. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating the mixture until it becomes fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs for extra decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute red gel food coloring with liquid food coloring but expect less vibrant color.
  • For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle crushed red velvet crumbs or sprinkles on top of the frosting.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Bring bars to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookie Bars, red velvet dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert bars, baked cookie bars

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