Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet cookie bars combine the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with the chewy texture of classic cookies, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. They make a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Fold in the white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
7. Step 7: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
10. Step 10: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
12. Step 12: Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.
• You can substitute the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened completely to avoid lumps in the frosting.

Storage

Store leftover red velvet cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to serve, you can let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute natural cocoa powder, but expect a slightly different flavor and possibly a lighter color. Dutch-processed cocoa is preferable for a traditional red velvet taste.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

The red food coloring is key to achieving the classic red velvet appearance, but if you prefer, you can reduce or omit it. The bars will still be delicious, though less vibrant.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

Delight in the rich flavors of these Red Velvet Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of cocoa, red food coloring, and creamy white chocolate chips baked into soft, fudgy bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert combines the classic red velvet cake essence with cookie bar convenience, ideal for parties, gatherings, or a sweet treat any day.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Add-ins

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the cookie bars evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure proper distribution of leavening and cocoa.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which helps create a tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing thoroughly to achieve the signature red velvet hue and flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the white chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute the sweetness and texture contrast.
7. Spread Batter in Pan: Grease a baking pan and spread the batter evenly to ensure uniform baking and thickness.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
9. Cool Down: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting, which prevents the frosting from melting.
10. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
11. Frost Cookie Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars for a rich finish.
12. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy these indulgent red velvet cookie bars with friends and family.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days.
• You can adjust the amount of red food coloring depending on your desired intensity of color.
• White chocolate chips can be substituted with regular chocolate chips or chunks for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: red velvet cookie bars, dessert, cookies, baking