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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 99 reviews

Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Cookie Bars, combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake and rich cream cheese frosting into a chewy, bar-style treat. Perfectly moist and vibrant, these bars are ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet, colorful dessert.

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

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 for easy removal and cleanup.
  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, creating a smooth base for the bars.
  3. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is well combined and vibrant in color.
  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 blend the dry elements evenly.
  5. Combine Dry with Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a thick, uniform dough forms, ready to be spread.
  6. 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 in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan to firm up before frosting.
  8. Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk to the cream cheese mixture and beat until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs on top for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting dough consistency.
  • You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
  • For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookie Bars, Red Velvet, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Velvet Bars, Homemade Red Velvet

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