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Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, moist texture of red velvet cake with the convenience and chewiness of a cookie bar. Topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion craving a decadent treat with classic flavors.

Ingredients

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Red Velvet Cookie Bars

  • 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the full egg)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not melting)
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style)
  • 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream, if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth with no large lumps.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar to the creamed butter mixture until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, starting on low mixer speed. Mix until no dry streaks or lumps remain.
  6. Transfer to pan: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If pressing it down by hand, place wax paper between your hands and the dough to prevent sticking.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops look set and edges pull slightly away from the sides.
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  9. Prepare cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  10. Add sugar and seasonings: Sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and salt. Beat on low speed to combine.
  11. Adjust sweetness and consistency: Add the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition until achieving desired sweetness and thickness. If the frosting is too thick, beat in 1-2 tablespoons of cream to loosen it.
  12. Remove bars from pan: If you used parchment paper, lift the cooled bars out using the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board. If the pan was greased, leave the bars inside.
  13. Frost bars: Using a flat-edged knife, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  14. Slice and serve: Cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles with a thin, sharp knife. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • For best results, use brick-style full-fat cream cheese for the frosting to achieve a thick and creamy texture.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
  • Use gel or liquid red food coloring according to your preference, adjusting amount for desired color intensity.
  • If dough sticks to your hands when pressing into pan, use wax paper or parchment as a barrier.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can add sprinkles or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for extra decoration and texture.

Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, holiday dessert, easy baking

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/