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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 113 reviews

Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Combining classic red velvet flavors with the convenience of a cookie bar, this recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an indulgent treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 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, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender bake.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
  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 agents and cocoa.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a thick cookie dough forms without overworking to keep the texture tender.
  6. Spread Dough and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting, ensuring the frosting won’t melt.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, creating the base for the frosting.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Optionally, top with some red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
  • You can substitute red gel food coloring with natural beet juice for a natural alternative.
  • The bars keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • These bars can be cut into smaller pieces to serve as bite-sized treats for parties.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Red Velvet Dessert, Easy Cookie Bars, Holiday Desserts

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