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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

Deliciously moist and decadent Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars combine classic red velvet flavors with the texture of cookies, making a perfect treat for any occasion.

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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  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 becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until they are well combined with the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and 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 evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa within the flour.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a thick dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain flaky texture.
  6. Shape and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Bars: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan, which is important before frosting to prevent melting.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  9. Add Frosting Ingredients: 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 bars. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs on top for garnish. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly.
  • For more vibrant color, use gel food coloring as specified instead of liquid food coloring.
  • The cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can add white chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor if desired.

Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baked bars, holiday treat

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