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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x

Description

Deliciously rich and fudgy Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake and cookies into an easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings, parties, or a delightful treat anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Red Velvet Cookie Bars

  • 2 1/4 cups 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 distilled or white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven 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 with an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, achieving the perfect creamy base for your dough.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar into the creamed butter mixture until fully combined and smooth with no visible butter lumps.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. If the dry ingredients are clumpy, sift them first. Use your mixer on low speed to prevent mess and mix until no dry streaks remain.
  6. Form the Cookie Base: Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of wax paper between your hands and the dough to press it evenly into a flat layer without sticking.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is set and the edges begin to pull slightly away from the pan sides.
  8. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool fully in the pan to make frosting easier and to prevent melting.
  9. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  10. Add Sugar and Flavor: Sift 2 cups of powdered sugar into the bowl with the butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla extract and salt. Beat on low speed initially, then increase speed until combined.
  11. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments to reach the desired sweetness and thickness. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream to soften it.
  12. Frost the Bars: If parchment paper was used, lift the cooled bars out using the paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. If not, frost the bars directly in the pan using a flat knife. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  13. Slice and Serve: Use a thin, sharp knife to slice bars into desired portions. Enjoy your rich and festive red velvet cookie bars!

Notes

  • Use brick style full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting texture and flavor.
  • Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
  • Press the dough evenly without overworking it for consistent baking.
  • If you prefer less intense color, reduce the amount of red food coloring accordingly.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Use wax paper or parchment paper to aid in easy removal of bars from the pan.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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