Red Velvet Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that is sure to impress, look no further than these Red Velvet Cookie Bars! They bring together the rich flavor of red velvet with the chewy texture of a cookie, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat for yourself after a long day.

What makes these cookie bars so special is not only their vibrant color but also how easy they are to make. You can whip them up quickly and share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can create these delicious treats without stress.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet flavor and soft texture, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: These cookie bars can be baked in advance and stored, so you always have a sweet treat ready to go.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or chocolate chips on top for an extra fun twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Red Velvet Cookie Bars! These should be easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the 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, feel free to use less)
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not starting to melt)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (be sure to use brick style)
• 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream, if needed)

Variations

This Red Velvet Cookie Bar recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways you can mix things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an added layer of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.
• Change the frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a vanilla buttercream if that’s more your style.
• Top with nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for some crunch.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan is essential; it ensures that your cookie bars come out easily once they’re baked. I recommend using parchment paper as well—it makes cleanup so much simpler!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute all the leavening agents throughout the flour mixture. It ensures your cookie bars rise beautifully as they bake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming these ingredients properly adds air into your mixture, leading to tender cookies!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Mix until everything is well combined. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda later in our recipe for that lovely rise. Plus, it enhances that signature red velvet flavor!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tougher cookie bars.

Step 6: Bake!

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end—overbaking can lead to dry bars!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your bars are cooling down, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 8: Frost Your Bars

Once your cookie bars have completely cooled down in their pan, spread that creamy frosting generously on top. Slice them into squares and enjoy every delicious bite!

There you have it—the perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars that will leave everyone wanting more! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Making red velvet cookie bars can feel like a fun adventure in baking, and with these handy tips, you’ll be able to create the most perfect, chewy treats that everyone will love!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your butter and cream cheese at room temperature ensures they blend together smoothly, resulting in a creamy frosting and soft cookie texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of the tender ones we all crave.
• Customize Your Food Coloring: If you prefer a lighter shade of red or want to experiment with different hues, adjust the food coloring to your liking. This allows you to make your bars uniquely yours!
• Let Them Cool Completely: After baking, allow the cookie bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps it maintain its beautiful texture.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer. This keeps them fresh and delicious!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Presenting your red velvet cookie bars can turn a simple dessert into a showstopper! Here are some fun ways to serve these delightful treats that will impress friends and family alike.

Garnishes

• Cream Cheese Drizzle: A simple drizzle of extra cream cheese frosting on top adds a touch of elegance.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the frosted bars for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the richness of the cookie bars perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness that balances out the sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these dessert bars with a cup of coffee or tea enhances their enjoyment, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your red velvet cookie bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These red velvet cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat any time! You can store them and even freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for gatherings or just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, microwave individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Cookie Bars:

What makes Red Velvet Cookie Bars different from regular cookies?

Red Velvet Cookie Bars have a distinct red color and a unique flavor profile thanks to cocoa powder and buttermilk. The addition of cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that sets them apart from traditional cookies.

Can I use less food coloring in my Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring according to your preference. You can use less if you prefer a subtler shade while still enjoying that classic red velvet flavor.

How do I ensure my Red Velvet Cookie Bars stay soft?

To keep your cookie bars soft, avoid overbaking them. Check them around the minimum baking time and remove them when they are just set. Storing them properly also helps maintain their softness.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not just delightful treats but also bring joy with their vibrant color and creamy frosting. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Share it with friends and family or indulge yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking, and may every bite bring a smile to your face!