Description
Deliciously moist and rich Red Velvet Cookie Bars featuring a vibrant red dough infused with cocoa powder, topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat, these bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookie bars.
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
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- 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 is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring thoroughly to combine vibrant color and moisture into the dough.
- 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 and cocoa flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, uniform dough forms that is ready to be spread.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Bars: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to room temperature to ensure the frosting adheres well.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the frosting.
- Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Optionally, garnish with red velvet crumbs for texture and visual appeal. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before using to ensure a smooth frosting.
- For a more intense red color, increase the red gel food coloring slightly as needed.
- You can store the frosted bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
- If desired, decorate with additional toppings like white chocolate chips or sprinkles for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking, sweet treats, chocolate, red food coloring
