Red Velvet Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, you’ve found it with these Red Velvet Cookie Bars! They are soft, chewy, and bursting with that iconic red velvet flavor. The best part? They are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that adds an extra layer of yumminess. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or even just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress!

These cookie bars make it easy to share the love of baking with friends and family. Plus, they are simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or when company is on the way. You’ll find yourself wanting to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these treats in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the rich flavor and fun color—perfect for all ages.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for those unexpected cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of soft cookie bars and creamy frosting creates a dessert experience that is hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather what we need!

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some tasty variations:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
• Include nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a lovely crunch that pairs well with the soft cookie bars.
• Make it festive: Swap out the red food coloring for green or blue for themed parties or holidays.
• Try different frostings: Experiment with different flavors like vanilla bean or lemon cream frosting to give your bars a new twist.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy cookie bars. Set this dry mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process is key because it incorporates air into your dough. Then add in your egg and egg yolk one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing until combined ensures all flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add Color and Flavor

Stir in the red food coloring and vinegar into your wet mixture. These ingredients not only give your cookie bars their signature color but also enhance their taste. Once combined, gradually add in your dry mixture until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Spread the dough evenly into a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dryness!

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While your cookie bars cool down completely, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of cream at a time until it’s spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread that luscious frosting over your cookie bars! Cut them into squares and serve them up warm or chilled—each bite is sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy sharing these Red Velvet Cookie Bars with everyone you love!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Making red velvet cookie bars is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your baking game!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them incorporate better, leading to a smoother batter and a more even texture in your cookie bars.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep your bars soft and chewy.
• Adjust Food Coloring to Taste: If you prefer a subtler red hue, feel free to use less food coloring. The flavor will still shine through while giving you a lovely visual appeal!
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your cookie bars to cool completely before frosting prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting off. This ensures a beautiful presentation and perfect slices.
• Store Properly for Freshness: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life. They’re best enjoyed within 3-4 days but can be frozen for future cravings!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These red velvet cookie bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ideas to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness.
• Chocolate Shavings: For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the frosting. It adds a beautiful contrast and rich flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side. Their tartness complements the sweet cookie bars perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookie bars creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream can add a fluffy element that balances the density of the cookie bars beautifully.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a burst of freshness and color, making it an ideal pairing for these rich treats.
• Coffee or Milk: Pairing these cookie bars with a warm cup of coffee or cold milk enhances their flavors and makes for a comforting dessert experience.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake up some love with these delightful red velvet cookie bars! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These red velvet cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. Their rich flavor stays intact, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last up to a week.
• To keep them fresh longer, consider layering parchment paper between the bars.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares and let them cool completely.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat the cookie bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy with a fresh dollop of cream cheese frosting if desired!

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious red velvet cookie bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use different food coloring for Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can use any color you’d like. Just remember that traditional red velvet is known for its vibrant red color, but feel free to get creative!

How do I make my Red Velvet Cookie Bars softer?

For softer cookie bars, ensure you don’t overbake them. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I substitute ingredients in Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

What can I serve with Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

These cookie bars pair beautifully with iced coffee or hot chocolate. They’re also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for red velvet cookie bars brings joy to your kitchen and sweet smiles to your family and friends! The soft texture combined with the creamy frosting makes these bars truly special. Enjoy making them and savoring every bite – I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!