Introduction

Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookie bars. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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
8 oz cream cheese
0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt.
Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until set.
Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: To make the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy.
Step 9: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until fluffy.
Step 10: Frost the cooled bars and top with red velvet crumbs if desired. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense red color, add an extra tablespoon of red gel food coloring.
You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla buttercream if preferred.
Adding white chocolate chips to the dough adds a lovely contrast in flavor.
Be careful not to overbake; bars should be set but still moist for the best texture.

Storage

Store the frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. These bars can also be frozen without frosting for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid, which helps maintain the dough’s consistency.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

To make dairy-free red velvet cookie bars, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan margarine and vegan cream cheese, respectively.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Cookie Bars featuring a rich, tender red velvet base topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any day!

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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: 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 cookie bars.
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, creating a smooth base for the dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until all ingredients are well combined, giving the dough its classic red color.
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 flavor components.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, homogeneous dough forms, ensuring there are no flour pockets.
Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes or until set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set the texture and make frosting application easier.
Prepare Frosting: Beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the luscious frosting.
Add Sugar and Milk: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs on top for extra texture and color. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Use red gel food coloring for the most vibrant color without thinning the dough.
Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
For added crunch, consider mixing chopped pecans into the dough.
Store frosted bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before serving for best texture.

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