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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

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!

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, homogeneous dough forms, ensuring there are no flour pockets.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Prepare Frosting: Beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the luscious frosting.
  9. Add Sugar and Milk: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  10. 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

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