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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Cookie Bars featuring a soft cocoa-infused dough topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. These bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake into an easy-to-make, shareable treat perfect for dessert or any special occasion.

Ingredients

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Cookie Bars Dough

  • 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

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 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 prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture for the bars.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until the mixture is well combined and smooth, providing the characteristic red velvet 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 cocoa.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms, ensuring all components are incorporated but not overmixed.
  6. Spread Dough and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to room temperature, which helps the frosting adhere properly.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup softened butter until creamy and smooth for a luscious frosting base.
  9. Add Sugar and Milk: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing to achieve a smooth frosting.
  • You can substitute red gel food coloring with natural beet juice for a natural alternative, but expect a slightly different color.
  • For extra decoration, consider adding white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top of the frosting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Easy Dessert, Baking

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