Discover the Ultimate Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe Today!

Red velvet desserts have become a beloved classic, capturing the hearts of sweet treat enthusiasts everywhere. And these Red Velvet Cookie Bars take that signature flavor to a whole new level. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate cookie bars infused with the vibrant red hue and tantalizing taste of red velvet, all topped with a creamy, indulgent cream cheese frosting. It’s a dessert that’s sure to wow your family and friends at any celebration.

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Equipment Needed for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

To make these Red Velvet Cookie Bars, you’ll need a 9×13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan. This size pan ensures the bars bake up perfectly – not too thin, not too thick. You may also want to have a few other baking essentials on hand, like mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a whisk, and a spatula for spreading the batter and frosting.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

The key ingredients that make these Red Velvet Cookie Bars so special include all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. For the creamy, tangy frosting, you’ll need softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of salt.

• 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

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these Red Velvet Cookie Bars that are sure to be the star of any dessert spread.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs & Flavorings: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft. Let cool completely in the pan.
7. Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and salt gradually. Add cream as needed to reach the desired spreading consistency.
8. Frost & Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars

To ensure your Red Velvet Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense bars.
• Keep a close eye on the bars during baking to prevent overbaking.
• Store the cooled, frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Feel free to add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins to customize the recipe.

Variations on Red Velvet Cookie Bars

While the classic cream cheese frosting is hard to beat, you can also try different toppings and variations on these Red Velvet Cookie Bars. For a sweeter twist, consider a white chocolate or buttercream frosting. To make them gluten-free, swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. And for a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

If you’re a fan of red velvet, you’ll also love recipes like Red Velvet Brownies or Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. The rich, fudgy texture pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting in so many delectable ways.

FAQs About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

How are Red Velvet Cookie Bars different from regular red velvet cake or cookies?

The main difference lies in the texture and presentation. Red Velvet Cookie Bars have a chewier, fudgier consistency compared to traditional red velvet cake, which is lighter and fluffier. They also offer a more portable, bar-style serving, unlike individual red velvet cookies or a full-sized cake.

Can I make Red Velvet Cookie Bars gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or vegan. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and plant-based milk in the frosting.

What is the best way to store Red Velvet Cookie Bars to keep them soft?

To keep your Red Velvet Cookie Bars soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months, thawing and frosting them when ready to serve.

Can I add cream cheese frosting or other toppings to Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! The classic cream cheese frosting is a perfect pairing, but you can also get creative with other toppings. Try a drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a different take on these decadent bars.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Red Velvet Brownies
• Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter

Conclusion

Indulging in these irresistible Red Velvet Cookie Bars is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor, vibrant red color, and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to impress and delight everyone who tries them. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these decadent, crowd-pleasing treats.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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