I love making Red Velvet Cookie Bars because they are easy and always a hit! The rich, red color and cream cheese frosting make them perfect for any occasion. Whenever I bake these, I think of my sister Jennifer and how we used to help Mom Eva in the kitchen. Those were some delightful moments filled with laughter and sweet treats!
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
I rely on a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, and spoons. A whisk is great for blending, and a spatula helps spread the dough smoothly. Don’t forget a 9×13 inch baking pan for that perfect shape!
Bringing It All Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookie bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
Feel free to add some nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture. If you love a stronger taste, a hint of espresso powder would pair nicely with the cocoa. You can also change the food coloring to your favorite shade for a more personalized look!
How We Love to Serve It
I love serving these cookie bars with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Everyone loves a good dessert, and these bars are sure to please!
A Few Tips For Success
Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; this helps create a light texture. Don’t over-mix your dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can make the bars tough. Lastly, let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting for the best results!
Saving Some For Later
You can store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to cut them into squares first and wrap them tightly!
From My Kitchen to Yours
Baking is about sharing joy and creating memories. I enjoyed preparing these Red Velvet Cookie Bars, and I hope you will too. Get ready to enjoy a delicious treat that brightens any day!
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best way to store Red Velvet Cookie Bars?
Store your Red Velvet Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need more time, keep them in the fridge or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different kind of frosting on my Red Velvet Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, feel free to use buttercream or even a glaze. Just ensure it complements the bars’ rich flavor.
How can I make my Red Velvet Cookie Bars even richer?
To amplify the flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder or even some dark chocolate chips. They can add depth and enhance that chocolate taste we all love!
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookie bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy recipe