Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat to enjoy at home. They are soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect sweet touch. Let’s dive into making these delicious bars!
Why Make This Recipe
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not only easy to make, but they also impress everyone who tries them. The vibrant red color is eye-catching, making them a fantastic dessert for parties or gatherings. Plus, the combination of soft cookie bars with creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Whether you are a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz bottle red food coloring
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then grease it and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat gently until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 3 minutes.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Serve these cookie bars at room temperature for the best flavor. They’re perfect on a dessert platter or as part of a festive spread. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
How to Store Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking.
Variation
If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips into the batter. You can also make a chocolate cream cheese frosting for an even richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use different food coloring?
Yes! You can use any food coloring of your choice, but red is traditional for red velvet.
2. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars without frosting. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How do I make the frosting lighter?
To make a lighter frosting, try adding a little whipped cream to the cream cheese frosting. This will give it a fluffier texture.
Enjoy making and sharing these Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting; they are sure to become a favorite!
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft and chewy red velvet cookie bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz bottle red food coloring
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then grease it and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat gently until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 3 minutes.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert