Print

Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich and indulgent flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy, soft texture of cookie bars. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of cocoa, vanilla, and tangy cream cheese in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Cookie Bars

  • 2 1/4 cups 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
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon distilled or white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but not melting
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style)
  • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cream, whipping cream, or table cream (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully creamed.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar into the butter and sugar mixture until smooth and free of visible lumps of butter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Start mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying out. Continue mixing until no lumps or streaks of dry ingredients remain.
  6. Transfer to Baking Pan: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan. Spread or press it into an even layer. To prevent sticking when pressing, place a piece of wax paper between your hands and the dough.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the top appears set and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  10. Incorporate Sugar and Salt: Sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and salt. Beat on low speed to combine.
  11. Adjust Sweetness and Consistency: Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and thickness. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream if needed to loosen the frosting.
  12. Frost Bars: If you lined your pan with parchment, lift out the cooled bars using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. If not, frost directly in the pan. Use a flat-edge knife to spread the frosting evenly over the bars.
  13. Decorate and Slice: Optionally, add sprinkles on top for decoration. Slice the bars with a thin, sharp knife for clean pieces.

Notes

  • Using pudding or gel food coloring enhances the red hue without adding extra liquid to the dough.
  • Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar removes lumps and ensures a creamy frosting texture.
  • Pressing the dough with wax paper prevents it from sticking to your hands.
  • Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • You can store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Keywords: red velvet cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, red velvet dessert, easy dessert bars, holiday treats

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/