Introduction

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookies. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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
8 oz cream cheese
0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until well combined.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes or until set.
Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: To make the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy.
Step 9: Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until fluffy.
Step 10: Frost the cooled bars. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use red gel food coloring for the most vibrant color without altering the dough texture.
For a nuttier flavor, add 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough before baking.
Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone in the frosting for a slightly different tang.
Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring is recommended as it provides more intense color without adding extra moisture, which could affect the dough’s texture.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Be careful not to overbake; check them around 22 minutes. The bars should be set but still moist in the center. Also, proper creaming of butter and sugars helps keep them tender.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

Delightfully rich and colorful Red Velvet Cookie Bars featuring a moist, cocoa-infused dough topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat any time of day, these bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake in an easy-to-make, handheld format.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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

Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give the bars a tender texture.
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 vibrant in color.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: 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 agents and cocoa.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms without over-mixing, ensuring even color and texture.
Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, top with red velvet crumbs for decoration. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth creaming and frosting consistency.
You can adjust the red gel food coloring quantity to your preferred shade of red.
For added texture, consider folding in white chocolate chips or nuts into the dough before baking.
Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Keywords: red velvet bars, red velvet cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert bars, baking dessert