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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews

Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Cookie Bars featuring a moist, cocoa-infused red dough topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and flavorful, they combine the classic taste of red velvet cake with the convenience and texture of cookie bars, making an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars

  • 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

Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
  3. Add eggs, vanilla, and color: Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until completely combined, ensuring even color and flavor throughout the dough.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: 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.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, uniform dough forms, careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
  6. Spread dough and bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool bars: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure the frosting will spread smoothly without melting.
  8. Make frosting: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 0.5 cup unsalted butter until creamy and smooth, forming the base of the luscious frosting.
  9. Add sugar and milk: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and serve: Frost the cooled bars evenly, optionally topping with red velvet crumbs for added texture. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • If red gel food coloring is unavailable, liquid food coloring can be used but may result in a less vibrant color.
  • Red velvet crumbs for topping are optional but add a nice decorative touch and texture contrast.
  • Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert, Baking, Cocoa

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-recipe/