Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet cookie bars combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with the chewy texture of cookie bars. They’re easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tang.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan to prepare for the batter.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter mixture until smooth and evenly colored.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold the white chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them evenly.
7. Step 7: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
10. Step 10: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookie bars evenly.
12. Step 12: Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.
• Substitute white chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips or chopped nuts for different textures and flavors.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth frosting without lumps.
• Use an airtight container to keep bars fresh and moist longer.

Storage

Store leftover red velvet cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and consume within a week. Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly for a soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a simpler treat. The bars will still be moist and flavorful on their own.

Can I freeze red velvet cookie bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 117 reviews

Delight in these vibrant and indulgent Red Velvet Cookie Bars, combining the rich flavors of cocoa and red food coloring with creamy white chocolate chips. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying a special treat at home.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Add-ins

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
4. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined to achieve the signature red velvet color and flavor.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
6. Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the white chocolate chips into the batter for bursts of creamy sweetness throughout the bars.
7. Prepare and Bake: Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking pan to ensure uniform cooking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are properly baked.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before adding frosting to avoid melting.
9. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious topping for the bars.
10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bars fresh and moist.
• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red.
• You can substitute white chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips if desired for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: red velvet cookie bars, red velvet dessert, white chocolate chips, cream cheese frosting, baked cookie bars, easy dessert