Delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with chewy sugar cookies, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive party. The striking red color and delicious flavor make these bars a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of how to create these easy red velvet cookie bars!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These bars are not just visually stunning; they offer a variety of benefits that make them irresistible. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing the dough, which means less cleanup! Second, the soft red velvet cookie bars are chewy yet tender, providing the perfect texture. Third, they are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that enhances their flavor. Additionally, these red velvet cookie squares are perfect for parties and gatherings, making them a go-to dessert. You can also make variations like gluten-free red velvet cookie bars for special dietary needs. Finally, these bars store well, so you can make them ahead of time!

Delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting - Red Velvet Cookie Bars - main visual representation

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Evenly spread and press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before applying frosting.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fluffy.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 16 bars and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
For an extra touch, consider adding red velvet cookie bars with sprinkles on top of the frosting for festive occasions!

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These bars can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. First, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Second, they can be cut into smaller pieces and served as red velvet cookie treats at parties. Lastly, you can enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cookie Bars

To keep your red velvet dessert bars fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in not overmixing the dough and ensuring that you use quality ingredients, especially the cream cheese for frosting. This ensures your homemade red velvet cookie bars come out soft and delicious.

Can I make Red Velvet Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just bake, cool, and frost them a day before your event. This is a great way to prepare for parties!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and always measure your flour correctly to prevent dry or crumbly bars.

Variations of Red Velvet Cookie Bars You Can Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations: you can make red velvet blondies by substituting some of the cocoa powder with white chocolate chips. For a fun twist, try adding red velvet cookie bars with white chocolate chips or even sprinkle some nuts for added texture. You can also create a gluten-free version using almond flour!

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out Honey Roasted Root Vegetables or Gingerbread Tiramisu. If you’re interested in variations, consider Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes for a festive twist!