Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together effortlessly.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich cocoa-infused red velvet pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for holidays, gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself.
- Versatile: Simple to customize for different occasions or preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bars:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz bottle red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, grease it, and set aside. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly combined. - Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. - Spread Batter in Pan
Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. - Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. - Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing gently. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another 3 minutes until smooth. - Frost the Bars
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12-16 bars, depending on the size of the squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cooling Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for added texture.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Festive Colors: Swap the red food coloring for green during Christmas or pastel shades for spring events.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the frosted or unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Allow frozen bars to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial?
Yes, you can use natural food coloring, but the shade may not be as vibrant.
2. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the bars a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
3. How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are softened but not overly warm when making the frosting.
4. Can I substitute butter with margarine?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, a white chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting can be used as an alternative.
6. What type of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich, deep flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used for a smoother taste.
7. How do I achieve perfectly cut bars?
Chill the bars slightly after frosting, then use a sharp knife to cut clean squares.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pan or bake in two batches.
9. What’s the best way to soften butter and cream cheese?
Leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.
10. Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the bars will lose their iconic red velvet hue and look more like traditional chocolate bars.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. With their rich flavor, creamy topping, and festive appearance, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress!
Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
“Delight in the perfect combination of soft, cocoa-rich red velvet cookie bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an indulgent treat, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.”
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper or foil and grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and red food coloring.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Bake: Spread batter into prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. Test with a toothpick; cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened but not overly warm to avoid runny frosting.
- For clean-cut bars, chill before slicing and use a sharp knife.
- Customize colors to suit seasonal events or personal preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American