Imagine biting into a warm and chewy Red Velvet Cookie Bar, the rich cocoa flavor mingling with that unmistakable red velvet vibe. They’re soft, slightly pillowy, and topped with a luxurious swirl of cream cheese frosting that’s not too sweet but just right. As you take a bite, the slightly tangy frosting complements the subtle cocoa base, creating a delightful experience with every mouthful. These bars are not just a treat; they’re the essence of celebration and comfort, reminding me of cozy holiday gatherings filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, plenty of dessert.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Thinking back to childhood, I can picture baking these vibrant bars with my family, the kitchen infused with that sweet, nostalgic aroma, while we fought over who got to frost the first piece. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a special birthday, or simply a treat to make Thursday a little brighter, these Red Velvet Cookie Bars are sure to bring cheer to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and let’s make this delightful dessert together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 45 minutes of prep and bake time, you’ll have a scrumptious treat in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cocoa and cream cheese delivers the perfect balance of rich and tangy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant red color and creamy frosting make them a show-stopper on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, dessert parties, or even a sweet breakfast on-the-go.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free needs or just for an extra health kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for your cookie bars. Opt for the spoon-and-level method when measuring to avoid packing flour.
3 tablespoons cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for that rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: These leavening agents give your bars that delightful lift and soft texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors, enhancing the sweetness of the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature, which makes for easier creaming. For a healthier alternative, you could use coconut oil.
3/4 cup granulated sugar & 1/2 cup brown sugar: This combo gives your bars sweetness and depth. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel note.
1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk: These enrich the dough, offering both moisture and binding. Make sure they are at room temp for the best mix.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that perks up your cookies.
1 tablespoon red food coloring: This makes it unmistakably red velvet. Feel free to adjust depending on how vibrant you want your bars.
1/2 teaspoon vinegar: The acidity helps activate the leavening agents, resulting in a lighter texture.
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese: Brick-style cream cheese is essential for a firmer frosting. Avoid tub-style, which contains too much moisture.
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Adjust this to reach your desired sweetness and creaminess in frosting. Sifting out lumps will yield an ultra-smooth finish.
1-2 tablespoons cream: Optional; this can help achieve your desired frosting texture. Use either whipping cream or table cream depending on what you have.

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier removal and cleanup, you can line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the edges. This little trick makes it a breeze to lift out the bars later!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of these essential ingredients, so your cookie bars bake perfectly every time. Do not skip this step, as skipping it may lead to uneven texture and flavor!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll want to beat in the egg, additional egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until everything is well combined. Keep mixing until you no longer see any lumps of butter. This step helps incorporate air, leading to a light, tender cookie bar.

Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, starting with a low mixer speed. Avoid overmixing to maintain that soft texture. You’re looking for a consistent dough with no visible streaks of flour.

Spread and Bake: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If needed, use a piece of wax paper to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the bars to cool fully in the pan. This waiting time is crucial for achieving the best texture before frosting.

Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar, adding vanilla and salt as well. Start mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud and gradually incorporate the rest of the powdered sugar until reaching your desired frosting thickness. If it feels too thick, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of cream until you achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.

Frost and Slice: If you lined your pan with parchment, carefully lift out the cooled bars using the overhang. If greased, simply leave them in the pan. Frost using a flat-edged knife, spreading it evenly across the surface. If you’re feeling festive, garnish with sprinkles or festive decorations. Slice into bars using a thin, sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.

Storing & Reheating

You can store your Red Velvet Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, transfer them to the fridge, where they will keep fresh for about a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, just thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds—you’ll lose some initial crispness, but a quick reheat revives that gooey goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing after you incorporate the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough bars.
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
If you find your frosted bars a bit too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the flavors.
Keep your baking powder and soda fresh! Expired leavening agents can lead to dense bars.
These bars are fantastic for sharing at parties, so consider making a double batch for events!

The joy of baking these Red Velvet Cookie Bars lies not just in making them but in savoring every bite with friends and family. Their vibrant color and luscious frosting make them perfect for any occasion, and you’ll find experimentation is encouraged. Try adding nuts or different frosting flavors for variety. Enjoy these delightful bars and bring a little sweetness to your day!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Absolutely! While traditional red velvet uses red food coloring, you can experiment with other colors. Just keep in mind that the taste may slightly vary depending on the type and amount used!

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the ingredients for the best texture.

What’s the best way to ensure frosting doesn’t melt?

To keep your frosting intact, make sure the cookie bars are entirely cooled before frosting and store them in a cool environment. If you’re treating them to a picnic or event, consider keeping them in a cooler until serving.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them frosted in the refrigerator for the freshest taste, and they can be brought to room temperature before serving for that soft, chewy texture!