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Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These bars combine the deep chocolate flavor of cocoa with the classic tangy notes of red velvet, finished with a sweet and luscious frosting, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the full egg)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not melting)
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style)
  • 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream, if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar into the butter-sugar mixture until no lumps of butter remain and the batter is smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, starting with the mixer on low speed. Continue mixing until the batter is uniform and free of lumps or streaks of flour.
  6. Spread Dough in Pan: Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared pan, spreading or pressing it evenly. To avoid sticking, use a piece of wax paper or parchment between your hands and the dough while pressing.
  7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges start pulling away from the pan.
  8. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan before frosting.
  9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and salt. Beat together on low speed until combined.
  11. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and thickness. If needed, beat in 1-2 tablespoons of cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  12. Remove Bars from Pan: If lined with parchment, lift the cooled bars out using the overhanging paper and place on a cutting board. Otherwise, leave the bars in the pan.
  13. Frost the Bars: Using a flat edge knife, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles for a festive look.
  14. Slice and Serve: Using a thin, sharp knife, slice the bars into desired portions and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
  • Use brick-style full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting texture.
  • You can adjust the amount of red food coloring based on the depth of red you prefer.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • If the frosting is too thick, thin with a bit of cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices for clean cuts.

Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert bar, baked dessert, chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/