Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion! With a rich red velvet flavor and a delightful tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a cozy night in, they stand out with their vibrant color and luscious taste. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled—either way, they will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, these cookie bars come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cocoa and red food coloring creates a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly tangy.
• Frosting Perfection: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture that complements the cookie bars beautifully.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because, these bars fit any occasion perfectly.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe yields 15 generous servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delectable Red Velvet Cookie Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed together for a light texture.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps achieve even baking throughout your cookie bars.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars

• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 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, feel free to use less)
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened but not starting to melt)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (be sure to use brick style)
• 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cream (whipping cream or table cream, if needed)

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer:
1. Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add both granulated sugar and brown sugar.
3. Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture, add:
1. The whole egg
2. The egg yolk
3. Vanilla extract
4. Red food coloring
5. Vinegar

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
2. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookie bars are cooling:
1. In another bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt until you reach desired sweetness; adjust consistency with cream as needed.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of your cookie bars:
1. Cut into squares.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cookie Bars at any gathering!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These red velvet cookie bars are delightful and versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and create a classic treat.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Top your red velvet cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars before serving.

At Birthday Parties

• These vibrant cookie bars are perfect for birthday celebrations—slice them into fun shapes and serve on colorful platters.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a fruity freshness that complements the rich flavors.

As a Coffee Companion

• Enjoy these cookie bars with a cup of coffee or latte for an afternoon pick-me-up that satisfies your sweet cravings.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Perfecting your red velvet cookie bars can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and prevents spreading.
• Check Baking Time Carefully: Ovens vary; start checking for doneness a few minutes early. The edges should look set, while the center may still appear slightly underbaked.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cookie bars to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Experiment with Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference for color intensity. Start with less and add more if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

While these red velvet cookie bars stand strong on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some tasty options.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Serve additional cream cheese frosting as a dip for those who want an extra creamy topping on their cookie bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These provide a delightful contrast in flavor with their rich chocolate coating complementing the richness of the cookie bars.
4. Nutty Granola: A small serving of nutty granola offers crunch and texture, making it an interesting side dish option.
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites: These bites add another layer of dessert indulgence; their tangy flavor works well against sweet red velvet.
6. Coffee or Tea Service: Offering coffee or tea not only complements the sweetness but also creates an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their treats leisurely.
7. Whipped Cream Topping: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add fluffiness and serve as an excellent companion to the dense texture of the cookie bars.
8. Sliced Bananas with Honey Drizzle: This simple side is easy to prepare, providing natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with red velvet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Red Velvet Cookie Bars, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to achieve the best results.

• Using the wrong flour: Always use all-purpose flour for the right texture. Substituting with other flours can lead to dry or crumbly cookie bars.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour and sugar. Too much flour can dry out your cookie bars.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a nice finish.
• Inadequate storage: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Leaving them uncovered can cause them to dry out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Red Velvet Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Red Velvet Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Cookie Bars.

Can I make these Red Velvet Cookie Bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has xantham gum for structure.

How do I know when my cookie bars are done?

The edges should look set, while the center may slightly underbake. The bars will continue cooking as they cool.

Can I customize the frosting?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like lemon or almond extract to your cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

Are these Red Velvet Cookie Bars suitable for parties?

Yes! These bars are perfect for gatherings due to their vibrant color and delicious flavor, making them an eye-catching dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies with their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. They are versatile and can be customized with different frostings or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love sharing them with friends and family!