These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a fun twist on the classic red velvet cake! With their soft, chewy texture and a hint of cocoa, they are simply irresistible.
Top them with cream cheese frosting for an extra delicious touch. Just beware, they might disappear faster than you can bake them! 😄
I love making these bars for parties or a cozy night in. They’re easy to slice and share, which always brings a smile to everybody’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these bars a rich flavor. If you only have salted butter, that’s okay! Just reduce the added salt to a pinch.
Red Food Coloring: For a vibrant red color, liquid food coloring works well. You can substitute with gel food coloring for a more intense hue without adding extra liquid.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, mix 1/4 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to sour.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that subtle chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a non-chocolate option, you can simply leave it out, though you’ll lose a bit of depth.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting?
Making cream cheese frosting might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Allow the cream cheese and butter to sit at room temperature until they are soft and easy to mix.
- Beat them together until smooth and creamy. This step helps avoid lumps.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing continually to incorporate air for a fluffy texture.
- Add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference!
Chill your frosting slightly if it feels too soft, making it easier to spread on the cookie bars.
Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk or milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Red velvet cake crumbs or sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 30 minutes for chilling time after frosting, so you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes total from start to finish, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides. This will help you remove the bars later with ease!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to your buttery mixture. Mix everything until it’s well combined and you have a pretty red color!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until they are mixed well.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Bake the Cookie Bars:
Spread the batter evenly into the lined baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
7. Cool the Bars:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key!
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fluffy and well-combined.
9. Frost the Bars:
Once your cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula or a knife. It’s time for the yummy part!
10. Add a Fun Decoration:
If you’d like, sprinkle some red velvet crumbs or colorful sprinkles on top for that festive touch!
11. Chill and Slice:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set. Once set, slice them into squares using a sharp knife.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious red velvet cookie bars cold or at room temperature. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Food Coloring?
Yes! You can use gel food coloring or natural food coloring if you prefer. Just adjust the quantity based on the color intensity you desire. Gel coloring often needs less than liquid for the same vibrant effect.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookie Bars?
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly and they’ll last up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookie Bars Without Cocoa Powder?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-chocolate version, you can leave out the cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that you’ll lose a bit of depth in flavor, but the bars will still be deliciously red velvet!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Cookie Bars?
Definitely! Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an extra touch. Just be sure not to overmix the batter once you add them to keep the bars tender.