These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are soft and chewy, with a lovely red color that makes them fun for any occasion! Topped with cream cheese frosting, they are hard to resist.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but smile. Who wouldn’t love dessert that looks this good? They really make any day feel special! Plus, they’re super easy to share with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softening butter helps cream it better with sugar, creating a fluffy texture. You can replace it with margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, consider reducing the amount or using coconut sugar.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the cookie bars their vibrant red color. For a natural alternative, you can use beet juice, though the shade may vary.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting, it adds a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese or cashew cream instead.
How Do You Achieve the Best Texture in Your Cookie Bars?
Getting the right texture is crucial for these cookie bars. First, cream the butter and sugar until really light and fluffy—this helps keep the bars soft. Pay attention when mixing in the dry ingredients; mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Be sure to let your cookie bars cool completely before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- For perfect squares, refrigerate the bars post-frosting. This helps everything set nicely and makes cutting easier.
Delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Red velvet cake crumbs or extra cocoa powder and red food coloring crumbs (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep the cookie bars and around 15-18 minutes to bake them. Once baked, allow an extra 30 minutes for the frosting to set when refrigerated. In total, you’ll be ready to dig in after about 1 hour of prep and cool time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
2. Make the Cookie Base:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or spatula until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined. Get ready to see that beautiful red color shine!
4. Blend Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and cocoa, ensuring a perfect rise.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; we want these bars to stay soft and delicious!
6. Bake the Cookie Base:
Spread the red velvet cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Then, let the pan cool completely.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth and creamy. This should take a couple of minutes. Then, gradually add your powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
8. Frost and Decorate:
Once your cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you want to add an extra touch, sprinkle the top with red velvet crumbs or any extra cocoa powder and red food coloring crumbs you made earlier.
9. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the whole pan for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set. Once ready, slice them into squares, and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars, either chilled or at room temperature!
Can I Use a Different Type of Food Coloring?
Yes! While red food coloring is traditional for red velvet recipes, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for coloring. Keep in mind that the hue may vary, and you might need to adjust the amount to achieve your desired color.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookie Bars?
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and tasty! For longer storage, consider freezing them; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make these cookie bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will keep the texture similar while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. For a lighter frosting, whipped coconut cream is another great alternative that adds a nice flavor as well!
