Description
If you’re craving something indulgent but easy to make, these Red Velvet Cookie Bars are your go-to dessert! With a chewy, cocoa-rich base and a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are a festive twist on the classic cake. Perfect for quick breakfast treats, easy dinner party desserts, or even holiday snacking, this easy recipe is great for gifting or entertaining. The bright red color makes them a visual standout, and the soft texture keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for food ideas for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just a sweet tooth fix, these red velvet bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Mix in red gel food coloring until the batter reaches desired color.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
9. While cooling, make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Add a splash of vanilla if desired.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles if using.
12. Chill slightly for clean cuts, slice into bars, and serve!
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
Avoid overbaking to keep bars moist and tender.
For best results, chill the frosted bars for 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet bars, cream cheese frosting, quick dessert, easy recipe, holiday treat, food ideas, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, healthy snack