Description
Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the kind of easy dessert that disappears fast. With a soft, chewy red velvet base and a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday baking, party desserts, Valentine’s Day treats, and anytime you need an easy recipe that feels extra special. They are a great make-ahead dessert, a fun baking project, and one of those dessert ideas that always looks bakery-style with very little effort.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
3/4 cup buttermilk
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red velvet crumbs or red sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and the red food coloring until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix just until combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth.
10. Add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy and creamy.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
12. Sprinkle the top with red velvet crumbs or red sprinkles, then slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Do not overmix once the flour is added or the bars can turn dense instead of soft.
For neat slices, chill the frosted bars for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 58mg