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Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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3.8 from 9 reviews

Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft, chewy, and easy to make, these bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake into a convenient cookie bar form, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 oz bottle red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and grease it to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar for about 5 minutes until the mixture is soft and fluffy. This process helps create a light texture for the bars.
  4. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then slowly mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring to evenly color the batter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  6. Bake the Bars: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, then press down with a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Slowly add the powdered sugar in batches, beating gently until all is combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 3 minutes for a silky frosting.
  8. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy this delicious dessert.

Notes

  • Make sure all your wet ingredients (butter, cream cheese, eggs) are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
  • If you prefer a milder red velvet coloring, adjust the amount of red food coloring accordingly.
  • For easier slicing, chill the frosted bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can substitute butter with margarine for a dairy-free version, but texture and flavor may differ.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/red-velvet-cookie-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/