Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the rich flavors of cocoa and vanilla in a convenient bar form. As a fan of both cookies and cakes, I find these bars to be the perfect solution for satisfying my sweet tooth without the fuss of traditional baking. The history of red velvet dates back to the 1920s, originally gaining popularity in the Southern United States, and has since become a beloved dessert across the globe. People adore these Red Velvet Cookie Bars not only for their vibrant color and festive appearance but also for their soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to treat for gatherings or a cozy night in. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional white chocolate chips for topping
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will help prevent clumping.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Cooking Process
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to reach the corners and smooth the top for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when transferring to a wire rack.
- After cooling slightly, carefully lift the cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Cookie Bars
- Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, it’s time to frost them! If you’re using store-bought cream cheese frosting, give it a good stir to make it easier to spread.
- Using a spatula, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cookie bars. You can be generous with the frosting, as it adds a delicious tangy sweetness that complements the red velvet flavor.
- If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle additional white chocolate chips on top of the frosting for decoration. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a delightful crunch.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 24 pieces, but you can make them larger or smaller based on your serving needs.
Serving Suggestions
- These red velvet cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in. Serve them on a platter and watch them disappear!
- For an extra special touch, consider pairing these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm cookie bars and cold ice cream is simply divine.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in
Conclusion:
In summary, these Red Velvet Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy goodness of cookie bars. The vibrant color and luscious cream cheese frosting make them not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookie bars are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these Red Velvet Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. You can also experiment with variations by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a picture of your creation. Let’s spread the love for these cookie bars together! Happy baking! Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting and white chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these bars combine the classic flavors of red velvet with a chewy cookie texture, making them a sweet treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional white chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the pan cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost the cookie bars with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle additional white chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- If you prefer a different type of frosting, cream cheese frosting can be substituted with vanilla buttercream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
