Craving a decadent treat without the guilt and endless hours in the kitchen? Look no further! Our Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the answer. These delightful bars are quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with that classic red velvet flavor you love. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, chewy square that feels like a hug in dessert form. As a busy mom of two, these have become my go-to when I need a delicious pick-me-up (or a little bribery material!). Get ready to fall in love!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars aren't just dessert, they are a warm memory in the making. Growing up, my grandma always had some version of cookie bars on hand – perfect for after-school snacks and impromptu visits from friends. While her recipe wasn’t red velvet, the spirit of easy, shared happiness is exactly what Red Velvet Cookie Bars embodies. They capture that same sense of welcoming and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Red Velvet Magic: Stir in the red food coloring and white vinegar.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make Frosting: While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Frost & Enjoy: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir in the red food coloring and white vinegar.1 tablespoon red food coloring, 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.4 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares and serve.