Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with these irresistible Red Velvet Cookie Bars that promise to make your taste buds dance with delight! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, velvety bar with a deep crimson color, topped with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking for the ultimate treat, these cookie bars are about to become your new obsession – so get ready to impress your friends, family, and most importantly, your sweet tooth!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, ensuring a uniform deep red color.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set, then cut into 12 bars using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy the red velvet cookie bars at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Food Coloring Hack: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without affecting the batter's consistency.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Let the parchment paper hang over the pan edges for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- Chilling Tip: Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after frosting to help the topping set and make cutting cleaner.
- Storage Advice: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg