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Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  4. 1 large egg
  5. 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  6. 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  10. For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese
  11. 1/4 cup butter
  12. 2 cups powdered sugar
  13. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour.
  9. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  11. Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set, then cut into 12 bars using a sharp knife.
  13. Serve and enjoy the red velvet cookie bars at room temperature or chilled.

Tips

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  2. Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars tender and soft.
  3. Food Coloring Hack: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without affecting the batter's consistency.
  4. Parchment Paper Trick: Let the parchment paper hang over the pan edges for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
  5. Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
  6. Chilling Tip: Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after frosting to help the topping set and make cutting cleaner.
  7. 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

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