Indulgent Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
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These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are an indulgent but easy dessert. They feature a chewy, cocoa-rich base and a tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in red gel food coloring until the batter reaches desired color.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- While cooling, make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Add a splash of vanilla if desired.
- Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles if using.
- Chill slightly for clean cuts, slice into bars, and serve!
Notes
- These bars are great for gifting or entertaining.
- Perfect for holiday snacking or special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg