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Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Irresistible Red Velvet Cookie Bars Perfect for Every Occasion

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any gathering with their lush texture and vibrant color.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for your bars.
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to balance the sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder works with baking soda to achieve the right lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ensures your bars are tender and airy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened, gives a delightful texture and rich taste.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie base.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark for a touch of molasses flavor and chewiness.
  • 1 large egg binds all the ingredients together while adding moisture.
  • 1 large egg yolk provides richness for that soft, fudgy texture.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract adds warm and sweet fragrance to the bars.
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring brings the signature vibrant color to your Red Velvet Cookie Bars.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar enhances the red color reaction and adds a subtle tang.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, creates a creamy, smooth frosting.
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese essential for that classic creamy flavor in your frosting.
  • 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar to sweeten your frosting to perfection; adjust to taste as needed.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness of your frosting.
  • 1-2 tablespoons cream can be added to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • medium bowl
  • large bowl
  • Spatula
  • wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well mixed.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar until mixture is smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until no lumps remain.
  6. Spread the dough into the prepared pan with a spatula to create an even layer.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top looks set and edges pull away from the pan.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined.
  11. Adjust sweetness if needed with additional powdered sugar and if frosting is too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream.
  12. Once bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top, then slice into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and avoid overmixing. Adjust the sweetness of the frosting to your preference.

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