Hey there, dessert lovers! Today, we’re plunging into a delicious twist on a classic. If you’ve ever craved the rich flavor of red velvet cake but wanted it in a more casual, snackable form, then you’re in for a treat! These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not only easy to make, but they’re also an absolute showstopper at any gathering. Imagine decadent cookie bars drizzled with creamy frosting that melt in your mouth. Sounds delightful, right? Let’s dive into the sweet world of red velvet bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Bars
So, why should you make these cookie bars instead of sticking to traditional cookies or cakes? Here’s the scoop:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks like it took hours to master.
- Flavor Explosion: These bars combine the unique taste of red velvet with a deep cocoa flavor, balanced perfectly by the sweet cream cheese frosting on top. Each bite is a joyful mix of flavors that leaves you wanting more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just an ordinary Tuesday that needs a sprinkle of joy, these cookie bars are versatile enough to fit any occasion.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and you’ve got the perfect treat to share with friends and family, making you the star of any dessert table.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color coupled with the inviting white frosting makes these bars visually appealing. They are sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on them.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ready to create these delightful treats? Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s your step-by-step guide for making Red Velvet Cookie Bars from scratch.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Directions
Now let’s transform these ingredients into something magical:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of all the components.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the mixture. Mix until everything is combined and the batter is a beautiful red hue.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread into Pan: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Let the cookie bars cool completely before generously spreading a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Slice and Serve: Finally, cut them into bars and get ready to enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars
When it comes to serving these delightful treats, presentation can elevate your dessert game significantly. Here are some creative ideas:
- Garnish with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to your cream cheese frosting for an extra pop of fun.
- Pair with a Beverage: Serve your bars alongside a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
- Decorative Plates: Use beautiful serving plates or platters to display your cookie bars. A little attention to detail goes a long way!
Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Want to keep those cookie bars fresh for days? Here are some useful storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, these cookie bars can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They should last about 2 months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your cookie bars come out perfect every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the butter and eggs, bringing them to room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid dense bars, spoon your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookie bars. They are perfect when they’re slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to cook in the pan after being removed from the oven.
Delicious Variations of Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Looking to mix things up a bit? Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie batter for an added crunch.
- Chocolate Chunks: For the chocolate lovers, toss in some dark chocolate chips to take the richness up a notch.
- Different Frostings: Experiment with different frostings such as vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make Red Velvet Cookie Bars without food coloring?
Absolutely! You can leave it out; they will still taste delicious, but they won’t have that vibrant red color.
2. How can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that you prefer, and just align the rest of the ingredients accordingly.
3. Can I use a different frosting?
Sure! Feel free to experiment with different types of frosting, such as vanilla or chocolate buttercream, to suit your taste.
Now that you have everything you need to create your own delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars, it’s time to grab your apron and dive into baking. Trust me, once you try these rich, flavorful bars, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make red velvet cookie bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before spreading a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and be careful not to overbake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg