Description
Best Red Velvet Cookie Bars – Quick, Easy, Decadent
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for bars)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, brick style
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and lightly grease. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the large egg, then the egg yolk, one at a time, until combined. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, and 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar. Mix on low until color is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Spread the vibrant red batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake. Cool completely on a wire rack (1-2 hours).
- While bars cool, beat 8 ounces softened full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter in a clean mixing bowl until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Once bars are completely cool, lift from pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Chill frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for cleaner slices.
- Slice into individual bars with a sharp, clean knife. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting for best results.
- Store in refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg