Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Soft, vibrant Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. A simple, festive dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
Calories:
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon distilled or white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese
- 2½ to 3½ cups powdered sugar sifted if needed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, red coloring, and vinegar; mix until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures, then press dough evenly into the pan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until set; cool completely.
- Beat butter and cream cheese, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; adjust with cream if needed.
- Frost cooled bars, add sprinkles if desired, and slice with a sharp knife.