Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, you have to try my Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the rich, velvety charm of classic red velvet cake with the buttery, tender crumb of a sugar cookie — all topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. I absolutely love how this turns out: soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a gorgeous red hue that makes them a showstopper for any occasion. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to make sure your bars come out absolutely perfect every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role here: the cocoa brings that classic red velvet undertone, butter adds buttery richness, and cream cheese frosting pulls it all together with a tangy sweetness you won’t want to skip. When shopping, I recommend using a good-quality unsweetened cocoa and real vanilla extract to ensure your bars have incredible flavor.

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your base for these bars, providing structure but keep measuring precise to get that tender texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa: Adds the signature red velvet flavor; don’t skip or substitute with sweetened cocoa.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Baking powder: Helps your bars rise slightly, giving a nice soft crumb.
• Butter (softened): I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt levels; softened butter creams wonderfully with sugar.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and contributes to that delicate crispness on the edges.
• Eggs: Bind the dough, adding moisture and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Real vanilla makes a difference in depth of flavor.
• Red food coloring: Essential for that vibrant red—gel food coloring works best for intense color without altering the batter’s texture.
• Cream cheese (softened): This is the magic in the frosting—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and a silky finish.
• Powdered sugar: Adds smooth sweetness to your frosting without the graininess of regular sugar.

Variations

I love keeping this recipe simple, but once you nail the basics you can get creative! Here are some ways I’ve personalized my Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe that keep things exciting depending on the season or your pantry.

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve found this works beautifully without sacrificing texture.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Stir mini white or dark chocolate chips into the dough before baking for extra bites of sweetness.
• Spiced Addition: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor boost—perfect for fall desserts.
• Reduced Food Coloring: If you want a softer pink-red hue, cut the red food coloring by half; still delicious and less intense.
• Frosting Swap: Try a simple vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter touch when you want less sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep like a pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your 9×13 inch pan, and here’s a trick I’ve learned: line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. This will save you from the frustrating moment when your bars refuse to lift out smoothly. Trust me, it makes slicing and serving so much easier.

Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Getting these combined upfront means you’ll add them seamlessly into your wet ingredients later without lumps — making the dough so much easier to work with.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want this mixture light and creamy — this step is key to getting that tender crumb and soft texture we all crave. If you skip this, your bars might turn out dense.

Step 4: Mix in eggs, vanilla, and red coloring

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and your red food coloring. Don’t be shy with the red—this recipe needs a good splash to get that signature hue without overpowering the flavor.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet ingredients

Slowly add in your flour mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the bars tough. Then spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Press gently with your hands to smooth the surface out evenly.

Step 6: Bake perfectly

Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start pulling away from the sides, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven too early — these bars can be delicate when hot. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Whip up the cream cheese frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until silky and spreadable. Using softened ingredients is the secret—if they’re cold or lumpy, your frosting won’t be as smooth.

Step 8: Frost and enjoy

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles—whatever you fancy—and enjoy! They’re best eaten within a few days, but hold their charm even after some time in the fridge.

How to Serve Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep it classic with just the cream cheese frosting on these bars because it complements the red velvet flavor so well. But when I want to dress them up, I sprinkle chopped pecans or a few festive red and white sprinkles on top—makes them look extra special without adding fuss.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. I also love serving them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a light contrast that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or dust with a little powdered sugar for whimsy. They really steal the show when you display them like little red velvet gems.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up great for about 4-5 days. If you’re worried about the frosting drying out, placing a piece of parchment paper over the top before sealing really helps keep that creamy texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I freeze whole frosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil so they don’t pick up fridge odors. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. This has saved me more than once when I need an easy dessert ready to go.

Reheating

If you want that “fresh-baked” feel, I give each bar a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This slightly melts the frosting and softens the bars without making them soggy — it’s like they’re fresh from the oven all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making these Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, I was blown away by how easy they were and how everyone raved about their taste. They feel like a festive dessert but come together in under an hour, no fancy techniques needed. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a family dessert, or just a treat to brighten your day, these bars are one of those recipes I keep coming back to. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—once you try them, they might just become your new favorite too!

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