Description
These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of classic red velvet cake with the convenience of cookie bars, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking an easy-to-make, indulgent treat that’s ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This setup helps the bars lift out easily and makes cutting simpler.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, around 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons red food coloring until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Then, press this dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The bars are done when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- These red velvet sugar cookie bars feature the rich, chocolaty flavor of red velvet cake with the satisfying texture of cookies in a convenient bar format.
- Lining the pan with foil or parchment paper makes lifting the bars out and cutting them much easier.
- Make sure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without thinning the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 291mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 86mg
