Description
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are soft, rich, and topped with a creamy frosting. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cup 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
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk, in addition to the full egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring, liquid or gel, feel free to use less
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, distilled or white vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but not starting to melt
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, be sure to use brick style
- 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sift if lumpy
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cream , whipping cream or table cream, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until the mixture is lump-free.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing at low speed until well combined.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Use wax paper if necessary to prevent sticking when pressing down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is set and the edges are pulling away from the pan.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Use less red food coloring if a lighter shade is desired.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
These bars can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg