Description
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful treat bursting with flavor and vibrant color. Made with key ingredients like cocoa and cream cheese, they are perfect for any occasion.
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)
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (distilled or white vinegar)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style)
- 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar to the mixture and mix well.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread the dough in the prepared pan evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter, gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Frost cooled bars and slice into squares.
Notes
Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Adjust frosting thickness by adding cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg