Red velvet cookie bars: 5 simple steps to sweet success!

Name: Red velvet cookie bars: 5 simple steps to sweet success!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about red velvet cookie bars! These beauties are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. Imagine soft, chewy cookie bars tinted a stunning red, with that subtle hint of cocoa, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Seriously, it’s a flavor explosion that you just can’t resist! The rich, buttery taste combined with the tangy sweetness of the frosting creates a delightful balance that makes each bite feel like pure bliss.

red velvet cookie bars - detail 1

I remember the first time I made these for a gathering. I was a little nervous, but as soon as I pulled them out of the oven, that intoxicating smell filled the room. Everyone was drawn to the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. They disappeared in a flash, and I got so many compliments that I knew I had to share this recipe with the world. Trust me, once you make these red velvet cookie bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Alright, here’s the fun part! Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get baking:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are nice and soft. It really helps with mixing and gives you that perfect creamy texture in your bars and frosting. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! Now, let’s get ready to whip up some deliciousness!

How to Prepare Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making those fabulous red velvet cookie bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time. Ready? Let’s go!

Prepping the Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial—trust me, you want that oven nice and hot for even baking! While that’s warming up, grab your favorite baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. You want to make sure those bars come out easily later. It’s all about being prepared, so let’s set ourselves up for success!

Mixing the Cookie Batter

Now, let’s get to mixing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—about 2-3 minutes is perfect. You want it light and fluffy!

Next, crack in that large egg, and add in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix it all together until it’s a beautiful, vibrant red. Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to this mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it—just enough to bring it all together into a lovely, thick batter!

Baking the Cookie Bars

Alright, now it’s time to spread that gorgeous batter into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly—this will help ensure that every bite is perfect! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Here’s a little tip: start checking at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done! Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While those bars are cooling, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and luscious. You want a nice, thick consistency that’s easy to spread but still holds its shape. Take a moment to taste it—oh my goodness, it’s so good!

Frosting the Cookie Bars

Once your cookie bars are completely cool (and I mean cool, not warm!), it’s time to frost! Spread that heavenly cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. You want to cover every inch for maximum deliciousness! If you’re feeling a little fancy, you can even use a piping bag to make it look extra special. Just remember, letting those bars cool completely is key to getting nice, clean slices when you cut them!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your red velvet cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips that I swear by:

Add chocolate chips: If you want to take these cookie bars to the next level, consider folding in some chocolate chips into the batter. The melty chocolate adds a delightful richness that pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor. I mean, who can resist that combination?
Let them set: Once you’ve frosted your cookie bars, be patient and let them set for a bit. This is super important for achieving clean, beautiful slices. If you cut them too soon, you’ll end up with a gooey mess. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Use the right baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for these bars. It gives you that ideal thickness and helps them bake evenly. If you use a different size, just keep an eye on baking time, as it may vary.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This makes blending them together so much easier and helps you achieve that luscious texture in both the cookie bars and frosting!
Check for doneness: Remember the toothpick test? It’s your best friend! Insert it into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. If you see wet batter, pop them back in for a few more minutes.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious red velvet cookie bars! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these scrumptious red velvet cookie bars. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the values provided here are just estimates. While I strive to give you the most accurate numbers, they might not be 100% precise. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients if you’re tracking your intake closely. So, enjoy these delicious bars guilt-free and remember, a little indulgence never hurt anyone!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While the classic cream cheese frosting is a favorite, there are so many delicious variations you can try. For a chocolate twist, you can whip up a chocolate cream cheese frosting by adding cocoa powder to the mix. Or, if you’re feeling fruity, a tangy lemon frosting can brighten up the flavors beautifully! Even a simple vanilla buttercream works wonders—it’s all about what you love!

How should I store leftover cookie bars?

Storing your leftover red velvet cookie bars is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge if you want to extend their shelf life. Trust me, they’re just as tasty cold, and the flavors actually get better overnight!

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

You bet! These cookie bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance, let them cool completely, and then frost them just before serving. If you want to go even further, you can freeze the unfrosted bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge before frosting and slicing. It’s a great way to prepare for gatherings without the last-minute rush!

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Quick and Easy: These cookie bars come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert craving or surprise guests.
Deliciously Decadent: The combination of soft, chewy cookie bars with that rich cream cheese frosting is pure heaven in every bite!
Perfect for Gatherings: They’re not just tasty; they make a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. Everyone loves a good red velvet treat!
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to make these bars your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance, so you can enjoy the party without the stress of last-minute baking.
Kid-Approved: The vibrant color and sweet flavors are always a hit with kids and adults alike—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious red velvet cookie bars, let’s talk about how to elevate your dessert experience! Trust me, the right pairings can take these treats to a whole new level.

First off, I highly recommend serving these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream complements the rich, buttery cookie bars perfectly. The contrast of temperatures is just heavenly! You could even drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

If you’re a coffee lover like me, pairing these bars with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte is a match made in dessert heaven. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the bars beautifully. Just imagine dipping a corner of a cookie bar into your coffee—oh wow, it’s such a treat!

For a lighter option, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color to your presentation. Plus, it’s a great way to add some freshness to your dessert table!

Lastly, don’t forget about a glass of cold milk—classic, but so comforting! Whether it’s regular or chocolate milk, it’s the perfect drink to wash down these rich, decadent bars.

So, there you have it! With these serving suggestions, your red velvet cookie bars will not only look amazing but taste even better. Enjoy every bite!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.