Description
These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and chewy, these bars make a delightful treat for any occasion, offering a visually stunning and delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal and cutting of the bars.
- 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 separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures the cookies will have a tender and airy texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is fully combined, giving the dough its iconic red velvet color.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Cooling is important so the frosting does not melt.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once frosted, slice into 16 bars and serve. These bars are perfect for parties, holidays, or as a special treat anytime.
Notes
- Lining the pan with foil or parchment helps to easily lift the bars out for clean cuts.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use good quality red food coloring for the best vibrant color.
- For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling white chocolate chips or decorative sprinkles on top of the frosting before it sets.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
