Description
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars shine with their rich flavor, vibrant color, and creamy frosting. Simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings, they will delight any dessert lover!
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). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the large 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 just combined and smooth.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using wax paper if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is set and edges begin to pull away from the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading cream cheese frosting on top.
Notes
For a lighter red color, use less food coloring according to your preference.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg