Description
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars boast a rich flavor, soft texture, and eye-catching color, making them perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat at home.
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
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, brick-style
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch pan with grease or parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no streaks remain.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is set and edges pull away. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
- Frost cooled bars and serve sliced.
Notes
To keep bars soft, avoid over-mixing the batter.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add espresso powder for enhanced chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg