Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Chewy Dessert Delights

Introduction

Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of rich flavor and chewy texture, capturing the essence of a classic red velvet cake in a delightful bar form. These bars feature a luscious cream cheese frosting that complements the deep, velvety notes of the cookie base. Ideal for any gathering, they are easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests with their stunning color and taste. Let’s dive into how to create this crowd-pleasing dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore them:

They are a unique twist on traditional red velvet cake.
Perfect for parties, making them a favorite dessert option.
Easy to prepare in under 35 minutes.
Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Can be customized with white chocolate chips or nuts.
Great for meal prep; they stay fresh for several days.

These bars fall under the Dessert category and are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

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
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated, creating a vibrant red dough base.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Evenly spread and press the dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 16 bars and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For a richer flavor, consider adding more cocoa powder.
Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These bars can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Serve at parties as a colorful treat that everyone will love.
Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cookie Bars

To keep your Red Velvet Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to reheat them, place them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up the frosting slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients for better mixing and ensuring you don’t overbake them. This helps maintain a chewy texture that is highly desirable in these Chewy Red Velvet Cookie Bars.

Can I make Red Velvet Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake them fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

One common mistake is overmixing the dough, which can lead to dense bars. Mix until just combined, and make sure to watch them closely while baking to avoid overbaking.

Variations of Red Velvet Cookie Bars You Can Try

For a fun twist, consider these variations:

Red Velvet Bars with Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookie Bars: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips: Incorporate white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.

These variations will keep your dessert experience fresh and exciting!

Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Chewy Dessert Delights - Red Velvet Cookie Bars - main visual representation

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Cookies or Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Chewy Dessert Delights - Red Velvet Cookie Bars - additional detail

For more dessert inspiration, try our Red Velvet Brownie Pie or Melt Your Mouth Cake.