Introduction
Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Today, I’m excited to share with you my all-time favorite recipe for Red Velvet Cookie Bars. These decadent treats are a perfect blend of the classic red velvet flavor in a convenient bar form. Whenever I whip up a batch of these cookie bars, the aroma that fills my kitchen takes me back to cherished memories of baking with my grandma. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a soft and chewy texture with a hint of cocoa and a rich cream cheese swirl on top. The vibrant red color makes them a standout dessert for any occasion. I often find myself making these bars when I want to treat my loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
These bars are perfect for those moments when you crave the flavors of red velvet cake but want a quicker and easier baking experience. The combination of the slightly tangy cream cheese topping with the sweet and velvety cookie base is simply irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, making them a go-to recipe for gatherings or a cozy night in.
So, grab your apron and preheat your oven as we embark on a baking adventure filled with love, laughter, and, of course, delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars!
Ingredients
For this delightful recipe, you will need:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the batter. I sometimes use dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor. Don’t fret if you’re out of red food coloring; the bars will still taste amazing without it!
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan, reserving a small amount for crumbling on top.
6. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cookie dough in the pan.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy these delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
Through my baking experiments, I’ve found that chilling the bars in the refrigerator before serving enhances the flavors and texture. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, although they rarely last that long in my house!
Variations
One fun variation I’ve tried is adding a swirl of raspberry jam to the cream cheese layer before baking. While it didn’t turn out as I expected the first time, a thinner layer of jam worked wonders. Experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your own unique Red Velvet Cookie Bars!
Equipment
If you don’t have a stand mixer for the cream cheese layer, a hand mixer or even a good old whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick. Baking is all about creativity, so don’t let the lack of specific equipment hold you back from trying out this recipe!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these Red Velvet Cookie Bars slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of the warm, gooey bars with the cool cream is a delightful experience. They are also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or as a sweet treat during picnics.
Pro Tips
After numerous trials, I’ve learned that slightly underbaking the bars results in a softer, more fudgy texture. Don’t worry if the center looks a bit jiggly when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to set as they cool. Remember, baking is all about having fun and learning from each attempt!
FAQ
Q: Can I use beetroot powder instead of food coloring for a natural alternative?
A: Absolutely! Beetroot powder can lend a lovely hue to the bars while adding a subtle earthy flavor. Just adjust the quantity based on your desired level of redness. Baking is all about experimenting, so give it a try and see how it turns out!
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m not a fan?
A: You can swap the cream cheese for a tangy Greek yogurt or a smooth mascarpone cheese for a different twist. Each substitution will bring its own unique flavor profile to the bars, so feel free to get creative!
Best Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe – Quick, Easy, Decadent
Decadent red velvet cookie bars with a rich cream cheese swirl on top, offering a soft, chewy texture and a hint of cocoa. These bars are a convenient twist on red velvet cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon red food coloring
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, and stir until fully incorporated.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan, reserving a small amount for crumbling on top.
-
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cookie dough in the pan.
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Crumble the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy these delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
