Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Cookie Bars! They’re not just any dessert; they’re like little squares of joy that burst with that rich, velvety flavor and vibrant color that just makes your heart sing. I remember the first time I made them for a friend’s birthday party—everyone was absolutely raving! As soon as I set them out, it was like a small stampede to the dessert table. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie and the creamy frosting is a match made in heaven, and trust me, the white chocolate chips add that perfect touch of sweetness. You’ll want to whip these up for your next celebration or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat! Seriously, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a go-to in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars
To make these gorgeous Red Velvet Cookie Bars, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Gather the following:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (just a touch for that subtle chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (this is what gives them that stunning color!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for that delicious sweet surprise)
Having everything prepped and measured out makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable. Trust me, you won’t want to skimp on any of these ingredients if you want to achieve the ultimate cookie bar experience!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Getting these Red Velvet Cookie Bars ready is a breeze, and I promise you, the end result is totally worth it! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pan full of deliciousness in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. If you don’t preheat, you might end up with gooey centers or overly browned edges. Nobody wants that!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates the right texture for your cookie bars; it’ll help them rise and gives that lovely softness we all adore.
Mixing in Wet Ingredients
Now, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t rush this part! You want that vibrant color to spread through the batter evenly, making every bite a visual treat!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. This step is key to keeping your cookie bars tender—overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we definitely don’t want that!
Baking the Cookie Bars
Finally, spread the batter into a greased baking pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is key here—allowing them to cool will make frosting them so much easier!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars! Each serving, which is one delicious cookie bar, packs about 210 calories. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, with 6 grams being saturated fat—perfectly indulgent for a treat! They also have 15 grams of sugar, adding that sweet touch we all crave. Plus, you get 2 grams of protein and 28 grams of carbohydrates. Not too shabby for a dessert that’s as rich and satisfying as these bars! Just remember, moderation is key, even when it comes to such a tasty treat!
Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cookie Bars
To ensure your Red Velvet Cookie Bars turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this means it should be at room temperature and easily spreadable. Cold butter won’t cream properly and can leave your bars dense instead of light and fluffy. Also, don’t skip the measuring! Using precise amounts of ingredients is crucial, especially with flour; too much can make your bars dry. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookie bars while they bake. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark—if a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready! Lastly, let them cool completely before frosting; this helps the frosting stay in place and not slide off. Trust me, these little details will elevate your cookie bars to the next level!
Variations of Red Velvet Cookie Bars
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these Red Velvet Cookie Bars! For a delightful crunch, try folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans—yum! If you want to switch up the frosting, a classic cream cheese frosting is fabulous, but you could also drizzle some white chocolate ganache on top for a touch of elegance. Feeling a bit more daring? Swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a rich twist! You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to experiment with your own delicious variations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Red Velvet Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as they taste best that way! If you need to reheat them, pop a bar in the microwave for just about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up perfectly without drying them out. Trust me, a warm cookie bar with frosting is pure bliss!
FAQ about Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Got some burning questions about these Red Velvet Cookie Bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of chocolate chip? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead. They’ll add a deliciously rich flavor!
How do I store leftover cookie bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a great option!
Can I make them gluten-free? Yes! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1. Just make sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to frost these bars? Once they’re completely cool, spread your cream cheese frosting generously on top for that perfect finish. You can also add sprinkles for a festive touch!
And there you have it! If you have more questions, feel free to ask. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a delightful twist on traditional desserts, consider trying no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of red velvet desserts, visit Healthline.
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 7 Joyful Steps to Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cookie bars with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Adjust food coloring for desired color intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookie Bars, dessert, baking, cream cheese frosting