Description
Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine the rich cocoa flavor and moist, chewy texture of classic red velvet desserts with a creamy tangy swirl of cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and visually vibrant, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Swirl
- ½ cup cream cheese frosting or cream cheese mixture
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to build the base’s structure.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter has a consistent vibrant red shade.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually mix in dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating between them to maintain a tender, even batter without overmixing.
- Spread and Add Cream Cheese: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, then dollop cream cheese frosting or cream cheese mixture on top. Gently swirl with a knife to create the signature creamy marbled effect.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and even mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Choose quality cocoa powder to enhance flavor depth and authenticity.
- Swirl the cream cheese gently to maintain the beautiful marbled appearance.
- Allow bars to cool fully for cleaner slicing and better flavor setting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: red velvet, cookie bars, dessert, cream cheese swirl, chewy, rich, easy recipe
