Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying, look no further than these Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer the rich, indulgent flavor of classic red velvet cake in a convenient cookie bar format.

The vibrant red color and creamy frosting make these bars a showstopper at any gathering, whether it's a holiday party, a family get-together, or just a cozy night in.

Why Marci Loves This Recipe:

• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color of these bars makes them a standout treat at any event or gathering.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of soft, chewy cookie bars with rich cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of extra red color, this recipe is easy to customize.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, Marci appreciates how simple it is to whip up these bars for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: The 9x13-inch pan size makes it easy to cut these bars into perfect portions for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy the rich, velvety flavor and creamy frosting that make these bars a truly indulgent dessert!

Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients Needed

For the Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.

Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, stirring until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down with your hands or the back of a measuring cup. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a neater presentation, you can refrigerate the bars before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts to ensure clean edges.

Facts About Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives these bars their distinctive red velvet flavor and appearance.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars, enhancing the overall taste.
• Texture: These bars have a soft, chewy texture similar to sugar cookies, making them a delightful treat for cookie lovers.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
2. Nutty Twist: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
3. Red Velvet Swirl: For a decorative touch, swirl some extra red food coloring into the cream cheese frosting before spreading it over the bars.
4. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture and ease of mixing.
• Red Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
• Slicing Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade with a damp cloth between each slice.

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy the rich, velvety flavor and creamy frosting that make these bars a truly indulgent dessert!

Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. For more dessert ideas, check out Dessert Recipe Index for additional recipes and baking tips.