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–+ servings
Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These have a light crunchy outside with a soft and chewy inside making them the perfect balance!
Servings: 18 squares
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Parchment Paper
  • Measuring Spoons in Various Sizes
  • Measuring Cups in Various Sizes
  • Whisk
  • Medium bowl
  • Stand mixer
  • spatula
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

For the Red Velvet Cookie Bars

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (or regular salt)
  • 3½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (or 1 cup)
  • 3 eggs, large
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons gel food coloring (or 1 ½ tablespoons liquid)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • pinch sea salt (or regular salt)
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

For the Red Velvet Cookie Bars

  • Preheat oven to 325°
  • Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Whisk all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together light brown sugar and butter, with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes on the second lowest setting.
  • Drop in the eggs, artificial vanilla extract, and red food colouring and mix just until blended.
  • While the machine is running add in flour mixture ½ cup at a time until about half is remaining. Then add red food coloring, and run the machine to mix slightly, then add the rest of the flour mixture.
  • Add prepared dough into baking dish, and level with an offset spatula. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. 
  • Remove the dough when oven is preheated and lightly pierce throughout with a fork. 
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes and allow cookie bars to come to room temperature before addin the frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Adding cream cheese, butter, and a pinch of salt into a medium bowl or a stand mixer and beat until smoot
  • Then add icing sugar and run again until velvety smooth. Note: if you want your frosting more on the cream cheese side, add 4 cups of icing sugar. If you would rather a sweeter frosting, add the extra cup of icing sugar. 
  • Ice cookie bars with cream cheese frosting and any sprinkles if desired.

Notes

What is the easiest way to cut blondies?  
Make sure your blondies are cooled at room temperature and then cooled further in the fridge before cutting. Use a warm knife and whip it clean after every cut. Alternatively, you can use a plastic knife or bake the blondies in a muffin tin for easier removal.