2sticksunsalted butter, room temperature (or 1 cup)
3eggs, large
2tablespoonsvanilla extract
2tablespoonsgel food coloring (or 1 ½ tablespoons liquid)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)
6ouncescream cheese
3tablespoonsunsalted butter (room temperature)
pinchsea salt (or regular salt)
4-5cupspowdered 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.