Description
Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and tender cocoa-flavored sugar cookie base topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a vibrant red hue, these bars are a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then spray it with cooking spray to ensure the bars can be easily lifted out and cut cleanly after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is well combined and smooth, ensuring an even red hue.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Press Dough into Pan and Bake: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges start pulling away from the pan sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- You can substitute gel or paste red food coloring for a more vibrant color without altering the texture.
- Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
