Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
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Red velvet cake is a delightful and festive choice for Valentine’s Day, while sugar cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. So, why not combine the best of both worlds with red velvet sugar cookie bars? These bars are not only visually stunning with their rich red color, but they also offer the perfect blend of red velvet flavor.
The soft, chewy cookie base pairs beautifully with the subtle cocoa undertones of red velvet, creating a treat that’s both delicious and eye-catching. To make things even easier, these red velvet sugar cookies come in bar form, making them a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for your Valentine’s Day celebrations.
When it comes to sugar cookies, the bar version offers several advantages over traditional individual cookies. First and foremost, bar cookies are incredibly convenient to make. Instead of scooping and baking multiple batches of individual cookies, you simply press the dough into a single pan and bake it all at once. This saves both time and effort, making it a perfect option for busy bakers or those looking to whip up a quick treat.
Additionally, bar cookies have a wonderful texture that’s soft and chewy throughout, ensuring that every bite is consistently delicious. The even baking provided by the pan means you won’t have to worry about some cookies being overcooked while others are underdone. Plus, the bar format makes it easy to frost and decorate the entire batch at once, allowing for a more even and visually appealing presentation.
Finally, sugar cookie bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or events. They can be easily cut into uniform pieces, making them ideal for serving a crowd. Whether you’re preparing treats for a party, bake sale, or family get-together, bar cookies are a fantastic option that offers simplicity, consistency, and delightful flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- EGGS
- VANILLA
- RED FOOD COLORING
- UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER
- SALT
- BAKING POWDER
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- CREAM CHEESE
- POWDERED SUGAR
Instructions for Red Velvet Bars
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy.
Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Beat in the eggs one at a time with an electric mixer, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and the desired amount of red food coloring, and mix until fully combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and half of the flour to the wet mixture. Blend until just combined, then add the remaining flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Press and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (note: it may be red due to the food coloring).
Cool and Frost: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Top with sprinkles if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the red velvet sugar cookie bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to frost them before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, you can use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you may need less of it to achieve the desired red color.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, it’s not recommended as it may affect the texture and flavor of the bars. Butter provides the best results for a soft and chewy texture.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe typically makes around 24 bars, depending on how you cut them.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for red velvet, you can use any frosting you prefer, such as buttercream or whipped frosting.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean the blade with a paper towel after each cut to ensure clean edges and beautiful bars.
For more cookie bar recipes, try:
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars
- Easy Cherry Pie Sugar Cookie Bars
- Deep Dish Fudgy Oatmeal Bars
Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
Cookie:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp red food coloring or one 1-ounce bottle
- ¼ cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 ⅓ cups flour
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 Tbsp butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes Beat in the eggs then vanilla and food coloring.
- Then add the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and half the flour. Blend into mixture. Add the remaining flour and combine until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake about 20 minutes or until the edges start to pull away and a toothpick comes out of the center clean (it may be red because of the coloring). Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and butter until well combined. Add the vanilla and slowly add the powdered sugar until blended. Frost over the cooled cookie bars. makes 2 dozen.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Homemade in the Kitchen.
