Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly rich and comforting, you absolutely have to try my Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars strike the perfect balance between a soft, luscious cookie and a classic red velvet cake, all topped with that dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. I promise, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a family favorite — and honestly, I can’t blame you!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients you might already have in your pantry. I love how these come together to create that classic red velvet flavor with a delicious twist. When shopping, make sure to pick good-quality cream cheese and fresh eggs to get the best flavor and texture.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure — it gives just the right chew to the cookie bars.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that subtle cocoa depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
• Butter (softened): Key for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture — don’t skip softening it!
• Sugar: Sweetens and adds a slight crunch during baking for contrast.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor, bringing warmth and sweetness.
• Red food coloring: This is what gives red velvet its signature blush — I use gel food coloring for vibrant color without extra liquid.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the luscious frosting — make sure it’s room temperature so it whips up smooth.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting a silky, sweet finish and helps it hold its shape.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, and you’ll find that those little adjustments can make a big difference.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend and was amazed at how tender it stayed. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum to keep the bars from crumbling.
• Chocolate Chips Added: When I’m craving extra decadence, I mix in a handful of mini white or semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking. It adds a nice surprise in every bite.
• Less Sweet Frosting: I sometimes reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup if I want a less sweet but still creamy frosting, which my kids surprisingly love!
• Seasonal Spice Twist: For holidays, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm, cozy vibe that everyone appreciates.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I like to line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and then spray it with cooking spray. This little trick makes sure your bars lift out cleanly and slice beautifully without sticking or crumbling. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder — this ensures everything is evenly mixed and your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed. This step is important because it incorporates air, making the cookie bars tender. Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and that signature red food coloring until everything is well combined and your batter shines with a vibrant red hue.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. You don’t want to overwork it, or your bars might turn tough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan — I find an offset spatula or the back of a spoon works great for smoothing the surface. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your beautiful cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then add in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a silky, spreadable frosting. I like to use an offset spatula to gently spread it over the cooled cookie bars for an even layer. Once frosted, pop the bars into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes if you want a firmer texture before slicing.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra flair by sprinkling the bars with festive red and white sanding sugar or edible heart-shaped sprinkles, especially around Valentine’s Day. It adds that charming crunch and makes these bars look extra special. For a more rustic vibe, a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting is surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For festive occasions, I like serving them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these bars to a party or gifting them, try cutting them into smaller bite-size squares and arranging them on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper. Wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with a ribbon for a sweet, homemade gift. For a birthday twist, top with edible glitter or a handful of colorful sprinkles to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge — the frosting stays fresh, and the bars hold their perfect texture for up to 5 days. If you’re planning to eat them within a couple days, you can also keep them at room temperature, but refrigeration slows down the cream cheese frosting from getting too soft.

Freezing

Freezing these bars works well if you want to prep ahead or save some for later. I freeze them uncut — wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil — so they don’t dry out. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge; the texture stays beautifully moist.

Reheating

If you want to serve the bars slightly warm, I gently microwave a single serving for about 10–15 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the cream cheese frosting — or if you prefer, you can remove the frosting before warming and reapply a fresh layer afterward for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it combines comfort, elegance, and simplicity all in one pan. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, these bars never fail to delight. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as my family and I do — trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion.

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