Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
There’s something irresistibly delightful about Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars that makes them a hit at any gathering. These bars capture the classic red velvet flavor and the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies, all while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress! With their vibrant color and rich cream cheese frosting, they not only taste divine but also look stunning on any dessert table.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a subtle chocolate flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. The vibrant red hue is visually appealing, making them a standout treat. The cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch, complementing the soft texture of the cookie bars. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these bars are versatile and can please a crowd of all ages. Plus, they are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing!
What’s in the Bowl
To create these scrumptious Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie bars.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a touch of chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 1 cup butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar – Sweetens the bars beautifully.
- 2 eggs – Binds the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring – Gives the bars their signature hue.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – The star of our frosting.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Adds richness to the frosting.
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavors the frosting.
Toolbox for This Recipe
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – For effortlessly creaming the butter and sugar.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The perfect size for baking the bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal and cleanup.
- Rubber spatula – Ideal for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl.
- Cooling rack – To cool the bars completely before frosting.
Stepwise Method: Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Step 10: Frost the Bars
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to customize your Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with these seasonal swaps:
- Spring: Add a pinch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Summer: Fold in some fresh raspberries before baking for a fruity burst.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin spice into the frosting for a seasonal flavor.
- Winter: Top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your baking experience goes smoothly, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the right texture.
- Measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dry bars.
- Don’t skip the cooling step before frosting; warm bars can melt the frosting.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added; this can make the bars tough.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Reader Questions
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like regular sugar. Just be sure to check the packaging for any specific baking instructions.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you’re out of red food coloring, you can use beet juice or another natural red dye, but it may slightly alter the flavor and intensity of the color.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should also look set and slightly pulled away from the pan.
Make It Tonight
Now that you’re armed with the recipe and all the tips and tricks to create the perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for a delightful baking experience. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and color that everyone will love. So whip up a batch tonight, and let the deliciousness unfold!
Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan - Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 7: Bake the Bars - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool Completely - Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting - Beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Step 10: Frost the Bars - Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Step 11: Slice and Serve - Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars!
Notes
- Make sure to use softened butter for the right texture.
- Measure your flour accurately to avoid dry bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
