Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Irresistibly Soft Treats

February 2, 2026

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Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookie bars. These bars are topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that elevates their lusciousness to another level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these bars are easy to whip up and will surely impress anyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Bars

There are countless reasons to adore these Red Velvet Cookie Bars. First, they strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, making every bite a pleasure. Second, the vibrant red color adds a festive touch, making them ideal for events like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. Third, they are incredibly simple to make, requiring only one pan and minimal effort. These bars are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both children and adults alike. Plus, they can easily be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, making them versatile. Lastly, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making them a delightful treat at any time of day.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated, creating a vibrant red dough base.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Evenly spread and press the dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 16 bars and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For an extra twist, consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.
These bars are best served chilled for a firmer texture.

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These bars can be served in various delightful ways. For a festive touch, try drizzling them with a white chocolate sauce. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a lovely dessert experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even serve them with fresh berries to add a fruity contrast to the creamy frosting.

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How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cookie Bars

To keep your Red Velvet Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week. If you prefer warm bars, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter, which keeps the bars soft and chewy. Also, ensure that your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature for a smooth texture.

Can I make Red Velvet Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll still taste delicious the next day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cookie Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, always measure your ingredients accurately. Make sure to cool the bars completely before frosting them to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.

Variations of Red Velvet Cookie Bars You Can Try

If you want to explore different flavors, consider making gluten-free Red Velvet Cookie Bars by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also try adding chocolate chips for a fudgier texture or topping them with chopped nuts for added crunch. For those who love a fruity touch, incorporate dried cranberries or cherries into the batter.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Irresistibly Soft Treats - Red Velvet Cookie Bars - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re in the mood for something different, try our Pumpkin Patch Cookies or Pistachio Cheesecake Delight. You might also enjoy our Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup for a savory option.

For more information on the benefits of red velvet cake, you can visit Healthline.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 16 Irresistibly Soft Treats

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Author: Angela
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars combine the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy texture of sugar cookies, all topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Evenly spread and press the dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 16 bars and serve.