Description
Soft, fudgy, and festive red velvet cookie bars. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for a fun twist.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder (or baking soda)
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg + 1 extra yolk (optional)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ tsp vinegar (optional)
Optional: 1 cup white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles
For Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 ½ – 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
1–2 tbsp cream or milk (if needed for spreading)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 18–22 minutes until bars are set but still soft. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Optional: Beat butter and cream cheese for frosting, gradually add powdered sugar and cream, then spread over cooled bars. Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate drizzle if desired.
Slice into 16–20 bars and serve.
Use room temperature butter and eggs for the best texture.
Don’t overmix once flour is added.
For clean slices, allow bars to cool completely before cutting.
Store unfrosted bars at room temperature or frosted bars in the fridge. Both freeze well for up to 2 months.
Notes
Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for added texture and fun.
Cream cheese frosting is optional but highly recommended for a festive, indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16–20 bars