Red Velvet Cookie Bars: A Cozy Holiday Treat
As the chill of the season settles in and the twinkling lights begin to adorn our homes, I find myself reminiscing about the warm, inviting aromas that fill the kitchen this time of year. There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, especially when it involves rich, creamy delights like Red Velvet Cookie Bars. These bars are the epitome of comfort—soft, tender, and kissed with a beautiful ruby hue that makes every bite feel like a festive celebration. With a dreamy cream cheese frosting topping, these bars are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to cozy up with while snuggled under a blanket.
Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The classic flavors of red velvet combine with luscious white chocolate chips, creating a truly indulgent treat.
- Easy to whip up, these cookie bars are perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- They come together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze—ideal for the home cook!
- Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy night in.
- The reddish hue brings a touch of cheer to any dessert table, making these bars visually appealing.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cookie Bars
To create these delicious Red Velvet Cookie Bars, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, for topping)
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy steps to whip up your own batch of Red Velvet Cookie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from your first bowl into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cookie bars.
- Cut into squares and serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few fun ways to customize your Red Velvet Cookie Bars:
- Nutty Addition: Fold in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Zesty Infusion: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing, zesty hint that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor contrast.
- Everyday Gingerbread: Add a warm spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a holiday twist that evokes gingerbread goodness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Red Velvet Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my best kitchen secrets:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading in the pan.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of red food coloring, natural alternatives like beet juice can also give you a nice color, though the flavor may differ slightly.
- Slicing Tricks: For perfectly cut bars, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe the knife between cuts for a clean slice.
- Storage Tips: These bars will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Enjoy these delights with the following nutrition breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the cookie bars a day ahead, and frost just before serving for the best texture.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chocolate chips or different flavors of frosting as you like.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy them within a week.
- How long does it last? These bars are best enjoyed within a week, but they can also be frozen for up to two months!
A Cozy Closing Note
There’s just something about Red Velvet Cookie Bars that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. Each bite is rich with flavor, wrapped in nostalgia, and topped with a layer of creamy delight. I hope you take the time to make these bars, share them with your loved ones, and create beautiful memories this Holiday season. Save this Red Velvet Cookie Bars recipe to your holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dessert!
Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Topping
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from your first bowl into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cookie bars.
- Cut into squares and serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
