If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat, this Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute game changer. With its vibrant red hue and the perfect balance of sweetness from both white and regular chocolate chips, these bars bring all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic red velvet cake into a chewy, delightful cookie bar form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat, a party, or just because, these bars will quickly become your go-to for impressing friends and family without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that signature red velvet flavor and moist texture to giving the bars a rich, chocolatey twist. It’s a simple but thoughtful list that comes together beautifully.
- Butter (1 Cup, partially melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 Cup): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that keeps the bars moist.
- Sugar (1/2 Cup): Balances the sweetness and enhances browning.
- Eggs (2 Large): Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 Tbsp.): Adds warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the cocoa.
- Cocoa Powder (2 Tbsp.): Provides the subtle chocolate note essential to red velvet.
- Red Food Colouring (1 Tbsp.): Gives those cookie bars their signature vibrant red color.
- All Purpose Flour (2 and 1/4 Cups): Powers the structure, ensuring soft yet sturdy bars.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp.): Helps the bars rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
- White Chocolate Chips (1 Cup): Offer a creamy contrast and luxurious sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips (1/2 Cup): Add bursts of melty chocolate for depth.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). Greasing a 9″x9″ square baking pan ensures your cookie bars will come out easily after baking without any sticking, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Combine the partially melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar in a large bowl. Beat them together until creamy and smooth—this mixture is the flavor base, and properly creamed butter and sugar make all the difference in texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat the eggs in one at a time to the sugar and butter mixture. This gradual addition keeps the mixture smooth while creating the perfect base for the cookie bars.
Step 4: Mix in Vanilla, Cocoa, and Red Food Coloring
Add the vanilla extract for warmth, then whisk in the cocoa powder and vibrant red food coloring. Watch as your batter turns that signature red, with rich notes of cocoa threaded through every bite.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and baking powder over the wet mixture. Gently fold them in until just combined—overmixing can make your bars tough, so fold with care.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part: fold in both the white chocolate chips and chocolate chips. Their contrasting flavors and melty textures are what make these bars irresistibly special.
Step 7: Bake Your Batter
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan for uniform baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges will start to turn golden and the center will still look slightly underbaked, but that’s exactly how you want it—soft and chewy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, dust your cookie bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a smooth cream cheese glaze over the top. It adds a tangy sweetness that complements the chocolate chips perfectly and elevates the presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Their rich texture pairs beautifully with cold, creamy sides that help balance each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or stacking them between layers of soft yogurt and fresh berries to create a red velvet dessert parfait. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, your red velvet cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep their chewy texture intact and the chocolate chips delectably melty each time you reheat or snack on them.
Freezing
To enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Reheating
Warm your bars in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at low temperature for a few minutes. This revives the chewy softness and makes the chocolate chips wonderfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use a different pan size?
While a 9″x9″ pan is ideal for thickness and bake time, you can use an 8″x8″ pan for thicker bars or a 9″x13″ pan for thinner ones—but adjust baking time accordingly.
Is there an alternative to red food coloring?
Yes! You can use natural alternatives like beet juice or powdered freeze-dried raspberries, but keep in mind the color may be less vibrant.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips for all chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Swapping all for white chocolate chips changes the flavor slightly but keeps the creamy sweetness intact. Or use semisweet chocolate chips alone for a richer chocolate taste.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is key for the red velvet flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you might omit it—just know it will alter the classic taste and color.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges will be golden and firm while the center looks just set but still slightly soft and underbaked. This ensures the chewy texture without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling as excited as I am to try this delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s one of those wonderful treats that looks impressive but comes together so easily in your kitchen. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, these cookie bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!
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Red Velvet Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Cookie Bars, combining the rich flavors of cocoa and red food coloring with a delightful mix of white and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly moist with a slightly underbaked center and golden edges, these bars make a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 Cup Butter, Partially Melted (200g)
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar (130g)
- 1/2 Cup Sugar (100g)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (12g)
- 1 Tbsp Red Food Colouring
- 2 and 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour (270g)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips (180g)
- 1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (90g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9″x9″ square baking pan to ensure the cookie bars do not stick and set it aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the super soft or partially melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the dough.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps in achieving a consistent batter.
- Mix Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring to the mixture. Beat again until combined, evenly dispersing the red velvet color and chocolate flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all purpose flour and baking powder. Stir gently just until the flour is absorbed to maintain a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in both the white chocolate chips and the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The center should appear slightly underbaked while the edges begin to turn a golden color, ensuring chewy cookie bars.
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean cuts and better texture.
- If you prefer a more intense red color, increase the red food coloring slightly.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
