Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious, vibrant red cookie bar that's impossibly soft, rich, and topped with the most heavenly cream cheese frosting you've ever tasted. These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a dessert – they're a show-stopping treat that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're looking to impress at a potluck, craving a luxurious weekend baking project, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate red food coloring and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is uniformly red.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top for uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan, approximately 1 hour at room temperature.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow frosting to set, then cut into 16 equal bars using a sharp knife.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Food Coloring Tip: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without affecting the batter's consistency.
- Frosting Consistency: If the cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Cutting Hack: For clean, perfect bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Make Ahead: These bars actually taste even better the next day, so they're perfect for preparing in advance.
- Storage: Always store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from breaking down.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
