Description

These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars offer irresistible flavor with their rich red color and creamy frosting. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion that calls for a homemade treat.

Ingredients

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2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk, in addition to the full egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring, liquid or gel, feel free to use less
1/2 teaspoon vinegar, distilled or white vinegar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but not starting to melt
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, be sure to use brick style
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sift if lumpy
1/4 teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons cream , whipping cream or table cream, if needed

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar to the butter mixture. Beat until well mixed, and no lumps of butter remain.
Sift the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture if it's lumpy. Mix until there are no lumps or dry streaks left.
Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a piece of wax paper to press it down if necessary.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are pulling away from the pan.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired color.
Use brick-style cream cheese for the best frosting texture.
Ensure the bars are fully cooled before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 300
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg