Name: Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar; 0.5 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred) 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon white vinegar 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a dreamy mashup of soft, chewy cookie texture with the rich cocoa and buttery vanilla notes of classic red velvet. Topped with a layer of luscious cream cheese frosting, they deliver all the charm of a red velvet cake in a grab-and-go bar form. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, holiday trays, or just want a decadent weekday treat, these bars are an easy win.

The vibrant red hue and creamy frosting make them a showstopper for dessert tables. They slice cleanly, stack well, and hold up beautifully for gifting or potlucks. But the real magic? That bite: fudgy, moist, tangy, and sweet all at once. You might even forget about traditional red velvet cake once you try them.

Red velvet cookie bars are incredibly simple to make, thanks to pantry staples and one mixing bowl. They bake faster than a cake and cool in less time, too. The soft, brownie-like center combined with the tang of cream cheese frosting makes them impossible to resist. Plus, the deep red color makes them feel extra special without any extra work.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For that classic red velvet flavor, you want unsweetened natural cocoa powder. It’s more acidic and reacts better with the vinegar and baking soda combo, giving your bars that slightly tangy flavor and soft crumb. Dutch-processed cocoa will still work, but it will make the red hue darker and muted. Stick with natural cocoa for the best taste and color.

The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity. With just a handful of staple ingredients, you get a dessert that feels indulgent and celebratory.

Butter brings richness and helps create that chewy, tender texture we want in cookie bars.

Brown Sugar gives a warm sweetness and depth that complements the cocoa beautifully.

Granulated Sugar balances the moisture from brown sugar and ensures the bars don’t get too dense.

Eggs are essential for structure and that chewy bite. They also help the batter emulsify perfectly.

Vanilla Extract enhances all the flavors and gives that classic red velvet warmth.

Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder provides that slight chocolate flavor that defines red velvet.

Red Food Coloring gives these bars their signature bold hue. Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant result.

All-Purpose Flour forms the structure of the bars, keeping them thick but soft.

Baking Soda ensures a gentle rise and contributes to that soft, cake-like texture.

White Vinegar reacts with the baking soda and cocoa to bring that subtle tang we expect in red velvet.

Cream Cheese is the base of the frosting and provides the perfect tangy contrast.

Powdered Sugar sweetens the frosting and helps it set into a spreadable, creamy layer.

Butter (for frosting) softens the cream cheese flavor and adds silkiness.

Vanilla (for frosting) rounds out the sweetness and tang with warmth.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for a chewy, tender bar.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Then stir in the vinegar to activate the baking soda.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the thick batter into a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Chill for 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

These bars are best served slightly chilled, which helps the cream cheese frosting hold up while keeping the bars dense and fudgy. You can make them a day ahead and store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you plan to layer them, place parchment between the layers to prevent sticking.

This recipe feeds about 12 to 16 people, depending on how generously you cut them. For parties, go with smaller bites. For indulgent snacking, go big!

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The bittersweet coffee balances the sweet and tangy profile of the bars perfectly.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, juicy contrast to the rich bars.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Scoop it on top of a warmed bar for a red velvet sundae situation.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Bubbles and red velvet? Yes, please. Great for a celebration dessert.

Milk (Always!)

A cold glass of milk is the timeless pairing for any cookie-style treat.

Salted Nuts

Serve alongside a bowl of mixed nuts for a salty bite that plays off the sweetness.

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

Turn it into a plated dessert with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce.

Whipped Cream

A soft cloud of unsweetened whipped cream is a simple, elegant pairing.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Red Velvet Cookie Bars, you’ll probably enjoy these other dessert tray favorites:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a sticky-sweet indulgence.
Lemon Truffles Recipe for a citrusy tang that pops.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies if you’re a fan of gooey marshmallow and chocolate.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies when you’re craving cinnamon and creamy decadence.
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for a fun and festive twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use gel coloring or liquid? Did you double the frosting (no judgment)?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookie Bars are proof that you don’t need to bake a whole cake to enjoy the beauty of red velvet. With a simple base, bold color, and tangy frosting, they deliver comfort and elegance in one bite. Perfect for holidays or just because.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Bar Recipe

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

Ingredients for the Red Velvet Cookie Bars

How To Make the Red Velvet Cookie Bars